CRST Practice Test

The Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) credential is awarded by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals to people doing occupational health and safety work. This page gives you free practice sets for each exam topic, worked explanations, a study plan, and the main exam facts: format, fees, scoring, windows and retakes.

CRST Exam at a Glance

What changed for CRST in 2026

• Oct 20, 2026: Testing window changed to March 8–19, 2027 and August 23–September 3, 2027 (previously March 8–19 and August 23–September 3, 2027).^[7]
• Oct 20, 2026: Registration deadline changed to November 30, 2026 (March 2027 window); May 3, 2027 (August 2027 window) (previously Applications due November 30, 2026, or May 3, 2027).^[7]
• Oct 20, 2026: Exam fee changed to CAD $175 per exam attempt plus tax (CAD $525 application fee) (previously CAD $175 per examination attempt, plus tax).^[2]
• Oct 20, 2026: Retake fee changed to CAD $175 per attempt plus tax (previously CAD $175 per retake, plus GST/HST).^[4]
• Oct 20, 2026: Number of questions changed to 190–210 multiple-choice questions (previously 190–210 operational multiple-choice questions).^[1]
• Oct 20, 2026: Passing score changed to Scaled score of 290 (scale 100–450) (previously 290 scaled score; scale 100–450).^[3]
• Oct 20, 2026: Score release changed to Up to 6–8 weeks after the window closes (previously Within 6–8 weeks after the testing window closes).^[5]
• Oct 20, 2026: Renewal changed to CAD $300 per year plus GST/HST, due February 28 (previously CAD $300 annually, plus GST/HST; due February 28).^[2]
• Oct 20, 2026: Delivery changed to Computer-based at Pearson VUE centres; remote/client proctoring if 400+ km away (previously Computer-based at Pearson VUE centres; remote alternatives by approval).^[5]
• Oct 20, 2026: Eligibility changed to Pathways A, B or C (education plus 12 months at ≥35% OHS duties, or an approved OHS diploma) (previously Three education and experience pathways; BCRSP approval required).^[6]

What the CRST is and how it works

According to Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, “190 to 210 operational multiple-choice questions. Three and a half (3.5) hours will be allocated for the completion of the examination.”^[1]

The CRST is a certification for technician-level occupational health and safety practitioners in Canada. It is run by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP). You apply first, and if you are approved you schedule an exam attempt.

Eligibility: there are Pathways A, B and C. They combine education with 12 months of work at 35% or more OHS duties, or an approved OHS diploma. Check the BCRSP application page for the exact wording of each pathway.

Format: the exam is computer-based at Pearson VUE centres, with 190 to 210 multiple-choice questions and 3.5 hours to finish. If you live more than 400 km from a testing centre, you can ask for remote or other alternative proctoring.

Scoring: the passing score is a scaled 290 on a scale of 100 to 450. Results can take up to 6-8 weeks after the window closes.

Fees: the application fee is CAD $525. Each exam attempt costs CAD $175 plus tax. Certificants pay CAD $300 per year plus GST/HST to renew, due February 28.

Windows and retakes: the next windows are March 8-19, 2027 and August 23-September 3, 2027. The registration deadlines are November 30, 2026 and May 3, 2027. If you fail, you may retake the exam within 12 months of the first failure, in the prescribed windows. Fees and dates can change, so confirm them with BCRSP before you register.

CRST content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official CRST content outline published by Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through CRST questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: According to the Hierarchy of Controls, which of the following actions is considered the most effective?

1. Implementing a mandatory policy for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
2. Physically removing the hazard from the process.
3. Training workers on safe work procedures.
4. Installing guardrails around the hazard.

Answer: B. Physically removing the hazard from the process.

Explanation:

The correct answer is removing the hazard from the process. That is elimination, the top level of the hierarchy of controls, because once the hazard is gone nobody can be exposed to it.

A mandatory PPE policy is wrong because PPE sits near the bottom: it leaves the hazard in place and relies on every worker using the equipment correctly every time. Training on safe work procedures is an administrative control and depends on people's behaviour. Guardrails are an engineering control, which is stronger than PPE or training, but they still leave the hazard present and only separate people from it.

Rule to remember: the further a control is from the worker's behaviour, and the closer it is to removing the hazard itself, the more effective it is. Work down the list from elimination to substitution, engineering, administrative controls and then PPE.

Example 2

Question: A manufacturing plant identifies that a solvent used for cleaning machine parts is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that poses a significant inhalation hazard. According to the hierarchy of controls, what is the MOST appropriate initial action to consider?

1. Requiring all workers in the area to wear respirators.
2. Installing a new ventilation system to capture the fumes.
3. Implementing a job rotation schedule to limit exposure time.
4. Researching and testing a non-toxic, water-based cleaning agent.

Answer: D. Researching and testing a non-toxic, water-based cleaning agent.

Explanation:

The correct answer is researching and testing a water-based cleaning agent. That is substitution: replacing the hazardous solvent with a safer material, so the inhalation hazard is reduced at its source.

Respirators are PPE, the weakest option, and they depend on fit, maintenance and consistent use. A new ventilation system is an engineering control. It is a good control and may be needed if the solvent cannot be replaced, but it captures the hazard instead of removing it. Job rotation is an administrative control. It only spreads exposure across more people and does not reduce the hazard.

Rule to remember: when a question asks for the most appropriate initial action, start at the top of the hierarchy. Ask whether the hazard can be eliminated, then whether it can be substituted, before you look at controls lower down.

Example 3

Question: Which of the following is a core principle of andragogy (adult learning theory)?

1. Adults learn best through passive listening and rote memorization.
2. Adults are primarily motivated by external rewards and punishments.
3. Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.
4. Adult learning is independent of their past experiences.

Answer: C. Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.

Explanation:

The correct answer is that adults need to be involved in planning and evaluating their instruction. Andragogy treats adult learners as self-directed people who want to understand why they are learning something and how it applies to their work.

Passive listening and rote memorization is wrong because adults learn better through active, relevant practice. External rewards and punishments is wrong because adults are mostly driven by internal motives such as job relevance and personal growth. Saying that learning is independent of past experience is wrong because andragogy treats prior experience as a main resource for new learning.

Rule to remember: when you design safety training for adults, build in participation, use real workplace examples, and connect the content to tasks learners already do.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the BCRSP exam blueprint and note the official content areas. Then take a short practice set from each area to see where you are weakest. Do not worry about the score at this stage. The goal is to find gaps.

Next, work through your weakest sets one at a time. For every question you miss, read the explanation and write down the rule behind it in your own words, such as the order of the hierarchy of controls or whose duty applies in a given situation. Then go back to the official BCRSP material and your own legislation notes for that topic.

Law questions deserve extra care, because requirements differ between Canadian jurisdictions. Use the legislation set to practise the general principles, then check the rules that apply where you work.

As test day gets closer, switch from topic sets to the mixed practice test. Sit it in a single block with a timer, in the same computer-based format as the real exam, and keep to the 3.5-hour limit. Afterwards, review every wrong answer and every guess. Repeat the weak topics, then rest before your scheduled attempt. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to build understanding, not to memorize answers.

Sources & last verified

1. Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — number of questions, other (official source). “190 to 210 operational multiple-choice questions. Three and a half (3.5) hours will be allocated for the completion of the examination.” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
2. Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — exam fee, renewal (official source). “If approved by the BCRSP as eligible to write a certification examination, for each examination attempt, a fee of $175.00 is paid upon examination scheduling…” Verified Oct 20, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
3. Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — passing score (official source). “The passing score was set to 290 for each examination on a scale ranging from a minimum of 100 to a maximum of 450.” Verified Oct 20, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
4. pearsonvue.com — retake fee (official source). “CRST Examination - $175 plus any applicable tax by Province” Verified Oct 20, 2026 · source checked Oct 20, 2026.
5. Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — retake policy, delivery, score release (official source). “Candidates who fail the first writing of the examination are permitted up to two supplementary writings over the next 12 months (within the prescribed windows).” Verified Oct 20, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
6. Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — eligibility (official source). “Pathway A: Formal Education Requirement: Have successfully completed a one-year OHS certificate program from a recognized educational institution. Technical Practice: Have had at least twelve…” Verified Oct 20, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
7. Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — registration deadline, testing window (official source). “CRST Examination November 30, 2026 January 4, 2027 March 8-19, 2027” Verified Oct 20, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.