CHST vs CSP vs ASP: the CSP exam and ASP exam next to the CHST

The short answer

• You have 3 years in construction safety and no degree: the CHST is the match. BCSP's sheet lists no minimum education for it.
• You hold a bachelor's degree (or an SH&E associate) and about a year of professional-level safety work: the ASP is within reach. Associate degrees must include at least four courses and 12 semester hours in the SH&E domains of the ASP blueprint.
• You hold a bachelor's degree, four years of professional-level safety experience and a credential on BCSP's list: the CSP is the target.

CHST, ASP and CSP side by side

Every figure is from BCSP's credentials sheet, read 24 Oct 2026. BCSP says fees and passing scores can change without advance notice.

The CSP exam and the ASP exam

Both are BCSP exams, and BCSP sets the rules, fees and passing scores. This section gives BCSP's numbers so you can see where each one sits next to the CHST. Toe Board has a free 10-question check for each: ASP and CSP. To try sample questions first, work the free ASP practice exam or CSP practice exam.

• ASP exam (Associate Safety Professional): 5 hours. You apply with a bachelor's degree in any field, or an SH&E associate degree with 12 semester hours in the ASP domains, and 1 year of SH&E experience. The application fee is $160 and the exam fee $350.
• CSP exam (Certified Safety Professional): 5.5 hours. You apply with a bachelor's degree in any field, 4 years of SH&E experience and a credential on BCSP's list. The application fee is $160 and the exam fee $350.
• CHST exam, for comparison: 4 hours, with no education rule, 3 years in construction safety, a $140 application fee and a $300 exam fee. The CHST exam outline shows its four domains.

How the exams differ in focus

The CHST blueprint is built for construction work: it names excavations, fall protection, cranes, silica, lead, noise, concrete and the program duties that go with them. The ASP and CSP blueprints are broader safety, health and environmental exams, and each has its own blueprint on BCSP's site. Read the CHST outline and the other blueprints before you decide. The CHST is also the shorter sit, at 4 hours.

Which one first?

1. Check your experience against the table. If you do not have three years in construction safety, none of the choices is open yet. The eligibility guide goes through the CHST rule.
2. Match the credential to the job. Read the posting or contract that sent you here and see which credential it names. If it names none, the CHST is the usual construction-site pick.
3. Count the cost. At BCSP's list prices, the CHST application and exam come to $440 if paid separately. The cost and scheduling guide shows the combined price and bundle.
4. Remember it is not either or. Many people hold the CHST first and consider a professional-level credential later, once the degree and experience line up.

Looking at BCSP's other technician credential? The CHST vs OHST guide compares the CHST with the OHST.

FAQ

What is the CSP exam?

The Certified Safety Professional exam is BCSP's professional-level safety exam. You get 5.5 hours, and you need a bachelor's degree, 4 years of SH&E experience and a credential on BCSP's list to apply. The application fee is $160 and the exam fee $350.

What is the ASP exam?

The Associate Safety Professional exam is the first of BCSP's professional-level pair. You get 5 hours. You apply with a bachelor's degree, or an SH&E associate degree with 12 semester hours in the ASP domains, and 1 year of SH&E experience. The application and exam fees are $160 and $350.

How long are the CSP, ASP and CHST exams?

BCSP's sheet allows 5.5 hours for the CSP, 5 hours for the ASP and 4 hours for the CHST.

How much do the CSP and ASP exams cost?

At BCSP's list prices, each has a $160 application fee and a $350 exam fee, so $510 if paid separately. The CHST is $140 and $300. BCSP says fees can change without notice, so check its sheet before you apply.

Should I take the CHST or the ASP first?

If you have three years in construction safety and no degree, the CHST is the one open to you now. If you hold a degree and a year of professional-level safety work, the ASP is within reach. Many people hold the CHST first and look at the ASP and CSP once the degree and experience line up.

Does Toe Board have CSP or ASP practice questions?

Yes. Toe Board has a free 10-question check for the ASP and the CSP, each weighted to BCSP's blueprint domains, and a course for each with timed practice exams. The ASP exam outline and CSP exam outline list the domains and weights.

Start with the CHST? Take the free check

Take the free 10-question check. It scores you by CHST domain in minutes, with no signup, and explains every answer. The Toe Board course adds two full-length timed practice exams, a lesson for each domain and a study plan built from your exam date.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by BCSP.

Sources

Show the list

• BCSP credentials at a glance, Board of Certified Safety Professionals: education, experience, fees, time allowed and recertification for the CHST, ASP and CSP. Read 24 Oct 2026.
• Construction Health and Safety Technician, Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
• CHST Examination Blueprint (CHST5, V.2022.04.12), Board of Certified Safety Professionals.