ASP vs CSP vs CHST: which exam fits
The three main BCSP exams side by side, from BCSP's own pages. Who qualifies for each, how long each exam is, what it costs, its 2024 pass rate and which one you can take now.
Published October 17, 2026. Facts checked against the sources listed below.
Short answer
The CHST is for construction safety and needs 3 years of construction safety experience but no degree. The ASP needs a bachelor's degree (or an associate in safety, health or the environment) and 1 year of experience. The CSP is the senior credential: a bachelor's degree, 4 years of experience and a BCSP qualified credential such as the ASP. In BCSP's 2024 report the pass rates were 80.8% (ASP), 67.9% (CSP) and 61.8% (CHST).
The ASP, CSP and CHST are the three most-taken exams from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CHST is built for construction safety. The ASP is usually the first step toward the CSP, which is the senior credential.
Side by side
| ASP | CSP | CHST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Associate Safety Professional | Certified Safety Professional | Construction Health and Safety Technician |
| Education | Bachelor's in any field, or an associate in safety, health or the environment | Bachelor's degree | None required |
| Experience | 1 year of safety work | 4 years of safety work | 3 years of construction safety work |
| Credential needed first | None | A BCSP qualified credential, such as the ASP or GSP | None |
| Time allowed | 5 hours | 5.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Application fee | $160 | $160 | $140 |
| Exam fee | $350 | $350 | $300 |
| Blueprint | ASP11, 9 domains | CSP11, 7 domains | CHST5, 4 domains |
| 2024 pass rate (BCSP) | 80.8% | 67.9% | 61.8% |
| Candidates in 2024 | 2,641 | 3,120 | 2,578 |
For the ASP and CSP, at least half of the qualifying experience must be preventative, professional-level safety work. For the CHST, at least 35% of your duties must need safety, health and environment skills. Fees and rules can change, so confirm on bcsp.org before you apply.
The pass rates come from BCSP's 2024 annual report. Our pass rates guide shows the counts behind them.
What each exam weights most
- ASP: Safety Programs and Concepts is the largest domain at 25%. Mathematical Calculations is its own domain at 10%. See every domain on the ASP page.
- CSP: Advanced Application of Safety Principles and Program Management are 25% each, so half the exam. See the CSP page.
- CHST: Hazard and Risk Identification and Control is 36.6% of the exam. See the CHST page.
Which one can you take now?
- No degree, construction work: the CHST is the one that fits. It needs three years of construction safety experience and no degree.
- A degree and at least a year of safety work: the ASP. Passing it also meets the CSP's credential requirement.
- A qualified credential and four years of experience: you can sit the CSP.
The exam eligibility checker walks through your own situation with BCSP's wording.
Rules that apply to all three
- After BCSP approves your application, you have one year to take and pass the exam.
- You can schedule a retake no sooner than six weeks after your last attempt.
- You get an on-screen calculator, and formulas are given in the question unless the question tests the formula itself.
Free study tools for each
- Formula sheets with worked examples: ASP, CSP and CHST.
- Calculators that show their work, including incident rates, noise dose and ventilation.
- A study plan calculator that splits your hours by domain weight.
For a closer look at the first two, see ASP vs CSP. For prep options and prices, see our exam prep comparison.
Sources
- BCSP, Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
- BCSP, Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- BCSP, Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
- BCSP, Credentials At-A-Glance (fees and time allowed)
- BCSP, 2024 Annual Report, p. 9 (certification exams taken in 2024)
- BCSP, What to Expect When Sitting for a BCSP Exam (calculator, formulas, retakes)
- BCSP, ASP11 Examination Blueprint
- BCSP, CSP11 Examination Blueprint
- BCSP, CHST5 Examination Blueprint