Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Credential: Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST)  GI Bill resource  ANAB (ANSI) resource
Credentialing Agency: Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Board of Certification Safety Professionals (BCSP), Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST) candidate performs occupational health and safety activities on a part-time or full-time basis. OHSTs conduct worksite assessments to determine risks, potential hazards and controls, evaluate incident and loss records, and prepare emergency response plans. OHST candidates must work a minimum of three years in occupational hygiene or safety at least 35% of the time, have duties that require technical skills and knowledge in occupational hygiene and safety. Candidates must pass a written exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:    medium

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience: 3 years recommended
  • Education
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

Exam Administration (View Details)

  • In-person exam
  • Remote proctored on-line exam
  • Third-party test vendor

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 5 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

8645 Guion Road
Indianapolis, IN  46268

Phone: 1-317-593-4800

Fax: 1-317-593-4400
Contact Page

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OHST candidate must have a minimum of 3 years in a part-time or full-time experience in occupational health or safety.  The candidate's job duties must require at least 35% of technical skills and kowledge in occupational health and safety.

OHST Candidate can learn more on the eligibility requirements.

The Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST) credential has the following other requirements:

  • Candidate must agree to adhere to the BCSP Code of Ethics.

Written Exam

  • Assessing Safety, Health, Environmental and Security Risk (31.5%)
    • Research information pertaining to the business or operation using appropriate tools and references to obtain risk data, including catastrophic and emergency response scenarios using established techniques in order to reduce risk.
    • Evaluate business and operations data (e.g., monitoring and surveillance data; injury and illness statistics; incident reports; safety and health programs; and insurance loss data) by comparing the data against internal history as well as international, national or industry standards to recognize and define risks.
    • Conduct surveys of the business or operation in accordance with accepted survey methodology (e.g., observing the facility; referring to process flow charts; verifying safety and health systems; programs and documentation; and interviewing applicable stakeholders) in order to recognize hazards and controls.
    • Communicate the results of surveys to applicable stakeholders with appropriate documentation / presentations to highlight risks and to recommend and justify appropriate actions for managing current and potential loss scenarios.
  • Hazard Control and Loss Prevention (35.5%)
    • Evaluate risks using established analytical techniques to prioritize preventative and corrective actions.
    • Using research, determine appropriate hazard control techniques.
    • Communicate the hazard control measures by identifying essential resources and implementation strategies to manage risk.
    • Implement and evaluate appropriate controls to manage risk
  • Verification and Continuous Improvement (33%)
    • Verify the implementation and effectiveness of hazard control measures (e.g., site surveys, review of records, audits, interviews with key personnel, and follow up with the responsible individuals) to manage risks
    • Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses using established techniques to determine root causes, identify trends and improve corrective action plans
    • Implement assigned responsibilities for response plans (e.g., organize tactical teams, provide training, collaborate with contractors, select equipment, and manage specific programs) to respond to disasters and other emergencies
    • Evaluate the compliance and implementation of response plans at regularly scheduled intervals by reviewing their applicability for present and emerging conditions (e.g., changes in organizational structure, and new processes or materials) to improve the plans.

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST) examination:

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

Testing Information

  • Exam Administration

    Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST) credential where checked:

    • In-person exam
    • Remote proctored on-line exam
    • Third-party test vendor

  • For more information on the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) testing process, visit the agency website.

RECERTIFICATION

Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST)

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technologist (OHST) credential has the following recertification information:

  • OHST recertification is every 5 years and OHSTs must achieve 20 points of continuing education activities.  There are 10 categories of activities, each providing points toward meeting that goal.  There is no limit to the number of points in some categories, while other categories have annual and/or total point limits. 

    An annual renewal fee is required to maintain certification.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

Click to go to the external ANAB web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

Click to go to the external IAS web site.

Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

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NKO e-learning

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

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Updated: January 29, 2021
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