CHST Certification
Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
Contents
History
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is an independent, not for profit certifying agency that was founded based on recommendations from an American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) study of the skills, experience and job roles of health and safety professionals. The initial certification board was formed and by 1969, certification standards were developed and the board became an independent, nonprofit entity. Participation of a variety of sponsoring organizations assures that the diverse interests of industries that employ health and safety professionals are represented in standards-setting and certification testing processes.[1] Construction safety is a growing field. Since it was first recognized as a unique professional specialty, its ranks have grown to the point where it is the largest practice specialty within the membership organization of the American Society of Safety Engineers.[2] The CHST certification exam was first given in 1992 to recognize the importance of specialized experience and skills in the field.[3] As of 2012, there were 2600 actively certified CHSTs.[4]
Function of the Test
The CHST exam is used to assess the knowledge and skills needed by construction industry personnel who work in a health and safety capacity to prevent illness and injury on the job site. Certified individuals may work for general contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, or construction safety consultants. [5] The CHST can increase an individual’s earning potential. According to the latest salary survey data, CHST salaries average over $83,000 per year.[6] To be eligible for the CHST exam, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, along with 3 or more years’ work experience in the construction industry in which health, safety and/or environmental work constituted a minimum of 35% of the candidate’s job.[7]
Test Administration
The cost to take the CHST exam is $440, which includes a non-refundable $140 application processing fee.[8] Fee waivers are available for US military veterans, federal government employees, and faculty of accredited colleges and universities who teach at least one health and safety course.[9] Candidates schedule their exam date directly with any of hundreds of Pearson VUE testing centers across the United States and Canada. Exams are available during normal business days throughout the year.[10] Eligible candidates must schedule their exam before their eligibility end date given to them by BCSP. If they wish to take their exam after the end of their eligibility period, they must reapply with the full testing fee. This can be avoided by applying for a one-year extension 60 or more days prior to the eligibility end date provided in the examination authorization letter.[11] Candidates who do not pass the exam receive a score report showing the subject matter areas in which they need improvement. BSCP recommends that candidates focus their remedial study on those areas of weakness before applying to retake the exam.[12]
| Sections of the CHST Test | ||
|---|---|---|
| CHST Test Subject Areas | Percent | |
| Program Management | 52% | |
| Worksite Auditing | 19% | |
| Training | 21% | |
| Professional Responsibility | 8% | |
| Total | 100% | |
Test Structure
The CHST exam is made up of four major domains of content: Program Management, Worksite Auditing, Training, and lastly Professional Responsibility. There are 200 questions total on the CHST that all are in the form of multiple choice questions. The time allotted to take this exam is four hours. [13]
Test Environment
Testing or the CHST takes place at Pearson VUE exams. There, candidates are expected to arrive at least half an hour before the exam is scheduled to start. For admission, test-takers need to present a government issued, photo identification containing a signature. Personal items are not allowed in the testing rooms, including electronics, bags, and study materials.[14]
Sample Questions
More free CHST practice test questions.
Scoring
The total score is calculated by adding the number of correctly answered items. Incorrect answers are not counted and therefore it is advantageous to answer all items on the exam, even if some are educated guesses. The minimum passing score for each revision of the OHST exam is determined by evaluating each test item and assigning a score value based on the item’s difficulty. Values are added and the minimum score value required to demonstrate competence is established.[15]
References
- ^ BCSP: History of Growth May 5, 2015
- ^ Construction May 9, 2015
- ^ Career Paths in Safety May 10, 2015
- ^ The Construction Health and Safety Technician May 10, 2015
- ^ Program Overview May 10, 2015
- ^ Summary Report: Average Salary (CHST) May 10, 2015
- ^ Certification Flow Chart May 9, 2015
- ^ Certification Flow Chart May 9, 2015
- ^ Application Fee Waiver May 5, 2015
- ^ Complete Guide to the CHST May 10, 2015
- ^ BCSP Pearson VUE Brochure May 4, 2015
- ^ Understanding and Interpreting Your Examination Score Report May 3, 2015
- ^ CHST Blueprint 05 May 2015
- ^ CHST Guide 05 May 2015
- ^ Understanding and Interpreting Your Examination Score Report May 3, 2015
External Links
- CHST Exam Secrets Study Guide: CHST Test Review for the Construction Health and Safety Technician Exam
- Practice Questions and Information
- More Information
