OHST Practice Test

Are there any minimum training requirements for candidates who want to take the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technicians exam?

Yes. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in the occupational hygiene or safety field. At least 35 percent of a candidate’s part or full-time work duties must be in occupational hygiene or safety. They must also have responsibilities that show occupational health or safety technical skills and knowledge.

How much time do I have to complete the test?

Candidates have four hours to finish the exam.

How many questions are on the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technicians test?

There are 200 multiple choice questions on the exam.

What are the exam fees?

The exam costs $440. The fee includes a $300 exam fee and a non-refundable $140 application fee.

What’s on the test?

The test contains seven domains, or content areas, that test knowledge and skills. They are:

• Math and Science and Business Calculations/Analysis. This section includes fundamentals in several mathematics areas, including statistics, algebra and trigonometry; concepts in biology, physics and chemistry; financial terms; performance tracking; and benchmarking.
• Safety, Health, and Environmental Programs & Risk Management includes knowledge of appropriate uses of leading and lagging indicators; continuous improvement processes; process safety and hazardous waste management basis concepts; and risk analysis techniques.
• Hazard Identification and Control is the largest exam area, accounting for more than 30 percent of the test questions. Content areas include hazards and controls associated with power tools, working with moving parts, and hot work like welding and grinding; and various safety practices.
• Health Hazards and Basic Industrial Hygiene includes ergonomics basic concepts; occupational illnesses; occupational injuries; and stress.
• Emergency Preparedness, Fire Prevention, and Security focuses on using emergency equipment; planning for a disaster, emergency or crisis; emergency response procedures such as CPR; understanding biological, chemical and other agents that could be used in a terrorist attack.
• Organizational Communication and Training/Education includes management principles, how to communicate certain types of information and how to resolve conflict.
• Ethics and Professional Conduct reviews the Board of Certified Safety Professionals Code of Ethics, the candidate’s knowledge of protecting confidential information, and understanding safety information.

What is the minimum passing score?

This is a pass/fail exam. The exam uses the Modified Angoff Method, in which a panel of subject matter experts predict a question’s difficulty and from that information set a cut score.

When will I receive my test score?

You’ll receive your score at the end of the exam. Candidates who fail the test can take it again, so long as they pay a re-test fee and wait six weeks before their next attempt.

Where can I take the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technicians test?

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals uses independent test centers with hundreds of locations across the country.

Can I bring my own calculator?

Yes. Candidates can bring up to two calculators to the testing room, but they must be specific models and brands. You should consult the Board of Certified Safety Professionals testing guide for more detail. Candidates can also use the online calculator that is part of the test.

Can I bring personal items into the testing room?

No. Candidates must place any personal items, including but not limited to mobile phones, electronic devices, wallets, purses, hats and head coverings, in a locker at the test center.

Should I bring identification to the test center?

Yes. Candidates should bring two forms of identification. As the primary form, candidates should bring a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) that contains a signature and photograph. As a secondary ID, candidates must produce a form of identification that contains a signature.

What test preparation materials should I buy?

Mometrix has the materials you need. Our OHST study guide and OHST flashcards have been developed by test-taking professionals who have spent their career helping candidates prepare for tests like the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technicians certification. Our study guide will walk you through the areas of the test that often stump students. Our flashcards will teach you the critical concepts you need to properly prepare. These are two excellent resources.