So you want to become a Certified Hazardous Materials Specialist? Great choice. The CHST certification opens up opportunities for career growth and allows you to showcase your expertise. But before you dive into studying for the exam, there are a few things you should know to set yourself up for success.
First, understand that this certification requires both experience and education. You’ll need a minimum number of years of related work experience, as well as a qualifying degree or sufficient training. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before registering for the exam.
Second, prepare to study. The CHST exam covers a broad range of topics related to hazardous materials management, emergency response, and safety. While your on-the-job experience will be invaluable, you’ll still need to review regulations, standards, and best practices to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of all subject areas.
Finally, start planning how you’ll maintain your certification now. Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to meet ongoing requirements to keep your CHST current and in good standing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to earn and maintain your CHST certification. Let’s get started!
What Is a CHST Certification?
A Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification shows you have the knowledge and skills to implement health and safety programs in a workplace. To become CHST certified, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam.
The CHST exam covers topics like hazard identification, risk assessment, developing health and safety programs, training employees, investigating incidents, and maintaining compliance with OSHA standards. Passing the CHST exam proves you have a solid foundation in occupational health and safety practices.
CHST certification can benefit both individuals and organizations. As a CHST, you’ll have a competitive advantage in the job market and potentially higher pay. For companies, having CHSTs on staff demonstrates a commitment to health and safety, which can improve employee retention, reduce costs from accidents and injuries, and avoid regulatory fines.
To be eligible for CHST certification, you need either a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field plus at least 4 years of related work experience, or a high school diploma plus at least 5 years of related work experience. You must also complete an application, pay an exam fee, and pass the CHST exam.
The CHST exam has 150 multiple-choice questions. You have 3.5 hours to complete it. To pass, you need a score of at least 70%. CHST certification is valid for 5 years, after which you need to recertify by passing another exam or through continuing education credits.
Maintaining your CHST certification keeps your health and safety knowledge and skills up to date. For employers and employees alike, CHST certification is a sign that you have the necessary expertise to implement effective safety programs and ensure a safe work environment.
CHST Certification Requirements
To become CHST certified, you’ll need to meet several requirements. First, you must have the necessary work experience, typically in occupational health and safety. You’ll need a minimum of 3-5 years of experience, depending on your level of education.
Education
For the CHST, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in occupational health and safety, environmental health, or a closely related field like industrial hygiene. Degrees in engineering, chemistry, biology, or physical sciences may also qualify if you have the right work experience.
Exam
You must pass the CHST certification exam which covers core areas like hazard identification and control, regulatory compliance, training, and program management. The 3-hour exam has 200 multiple-choice questions. You can take an exam prep course to study and practice.
Application
Submit an application with the BCSP (Board of Certified Safety Professionals). You’ll need official transcripts to verify your degree, references to confirm your work experience, and a signed Code of Ethics. The application fee is $260 for members or $365 for non-members.
Maintaining Certification
To keep your CHST current, you must pay an annual renewal fee of $135, complete 30 hours of continuing education over 5 years, and comply with the BCSP Code of Ethics. Renewing shows your commitment to ongoing learning and high professional standards in occupational health and safety.
Earning the CHST certification is challenging but rewarding. It can open up career opportunities and prove your dedication to creating safe and healthy work environments. With the right experience, education, exam prep, and maintaining certification, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Certified Health and Safety Technician.
How to Prepare for the CHST Exam
To prepare for the CHST exam, here are some key steps to take:
Study the exam blueprint
The CHST exam blueprint outlines the content areas and topics that will be covered on the exam. Focus your studying on the areas that make up the largest percentage of the exam. The CHST exam covers:
- Safety Management Systems
- Risk Management
- Training and Education
- Program Management
- Compliance Management
Make sure you understand the concepts, standards, and best practices related to each area.
Review the reference materials
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals provides a list of suggested reference materials to study for the CHST exam. These include ANSI/ASSE standards, OSHA regulations, and other safety texts. Study these materials thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with key terms, principles, and procedures.
Take practice exams
One of the best ways to prepare for the CHST exam is to take practice tests. Practice tests can help you identify knowledge gaps, familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the actual exam questions, and help build up your endurance for the 3.5-hour test. Look for full-length CHST practice tests as well as topic-focused quizzes.
Focus on technical knowledge
While the CHST exam does test for some safety management concepts and principles, it primarily focuses on technical knowledge. Be able to identify workplace hazards, evaluate risks, recommend appropriate controls, understand safety equipment, and apply safety standards. Technical knowledge, especially related to occupational health and safety regulations, accounts for a significant portion of the CHST exam.
Consider a study course
For some, a formal study course is helpful for preparing for the CHST exam. Study courses provide a structured path to follow and guidance from an instructor. They cover all areas of the exam in-depth and often provide useful study resources and practice materials. Look for courses that teach not just theory but also practical application of concepts.
With diligent preparation, you can feel ready to take the CHST exam with confidence. Focusing your studying, utilizing the right resources, and taking practice tests are keys to success. Best of luck!
Maintaining Your CHST Certification
To maintain your CHST certification, you must renew it every 5 years. This involves paying a renewal fee and providing proof of continuing education.
Continuing Education
To renew your CHST, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education over the 5-year certification period. These hours must be in occupational safety and health topics relevant to the CHST exam content outline. Acceptable continuing education includes:
- Safety and health courses (online or in-person)
- College or university courses in related fields like occupational health, industrial hygiene, safety management, etc.
- Teaching safety and health courses
- Authoring articles, papers or books on safety and health topics
You’ll need to maintain records of your continuing education in case of an audit. Be sure to hold onto completion certificates, transcripts, or other documentation of hours completed.
Recertification Application
About 6 months before your certification expires, you’ll receive a recertification packet from the BCSP. This will contain instructions for renewing your CHST. You’ll need to:
- Complete and return the recertification application with payment of the renewal fee
- Provide documentation of your 20 hours of continuing education
- Sign a statement reaffirming your commitment to the CHST Code of Ethics
Once BCSP reviews and approves your renewal application, your CHST certification will be renewed for another 5-year period. Failure to meet the renewal requirements will result in the expiration of your certification.
Maintaining an active CHST certification demonstrates your ongoing competence and commitment to the field of occupational safety and health. By continuing your education and renewing your certification on time, you’ll help ensure many more years of success as a certified safety professional.
Is CHST Certification Worth It?
Getting certified as a Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST) shows your commitment to health and safety, and can open up career opportunities. But is the investment in time and money worth it? Here are some factors to consider:
Increased Job Prospects
CHST certification can make you a more attractive job candidate. Many employers view certified candidates as more knowledgeable and dedicated. Certification may allow you access to higher pay and career advancement. According to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals’ 2018 Salary Survey, the median salary for a CHST is over $30,000 higher than for a non-certified health and safety professional.
Demonstrated Competence
Becoming CHST certified proves you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job. It shows you are up-to-date with health and safety standards and committed to continuous learning and improvement. Colleagues, managers, and clients will see you as a leader in health and safety practices.
Professional Development
Preparing for the CHST exam encourages you to strengthen your knowledge in areas like hazard identification, accident investigation, and compliance with OSHA standards. Even after becoming certified, you must maintain your certification through continual learning and professional development activities. This helps ensure you stay up-to-date with best practices in workplace health and safety.
Sense of Accomplishment
Earning the CHST certification is a challenging process that requires dedication and hard work. Becoming certified provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation. You can feel confident in your abilities as a health and safety professional.
While the CHST certification does require an investment of time, money, and effort, for many it can be well worth it. If you’re looking to advance your career, become an expert in your field, and make a positive impact on workplace health and safety, CHST certification is an excellent step to take.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the key things you should know about pursuing CHST certification. It will require an investment of your time and money, but if safety and health are your passion, it can be a very rewarding process. Think of it as an opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and skills, open up your career opportunities, and gain valuable credentials in an important field. You have so much to offer as an occupational safety and health professional. Achieving the CHST certification will help ensure you have the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in workplaces and communities. If you go into the process with the right mindset, stay determined, and don’t get discouraged easily, you’ve got this! Before you know it, you’ll have CHST after your name and a whole new world of possibilities in front of you.
