CHST Exam 2026

The CHST safety certification is designed for individuals who demonstrate competency in health and safety activities devoted to the prevention of construction illnesses and injuries. Passing the CHST exam requires thorough preparation using quality CHST exam prep materials.

• Topics: Time management strategies are essential.
• Questions: 200 items total

1. Gain Experience - Acquire 3 years of construction experience with at least 35% safety duties.
2. Submit Application - Apply via BCSP website and pay the $140 fee.
3. Enroll in Training - Consider CHST training courses or CHST certification online programs to study.
4. Schedule Exam - Once approved, schedule your CHST exam with Pearson VUE.
5. Study - Use our CHST practice exam and study guides to prepare.
6. Take the Test - Complete the 200-question computer-based exam.
7. Maintain Certification - Pay annual fees and earn recertification points.

Expect to invest between $650 and $1,200 total for your CHST certification, depending on the CHST exam prep materials you choose. This investment pays off quickly with higher salary potential.

Ready to Pass the CHST?

Start your journey to becoming a Construction Health and Safety Technician today. Take our free CHST practice test and get certified.

Keep your BCSP CHST credential active by earning 20 recertification points every 5 years through continuing education and professional practice.

Related Construction & Safety Practice Tests

If you are preparing for a career in construction & safety, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

Prepare for the NEBOSH - National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health IGC — the NEBOSH International General Certificate in occupational health and safety management.

Prepare for the IOSH - Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Managing Safely — the IOSH Managing Safely certification for managers and supervisors responsible for workplace safety.

Prepare for the CITB - Construction Industry Training Board — the UK Construction Industry Training Board health and safety test required for CSCS cards.

Prepare for the CSCS - Construction Skills Certification Scheme — the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card test verifying health and safety knowledge on UK sites.

Prepare for the Certified Safety Professional Exam — the Certified Safety Professional exam for advanced occupational safety and health practitioners.

What Is the CHST Certification?

The CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician) is a professional credential administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) for individuals working in construction safety roles. Earning the CHST demonstrates competency in hazard recognition, safety program implementation, and regulatory compliance specific to construction environments. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements including work experience in construction safety and pass a 200-question multiple-choice examination covering seven major domains.

CHST Exam Structure and Content Domains

The CHST exam allocates questions across domains including program management, worksite auditing, training, and hazard identification, with OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926) forming the regulatory backbone of the test. Candidates have 5.5 hours to complete the computer-based exam at Pearson VUE testing centers, and a scaled score of 200 out of a possible 250-350 range is required to pass.

What Is the CHST Certification?

The Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST) is a professional credential administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It is designed for practitioners who work in health and safety operations, including hazard recognition, safety program implementation, and regulatory compliance at the field level. Unlike the CSP, which targets management-level safety professionals, the CHST focuses on the technical and hands-on aspects of workplace safety. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements before sitting for the exam, which covers four primary domains: hazard recognition, hazard control, safety program management, and emergency preparedness. The CHST designation signals to employers that a technician has demonstrated verified competency in occupational safety practices aligned with OSHA standards and ANSI guidelines.

CHST Exam Structure and Passing Requirements

The CHST exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, of which 175 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. Candidates are given 5.5 hours to complete the exam. The four tested domains are weighted as follows: Program Management (30%), Hazard Identification and Control (30%), Emergency Preparedness and Fire Prevention (20%), and Safety Training and Education (20%). The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States. A scaled passing score is determined through a modified Angoff method, meaning the cut score reflects the minimum competency level established by subject matter experts rather than a fixed percentage. Candidates who do not pass may retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period. Maintaining the CHST requires earning 20 recertification points within a five-year cycle, which can be fulfilled through continuing education, professional development activities, or retaking the exam.

Career Impact of Earning the CHST

Holding the CHST credential directly affects hiring competitiveness and earning potential in the safety field. According to BCSP survey data, certified safety technicians report higher median salaries than their non-certified counterparts, with many CHST holders working in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and government sectors. Federal contractors and companies operating under OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) frequently list the CHST as a preferred or required qualification in job postings. The credential also serves as a stepping stone toward advanced certifications such as the ASP and CSP, since BCSP allows CHST holders to apply relevant experience toward those higher-level credentials. For safety technicians looking to move beyond entry-level field roles into supervisory or program coordination positions, the CHST provides documented proof of technical proficiency that hiring managers recognize across industries.