CHST
BCSP Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
The BCSP Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certifies safety technicians specializing in construction and civil engineering project safety. It covers OSHA 29 CFR 1926 construction standards, site hazard recognition, fall protection systems, trenching and excavation safety, scaffolding, crane safety, and construction safety program administration — for safety technicians and coordinators managing health and safety on construction sites.
CHST Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | BCSP Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) |
| Governing Body | BCSP |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Time Limit | 4.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 461/700 |
| Exam Fee | $225 (BCSP members) / $295 (non-members) |
| Category | Professional Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | BCSP official website ↗ |
CHST Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Compliance and Standards | 17% |
| Hazard Recognition and Evaluation | 19% |
| Hazard Prevention and Control | 20% |
| Safety and Health Training | 11% |
| Emergency Response and Planning | 10% |
| Safety Program Management | 13% |
| Incident Investigation | 10% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the BCSP content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Construction Project Administration — project planning, subcontractor management, safety staffing, documentation
- ✓ Site Safety Program Administration — safety program development, pre-task planning, toolbox talks, site inspections
- ✓ Construction Hazard Identification & Control — hierarchy of controls applied to construction hazards, hazard analysis
- ✓ OSHA Standards for Construction — 29 CFR 1926 subparts (fall protection, scaffolding, excavations, electrical, PPE)
- ✓ Fall Protection & Scaffolding — fall protection systems (guardrails, PFAS, covers), scaffold types and inspection
- ✓ Emergency Response — site emergency action plan, first aid requirements, incident investigation
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CHST
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CHST is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CHST format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CHST Frequently Asked Questions
What does CHST stand for?
CHST stands for BCSP Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). It is administered by BCSP.
Who administers the CHST?
The BCSP Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) (CHST) is administered by BCSP. For official information, visit the BCSP website.
How many questions is the CHST?
The CHST consists of 200 questions. Candidates are given 4.5 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CHST?
The passing score for the CHST is 461/700, as set by BCSP. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CHST exam cost?
The CHST exam fee is $225 (BCSP members) / $295 (non-members). This fee is set by BCSP and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
Who should get CHST vs ASP/CSP?
CHST is construction-specific — for safety professionals whose primary work is on construction sites (commercial, civil, industrial construction). ASP and CSP are general industry credentials covering all safety sectors. If you work exclusively in construction safety, CHST is more targeted. If you work across industries or want to transition out of construction, ASP/CSP is more broadly recognized. Many construction safety professionals hold CHST + ASP or CHST + CSP.
What OSHA construction regulations does CHST emphasize?
CHST heavily tests 29 CFR 1926 construction standards: Subpart E (PPE), Subpart M (fall protection — 6 foot trigger, PFAS requirements), Subpart N (cranes and derricks), Subpart P (excavations — protective system design, soil classification), Subpart Q (concrete and masonry), Subpart R (steel erection), and Subpart W (rollover protective structures). Understanding when each standard applies is critical.
What is a PFAS and what are its components?
A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) must stop a fall before a worker hits the lower level. It consists of 3 components: (1) Body support — a full-body harness (not a body belt), (2) Connecting subsystem — a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline (SRL/SRL-LE), (3) Anchorage — must support 5,000 lbs per worker or be designed by a qualified person. PFAS must limit free fall to 6 feet and arrest force to 1,800 lbs.
What experience is required for CHST?
CHST requires 5 years of professional safety experience, with at least 1 year specifically in construction safety and health. A portion of work experience waivers are available for qualifying degrees (associate's in safety = 1 year waiver; bachelor's in safety = 2 years; specific technical or associate degrees = 1 year). The exam focuses on construction-specific knowledge within the broader BCSP framework.
How difficult is the BCSP CHST exam?
The CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician) is considered moderately difficult with a focus on construction-specific hazards, OSHA construction standards, fall protection, and site safety management. Pass rates are estimated in the 55–70% range.
What are the eligibility requirements for the CHST?
You need five years of construction health and safety work experience — no degree is required, which makes the CHST accessible to experienced construction safety technicians without a formal four-year degree. At least 35% of your work history must be in construction health and safety.
How long should I prepare for the CHST exam?
Six to ten weeks of focused study is typical. Core preparation areas include OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, fall protection systems, scaffold safety, excavation hazards, and construction safety management.
What career value does the CHST provide?
The CHST is highly valued in commercial and industrial construction, general contracting, and specialty trades. It is often listed as a preferred or required credential for site safety officers, safety coordinators, and project safety managers on larger construction projects.
What is the CHST retake policy?
A 90-day waiting period is required after a failed attempt. Multiple retakes are allowed by BCSP.
How long does the CHST certification last?
The CHST is valid for five years and requires 75 continuing education hours per five-year cycle for recertification.
How does the CHST compare to the ASP and CSP credentials?
The CHST is a construction-specific technician credential accessible without a degree. The ASP and CSP are professional-level credentials that require a bachelor's degree and represent a broader safety management pathway. Many CHST holders who later obtain a degree pursue the ASP and CSP to advance to senior EHS leadership roles.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the BCSP Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) (CHST), a Professional Certifications certification, administered by BCSP. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by BCSP. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the BCSP official website ↗ .