The CHST exam outline: four domains and their weights
The CHST blueprint gives you a map: four domains, each with a published weight. Study the heavy domains first, and use your free check to see where your own score trails the weight.
- Questions
- 200
- Time
- 240 minutes
- Exam fee
- $300
- Where
- Pearson test centers (computer-based)
What the domains mean in practice
- Hazard and risk identification and control (36.6%): the common construction hazards and their controls, from falls and excavations to health exposures, plus how to apply a hierarchy of controls and build a job hazard analysis.
- Safety program development, implementation and sustainment (22.5%): inspections, competent persons, planning, measuring safety performance and keeping a program current.
- Leadership, communication and training (21%): training workers, running short crew talks, and leading so people speak up.
- Emergency preparedness, incident investigation and response (19.9%): emergency action plans, fire protection, first aid, incident command and finding root causes.
Try one question
Question 1 of the free 10-question check on CHST. No signup.
Emergency Preparedness, Incident Investigation, and Response
On a building under construction, what is the longest allowed travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher?
Choose an answer to begin
How to prepare
- Take the free check and compare each domain's score with its weight.
- Cite the OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926) by section when you study. We cite sections by number only and never reproduce standard text. Use your own copy.
- Practice under the clock: the exam allows 4 hours.
The exam in brief
- Time: 4 hours, computer-based at a Pearson test center.
- Cost: $300 at BCSP's published price, which can change without advance notice.
- Retakes: at least six weeks after the last attempt.
Start with the free 10-question check
See which of the four domains to work on first. Take the free 10-question check. It is weighted to the blueprint, needs no signup, and explains every answer.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by BCSP.
Sources
Show the list
- CHST Examination Blueprint (CHST5, V.2022.04.12), Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
- BCSP credentials at a glance, Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
- Construction Health and Safety Technician, Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Ready to see where you stand on CHST?
Free, untimed and scored by domain. No signup.
Start the free 10-question checkExam facts
| Questions | 200 multiple-choice questions (third-party source: ASSP workshop listing and prep providers; BCSP's readable pages give no count) |
| Time | 240 minutes |
| Book | closed (unconfirmed: assumed from test-center delivery, not read on a bcsp.org page) |
| Passing | Pass or fail on a minimum passing score; BCSP does not publish the cut score on the pages read |
| Where you test | Pearson test centers (computer-based) |
| Exam fee | $300 |
| Retakes | No sooner than six weeks after the last attempt (CHST page) |
| Eligibility | No minimum education. Three years of construction safety experience, with at least 35% of duties requiring technical SH&E skills and knowledge (At-A-Glance). Applicants have one year after approval to schedule and pass. |
| Renewal | 20 recertification points per 5-year cycle, including 0.5 for ethics; renewal $150 (At-A-Glance) |
What the exam covers
| Hazard and Risk Identification and Control | 36.6% |
| Emergency Preparedness, Incident Investigation, and Response | 19.9% |
| Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment | 22.5% |
| Leadership, Communication, and Training | 21% |
Facts checked 24 October 2026 against BCSP's own documents (sources above). If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.
Your next step
- 01Free CHST check10 questions, untimed, about 12 minutes. Answers explained as you go.Start free
- 02Free sample lessonFall protection on a construction site: a full lesson from the course, plus 5 practice questions with explanations.Read the sample
- 03CHST course$149. Lessons, timed practice exams and a plan around your exam date.See the plans
The CHST course
Available now · instant accessLearn each CHST blueprint domain, then prove it on a full-length timed practice exam.
- 4modules of lessonsEvery task on the outline
- 1full-length timed exams200 questions in 240 minutes each
- 300practice questionsEach one explained
- 1week-by-week study planSet to your exam date
Turn a practice answer into a study step. In untimed practice, ask Kick AI about any question you answer, follow up, then see your weakest topics and what to drill next.
Every answer comes with a full explanation.