CHST – Construction Health and Safety Technician
Short Summary
CHST – Construction Health and Safety Technician
Certifying Body: Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
The Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) credential is a nationally respected certification for professionals who manage safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) responsibilities on construction sites. Offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), the CHST validates your ability to identify hazards, conduct inspections, enforce compliance, and lead safety initiatives across diverse construction environments.
Ideal for safety coordinators, field technicians, and site supervisors, the CHST is designed for individuals with at least 3 years of construction safety experience and whose job duties involve 35% or more SH&E responsibilities. It serves as a powerful credential for career advancement and recognition in high-risk industries.
The CHST exam covers key domains such as:
- Construction Safety Program Management
- Hazard Identification & Control
- Fall Protection & PPE
- Site Inspections & Incident Investigation
- Regulatory Compliance & Recordkeeping
Preparation options include online courses, workshops, and study guides, with total costs ranging from $675 to $1,400. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions delivered via computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers. Once certified, professionals must renew annually and complete a 5-year recertification cycle with 20 continuing education points.
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Course Description
🎯 Purpose of the CHST Designation
The CHST, awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), is designed for individuals who:
- Work part-time or full-time in construction safety, with at least 35% of job duties involving safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) responsibilities
- Are responsible for site-level safety leadership, including hazard identification, safety audits, and regulatory compliance
- Seek to advance into supervisory or managerial safety roles within the construction industry
The CHST validates your ability to:
- Prevent construction-related illnesses and injuries
- Implement safety programs and conduct inspections
- Lead safety initiatives across multiple job sites or projects
📚 Topics Covered in CHST Courses & Exam
Courses and exam prep (e.g., ASSP, SPAN, ClickSafety) follow BCSP’s blueprint and cover:
Core Safety Domains
- Safety Management Systems (SMS) using OSHA, ANSI, and ISO standards
- Construction Health Hazards: toxicology, noise, silica, asbestos
- Fall Protection & PPE
- Electrical Safety, Cranes, and Power Tools
- Hazard Communication (GHS)
- Job Hazard Analysis & Pre-Job Safety Plans
- Incident Investigation & Site Inspections
- Regulatory Audits & Recordkeeping
Supporting Skills
- Math Refresher: conversions, dimensional analysis, trigonometry, statistics
- Test-Taking Strategies and personalized study plans
Courses often include:
- 200-question sample exams
- Workbooks and quizzes
- Online or workshop formats
🧭 Specialization Options
While CHST is a generalist construction safety credential, it opens doors to specialization through:
Career Pathways
- Site Safety Manager
- Safety Director (Construction)
- Health & Safety Consultant
Credential Stacking
- OHST (Occupational Health and Safety Technician) for broader technical scope
- CSP (Certified Safety Professional) for senior-level advancement
- STS-C (Safety Trained Supervisor – Construction) for supervisory roles
Sector Focus
CHSTs often specialize informally by working in:
- Heavy Civil Projects
- Oil & Gas Construction
- Infrastructure & Public Works
Cost
💰 CHST Certification Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Details |
| Application Fee | $140 | Paid to BCSP when submitting your certification application |
| Exam Fee | $265–$300 | Varies slightly by region and timing; typically $300 in the U.S. |
| Course Fees | $275–$950 | Options include: • Online prep (examCORE): ~$275–$400 • 3-day workshop: ~$950 • ASSP virtual course: ~$850 |
| Books & Study Guides | $45–$85 | Example: CHST Study Guide by TPB Publishing – ~$81.56 on Amazon |
| Annual Renewal Fee | $145/year | Required to maintain certification after passing |
| Recertification Fee (Every 5 Years) | Included in annual fees | Must earn 20 recertification points over 5 years |
| Optional Fees | $100 | Eligibility extension fee if you need more time beyond the 1-year exam window |
📊 Total Estimated Cost
| Scenario | Total Cost Estimate |
| Basic Prep (Online Course + Exam) | ~$675–$770 |
| Comprehensive Prep (Workshop + Materials) | ~$1,200–$1,400 |
| Including Annual Renewal (Year 1) | ~$820–$1,545 |
🧾 Notes:
- BCSP offers bundled pricing for application + exam.
- Some employers may reimburse costs or offer discounts through training partnerships.
- Recertification is required every 5 years but does not carry a separate fee beyond annual dues.
Prerequisites
✅ CHST Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Work Experience | Minimum of 3 years in construction safety, health, or environmental (SH&E) practice |
| Job Role | Must work part-time or full-time in construction safety, with at least 35% of job duties involving SH&E responsibilities |
| Technical Scope | Duties should include hazard identification, site inspections, safety audits, and regulatory compliance |
| Ethics Disclosure | Applicants must disclose any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions involving professional licenses or credentials. BCSP reviews these confidentially and may deny eligibility based on severity |
🧠 No Formal Education Requirement
The CHST does not require a college degree, making it accessible to field professionals with hands-on experience in construction safety.
You can find full details on the CHST Certification Page – BCSP.
Would you like help building a visual eligibility checklist or integrating this into IDL’s credential comparison matrix?
Renewal Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Recertification Cycle | Every 5 years |
| Recertification Points | Must earn 20 points through professional development activities |
| Eligible Activities | Includes: • Professional safety practice (2 pts/year) • Safety-related training or education • Membership in safety organizations • Publishing or presenting safety content • Volunteering in safety leadership roles |
| Documentation | Activities must be logged in BCSP’s My Profile portal and supported by documentation if audited |
BCSP requires all credential holders to stay current with changes in professional practice and submit recertification documentation every five years.
💳 Renewal Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
| Annual Renewal Fee | $145/year |
| Total Over 5 Years | $725 |
This fee ensures continued use of the CHST credential and supports BCSP’s credentialing infrastructure.
Average Time to Complete Course
Completion Timeline Overview
| Phase | Estimated Duration | Details |
| Application & Eligibility Review | 1–2 weeks | Submit application and pay the $140 fee to BCSP |
| Study & Exam Preparation | 2–4 months | Self-paced online courses, workshops, or workbook study depending on your schedule and background |
| Exam Scheduling & Completion | Within 1 year of approval | Once approved, you have 12 months to take the CHST exam (200 multiple-choice questions) |
🧠 Fast-Track Scenario
If you’re already experienced and choose a structured prep method (e.g., workshop + online course), you could complete the entire process in 6–8 weeks.
Exams
📝 CHST Exam Overview
- Exams are offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers globally
- Results are available immediately after submission
You can find full details and scheduling options on the CHST Certification Page – BCSP.
Designation Provider
The certifying body for the CHST – Construction Health and Safety Technician designation is the:
🏛️ Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
- Website: CHST Certification Page – BCSP
- Role: BCSP develops and administers the CHST credential, which validates technical safety expertise specifically within construction environments
- Credential Focus: Designed for professionals who work part-time or full-time in construction safety, with responsibilities such as hazard identification, site inspections, and safety program implementation
