The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) has built a remarkable legacy since 1969. They have awarded more than 68,000 certifications, and the CHST certification is a vital credential for construction safety professionals. Candidates must showcase their expertise through three years of experience, with 35% of their job duties focused on construction safety practices.
The CHST certification journey presents its share of challenges. The complete four-hour exam features 200 multiple-choice questions, and candidates need to score at least 140 to pass. The exam structure covers everything in four domains. These include Hazard and Risk Identification at 36.6%, Emergency Preparedness at 19.9%, Safety Program Development at 22.5%, and Leadership at 21%.
This piece offers a detailed study blueprint that helps you pass your CHST exam on your first attempt. Our study programs have achieved impressive results, with prepared candidates showing up to 92% pass rates.
CHST Requirements and Eligibility Criteria 2025
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) has specific requirements to get the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification. Candidates must work part-time or full-time in construction safety. At least 35% of their duties should focus on technical skills in safety, health, and environmental practices.
You need three years of experience in construction safety, health, and environmental work. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory for all candidates. The certification process starts when you submit an application on the BCSP website with a non-refundable fee of USD 140.00.
Once BCSP approves your application, you have one year to take and complete the examination. The CHST exam costs USD 300.00. It has 200 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 140 to pass. If you need extra time, you can buy a one-time eligibility extension for USD 100.00 that gives you another year.
BCSP maintains high professional standards. Applicants must report any criminal convictions or professional license suspensions, revocations, or probations. These reports go through a confidential review separate from other requirements.
After getting certified, CHSTs must maintain their credentials by:
- Paying annual renewal fees
- Getting 20 recertification points every five years
- Keeping up with industry practices and changes
You can reschedule or cancel your exam without losing the fee if you give 24 hours’ notice. But if you don’t provide enough notice or miss the exam, you’ll need to pay USD 300.00 again.
The CHST certification is a recognized qualifier for safety positions in states of all sizes, especially in Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas. This certification shows your commitment to preventing construction-related illnesses and injuries while proving your ability to handle vital health and safety tasks.
Strategic CHST Study Plan Development
You need a well-laid-out approach and proven study materials to prepare for the CHST exam. Successful CHST candidates point to two main study tools: the SPAN Self Workbooks and the CHST Exam Secrets Study Guide.
The SPAN Self Workbooks cost $275.00 and give you hundreds of practice questions with detailed explanations. The CHST Exam Secrets Study Guide costs $43.99 and makes a great supplementary resource.
Students who prefer digital learning can access the BCSP examCORE platform. This six-month program is tailored for CHST exam prep and includes:
- Over 1,000 practice questions with answers
- Pre and post-assessment tools
- 20+ hours of video training across 40 subject areas
- Progress tracking capabilities
Mometrix CHST’s online prep course packs a complete study package with:
- 60+ review lessons
- 600 practice questions
- 300+ digital flashcards
A smart way to study involves making flashcards from SPAN workbooks. Start by testing your knowledge with practice questions. Then create flashcards that target concepts you struggle with.
ASSP’s certification preparation course comes loaded with:
- Study outlines
- Practice problems with workbooks
- Suggested study aids
- A 200-question sample exam
Your best results will come from online practice platforms that spot your weak areas through different quiz types:
- Question of the Day
- Quick 10 Quiz
- Missed Questions Quiz
- Weakest Subject Quiz
Most successful candidates mix and match their study resources. A newer study shows 40% of people who passed used both SPAN Self Workbooks and CHST Exam Secrets Study Guide. Some added OSHA 1926 regulations or joined SPAN workshops to their study plan.
Note that regular, focused study sessions before your exam date are key. Take practice tests often and tweak your study plan based on your results.
Domain-Specific CHST Exam Preparation
The CHST exam tests your knowledge across four core domains through 200 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have four hours to complete the test.
Hazard and Risk Identification and Control makes up 36.6% of the exam. This section reviews your knowledge of:
- GHS classification and labeling
- Testing and monitoring equipment
- Fall protection systems
- Electrical hazards
- Mechanized equipment safety
- Material handling protocols
Emergency Preparedness and Incident Investigation takes 19.9% of the exam. This part tests your expertise in:
- Environmental hazard response plans
- Fire protection methods
- Emergency action plans
- Universal precautions
- First aid requirements
Safety Program Development and Implementation represents 22.5% of the exam. This domain gets into your proficiency with:
- Site-specific safety plans
- Risk management concepts
- Health and safety standards
- Post-incident reporting
- Worksite inspections
Leadership, Communication, and Training makes up the final 21%. The key areas cover:
- BCSP Code of Ethics
- Communication strategies
- Training delivery methods
- Behavior motivation techniques
- Information confidentiality
The exam includes both Knowledge and Skills questions. Knowledge questions test your theoretical understanding, while Skills questions focus on practical abilities. To name just one example, see the Hazard Identification domain where you must show skills in:
- Developing hazard safety analyzes
- Verifying corrective action effectiveness
- Prioritizing hazards based on risk levels
- Selecting appropriate measuring instruments
- Addressing evolving construction site conditions
The exam focuses on practical scenarios that test your ability to apply theory to real-life situations. Construction safety standards, regulations, and best practices are the foundations for success in all domains.
Conclusion
You need good preparation in all four domains and reliable study materials to pass the CHST exam. The certification process tests your theoretical knowledge and practical skills through 200 multiple-choice questions.
The core domains are crucial to passing the exam: Hazard and Risk Identification (36.6%), Emergency Preparedness (19.9%), Safety Program Development (22.5%), and Leadership (21%). Using study resources like SPAN Self Workbooks, CHST Exam Secrets Study Guide, and digital platforms will build your confidence and competency.
The CHST certification goes beyond just passing an exam. You’ll need to keep learning and earn recertification points to stay current with industry practices. CHST-certified professionals deepen their commitment to construction safety and advance their careers in states like Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
This expert-verified study blueprint and dedicated preparation will help you succeed on your first CHST exam attempt. Note that your path to certification will improve your expertise in preventing construction-related illnesses and injuries. You’ll become a valuable asset to any construction safety team.
FAQs
To obtain CHST certification, candidates must have three years of construction safety experience, with at least 35% of job duties focused on safety practices. A high school diploma or GED is required, and applicants must pass a 200-question exam with a minimum score of 140.
The CHST exam is a four-hour test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. It covers four main domains: Hazard and Risk Identification (36.6%), Emergency Preparedness (19.9%), Safety Program Development (22.5%), and Leadership (21%).
Successful candidates often use a combination of resources, including SPAN Self Workbooks, CHST Exam Secrets Study Guide, and digital platforms like BCSP examCORE. Creating flashcards, utilizing practice questions, and participating in online quizzes are also effective study strategies.
CHST-certified professionals must renew their certification annually by paying a fee. Additionally, they need to earn 20 recertification points every five years and stay current with industry practices and changes to maintain their credentials.
The CHST certification is recognized as a qualifier for safety positions in several states, particularly in Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas. It demonstrates a professional’s competency in performing crucial health and safety activities in the construction industry.
