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Exam Overview
The Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) certification, offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), is a respected credential that validates your technical knowledge and practical skills in workplace health and safety. It demonstrates your ability to identify hazards, apply safety principles, and support safety programs within an organization.
For professionals working in industrial hygiene, occupational health, or environmental safety roles, achieving OHST certification can be a powerful asset for career growth and credibility.
Why the OHST Certification Matters
Earning the OHST designation shows that you:
- Understand workplace safety regulations and hazard control
- Can perform technical safety duties with competence
- Are committed to continuous professional development
- Are qualified for a range of safety-related roles in various industries
Employers value this certification as evidence of your commitment to safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Administering Body
Exam Format
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Credential | Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) |
| Certifying Body | Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) |
| Format | 200 multiple-choice questions, single best answer |
| Time Limit | 4 hours (about 72 seconds per question) |
| Unscored Items | Some questions are unscored pretest items; they are not identified |
| Delivery | Computer-based test at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide |
| Scheduling | Through your BCSP profile after approval; one year to use a purchased exam |
| Results | Pass/fail, available as soon as you submit the exam |
| Domain | Weight | About How Many of 200 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fundamental Math and Science and Business Calculations/Analysis | 11.3% | 23 |
| 2. Safety, Health, and Environmental Programs (Includes Risk Management) | 19.5% | 39 |
| 3. Hazard Identification and Control | 21.1% | 42 |
| 4. Health Hazards and Basic Industrial Hygiene | 15.8% | 32 |
| 5. Emergency Preparedness, Fire Prevention, and Security | 11.5% | 23 |
| 6. Organizational Communication and Training/Education | 12.6% | 25 |
| 7. Ethics and Professional Conduct | 8.2% | 16 |
Scoring and Passing Criteria
Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the OHST exam, you must:
- Have at least three (3) years of experience in which at least 35% of your job duties required technical occupational hygiene or safety skills and knowledge
- Submit an application to BCSP and receive approval (no minimum degree is required)
- Disclose any criminal convictions or credential suspensions, revocations, or probation for confidential review
- Agree to adhere to the BCSP Code of Ethics
Certification Maintenance
Once certified, OHSTs must:
- Pay an annual renewal fee
- Submit recertification points every 5 years
- Stay current with professional development activities related to health and safety
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $140 |
| Exam fee | $300 per attempt (application and exam combination: $426) |
| Retake | Any available date at least six weeks after your last attempt; a new exam fee applies |
| Annual renewal fee | $145 |
| Recertification | 20 recertification points in each five-year cycle |
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