Construction Health and Safety Technician – CHST (BCSP)

By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019

Certification Description

The Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) credential certifies that an individual demonstrates knowledge and competency in ensuring safety and health on construction sites and in workplaces.  This certification may be used as a stepping-stone to greater roles in the safety and health industry or even to the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification.

Professionals with this specialty credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other professionals may not be eligible for.

Skills Focus

The certification focuses on the following areas:

• Knowledge of common hazards and controls, such as cutting, welding, grinding, ladders, platforms, confined spaces and rigging
• Ability to recognize unsafe conditions
• Understanding the basics of first aid procedures and universal precautions
• Ability to consult with equipment manufacturers in proper safety techniques
• Comprehension of the Code of Ethics
• Ability to ensure that all post-accident reporting is successfully completed
• Ability to recognize changing hazards that appear on the construction site

Exam Objectives

Download Exam Objectives

Exam Details

• Issuing Organization: Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
• Prerequisites: Applicants must currently be working in construction safety and have duties that require technical skills and knowledge in health and safety; applicants must have 3 years of experience in construction health or safety
• Questions: 175
• Time: 240 minutes
• Cost: $440
• Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
• View Certification Guidelines

Other relevant details: Exams are given at Pearson Vue Test Centers

Construction Health and Safety Technician Careers

Jobs you can get with a CHST (BCSP) certification (additional requirements may apply):

• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist (OHSS)
• Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Salary (Base Level)

A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the OHSS shown. Salary based on 2019 data.

National average per year: $69,370*
National average per hour: $33.35*

Learn more

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exam Preparation

• Review the Exam Blueprint
• Complete the BCSP self-assessment
• Read and study the BCSP recommended Exam Blueprint References
• Study from exam review books

Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.