Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician – OHST (BCSP)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) credential certifies that an individual has the technical skills and knowledge to implement appropriate strategies to prevent ill health caused by work environments. Professionals who hold this certification are competent in making workplace assessments to determine potential hazards that can result in injury, illness or impairment of workers and members of the community.
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 ergonomic hazards
- Ability to recognize unsafe conditions
- Understanding of the basics of toxicology principals
- Ability to complete pH balancing equations, reactivity and other chemistry concepts
- Comprehension of fire science
- Ensuring that all safety drills can be completed in an effective matter
- Ability to be a person of authority for safety matters
- Willingness to influence group dynamics in safety matters
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must currently work in occupational hygiene or safety and have duties that require technical skills and knowledge in occupational health or safety; applicants must have 3 years of experience in occupational hygiene 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
OHST (BCSP) Careers
Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician Careers
Jobs you can get with a OHST (BCSP) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist (OHSS)
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician
- Healthcare Compliance Officer
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*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
OHST (BCSP) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Exam Blueprint
- Complete the BCSP self-assessment
- Read and study the BCSP recommended Exam Blueprint References
- Review flash cards
- 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.
@Raising Careers Inbox
Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you a summary of everything new on Raising Careers once a week.