The CHST exam outline: four domains and their weights

What the domains mean in practice

• Hazard and risk identification and control (36.6%): the common construction hazards and their controls, from falls and excavations to health exposures, plus how to apply a hierarchy of controls and build a job hazard analysis.
• Safety program development, implementation and sustainment (22.5%): inspections, competent persons, planning, measuring safety performance and keeping a program current.
• Leadership, communication and training (21%): training workers, running short crew talks, and leading so people speak up.
• Emergency preparedness, incident investigation and response (19.9%): emergency action plans, fire protection, first aid, incident command and finding root causes.

How to prepare

• Take the free check and compare each domain's score with its weight.
• Cite the OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926) by section when you study. We cite sections by number only and never reproduce standard text. Use your own copy.
• Practice under the clock: the exam allows 4 hours.
• Turn the weights into weeks with the CHST study plan builder, which splits your exam date and weekly hours across the four domains. Drill the terms, subparts and formulas behind each domain with the free CHST flashcards.

The exam in brief

• Time: 4 hours, computer-based at a Pearson test center.
• Cost: $300 at BCSP's published price, which can change without advance notice.
• Retakes: at least six weeks after the last attempt.

FAQ

What is on the CHST exam?

Four blueprint domains. Hazard and risk identification and control is the largest at 36.6%, then safety program development, implementation and sustainment at 22.5%, leadership, communication and training at 21%, and emergency preparedness, incident investigation and response at 19.9%. Hazards and their controls alone carry more than a third of the exam, so start there.

How long is the CHST exam, and how many questions are on it?

You get 4 hours. BCSP's pages give no question count, so we do not state one, and BCSP says some items are unscored developmental items you cannot pick out. Pace yourself by time: the CHST time management post sets checkpoints by the hour.

What are the requirements to take the CHST exam?

BCSP asks for three years of experience in construction safety, where at least 35% of your duties needed technical safety, health and environmental skill. Its credentials sheet lists no minimum education. The application fee is $140. The CHST certification requirements and steps show how to check your own record against the rule and apply.

How do I schedule the CHST exam, and where do I take it?

Apply to BCSP first. Once it approves your application, you have one year to schedule and pass, and you book a seat at a Pearson test center. If you are within 60 days of the deadline, BCSP lists a one-time $100 extension. The cost and scheduling guide has every fee.

How do I prepare for the CHST exam?

Take the free check and compare each domain's score with its weight, then give your weeks to the heavy domains where you lost points. Read 29 CFR 1926 by section in your own copy. When you are close, sit the free CHST mini-mock: 25 questions on a 30-minute clock, with your score by topic.

What score do I need to pass the CHST exam?

BCSP reports a pass or a fail against a minimum passing score that can change without notice, so we do not state a number. Your result shows on screen when you submit. If you do not pass, you can retake no sooner than six weeks later, and you should plan for a new exam fee. The results and retakes guide covers what to do between attempts.

Start with the free 10-question check

See which of the four domains to work on first. Take the free 10-question check. It is weighted to the blueprint, needs no signup, and explains every answer.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by BCSP.

Sources

Show the list

• CHST Examination Blueprint (CHST5, V.2022.04.12), Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
• BCSP credentials at a glance, Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
• Construction Health and Safety Technician, Board of Certified Safety Professionals.