This overview includes information to help you prepare for the CHST® exam. You’ll find details about eligibility, exam structure, content areas, registration, test day, scoring, and study resources.
The Construction Health and Safety Technician, or CHST, is a certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It targets individuals working in the field of construction safety, health, and environment.
CHST certification can help demonstrate knowledge of construction safety practices, hazard control, emergency response, incident investigation, safety programs, leadership, communication, and training.
Online CHST Prep Course
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CHST Exam Overview
The CHST exam is a computer-based exam for construction safety professionals. It contains 200 multiple-choice questions and has a 4-hour time limit.
The exam measures knowledge and skills related to identifying hazards, controlling risk, preparing for emergencies, investigating incidents, supporting safety programs, communicating with workers, and providing safety training.
The exam is divided into four major domains:
- Hazard and Risk Identification and Control: 36.6% of the exam
- Emergency Preparedness, Incident Investigation, and Response: 19.9% of the exam
- Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment: 22.5% of the exam
- Leadership, Communication, and Training: 21% of the exam
CHST Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the CHST exam, candidates must have at least three years of experience in construction safety, health, and environmental work.
At least 35% of the candidate’s job duties must involve technical skills and knowledge in safety, health, and the environment.
BCSP also requires applicants to disclose certain criminal convictions or actions against a professional license or credential. BCSP reviews this information as part of the application process.
CHST Registration
To apply for the CHST exam, create a profile through BCSP and complete the CHST application. After your application is reviewed and approved, you can purchase and schedule your exam.
Once approved, candidates generally have one year to take and pass the exam before the eligibility period expires.
The CHST exam is administered through Pearson VUE testing centers. After purchasing the exam, you can schedule your appointment through your BCSP profile.
CHST Exam Cost
BCSP fees are subject to change, so candidates should check the current fee schedule before applying.
Common fees may include:
- Application fee
- Exam fee
- Application and exam bundle options
- Exam bundle options with an additional attempt
- Eligibility extension fee, if needed
- Annual renewal fee after certification
Check the current BCSP fee schedule before submitting your application or purchasing an exam authorization.
What Is on the CHST Exam?
The CHST exam covers construction safety knowledge and applied skills across four content domains.
Hazard and Risk Identification and Control
This domain focuses on recognizing hazards and applying controls to reduce risk on construction worksites.
Topics may include:
- Hot work hazards and controls
- Electrical hazards
- Excavation hazards
- Working at heights
- Fall protection, fall arrest, and restraint equipment
- Confined spaces
- Struck-by hazards
- Mechanized equipment
- Hoisting and rigging
- Crane operations
- Material handling and storage
- Housekeeping
- Hand and power tools
- Asbestos, lead, silica, chemical, noise, and radiation exposure
- Extreme climate hazards
- GHS hazard communication
- Personal protective equipment
- Basic testing and monitoring equipment
- Concrete work hazards
Emergency Preparedness, Incident Investigation, and Response
This domain focuses on preparing for emergencies, responding to incidents, and supporting post-incident procedures.
Topics may include:
- Fire protection and prevention
- Emergency action plans
- Environmental contamination response plans
- Incident command systems
- Crisis management
- Emergency response equipment
- First aid and medical response needs
- Universal precautions
- Emergency notifications
- Emergency response exercises
Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment
This domain focuses on supporting safety programs, applying standards, inspecting worksites, and using safety data effectively.
Topics may include:
- Health, safety, and environmental standards
- Site-specific safety plans
- Worksite inspections and audits
- Regulatory authority and responsibilities
- Proper equipment use
- Manufacturer instructions and recommendations
- Basic risk management concepts
- Data gathering
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Incident and accident causation
- Post-incident reporting and follow-up
Leadership, Communication, and Training
This domain focuses on training, communication, leadership, worker motivation, and risk reduction.
Topics may include:
- Training delivery methods
- Instructional materials
- Human behavior and motivation
- Communication strategies
- Consulting with equipment manufacturers or subject matter experts
- Information confidentiality
- Risk management leadership
- Site-specific safety training
- Document management
- Recognizing at-risk conditions and behaviors
- Total worker health
- Risk reduction activities
What to Expect on Test Day
The CHST exam is delivered by computer at Pearson VUE testing centers. You should arrive early so you have time to complete check-in procedures before the exam begins.
Bring valid identification that matches the name on your exam registration. Your testing confirmation should explain the exact identification requirements and testing center rules.
Personal items are generally not allowed in the testing room. Follow all instructions from the testing center staff, including rules for storing personal belongings.
BCSP allows only approved calculator models, so review the current calculator policy before test day if you plan to bring a calculator.
CHST Exam Scores
You will receive official results after completing the exam. Your score report may include your pass/fail status and performance information by domain.
BCSP uses standard-setting methods to determine passing scores. The current passing score may change, so check BCSP’s current information before test day.
You do not need to pass each individual domain separately. As long as your total score meets the required passing score, you pass the exam.
Retaking the CHST Exam
If you do not pass, you may schedule another attempt according to BCSP’s retake policy. BCSP requires candidates to wait at least six weeks between exam attempts.
Use your score report to identify weaker domains before scheduling another attempt. Focus your review on the content areas where you lost the most points.
Maintaining CHST Certification
After earning the CHST credential, certificants must maintain certification by paying the annual renewal fee and meeting recertification requirements.
BCSP recertification requirements are based on a five-year cycle. Check the current BCSP requirements so you know how many points are needed and which activities qualify.
How Can I Prepare for the CHST Exam?
The first step is to analyze the CHST exam blueprint. The blueprint provides information about the four domains that are covered in the CHST exam, as well as the proportion of each of the domains in the exam.
Next, you should study the major construction safety concepts, including hazard recognition, hierarchy of controls, emergency planning, incident investigation, safety management systems, OSHA requirements, worksite inspection, training and communication.
Practice questions are useful because they help you get used to the way exam topics are asked. After each practice session, review missed questions carefully so you understand both the correct answer and the reason the other choices are wrong.
CHST Study Resources
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