Candidates may substitute college courses in health and safety or an associate degree or higher in certain disciplines for up to 2 years of the experience requirement. Students in associate or higher degree programs in occupational safety and health may sit for the examination during their last semester. The OHST certification has achieved recognition in several state regulations related to safety, worker's compensation and other areas. Must have five years of experience in safety and health. The OHST examination, which became computer-based in 1997, has 200 multiple choice questions, some involving computations.
Candidates have five hours to complete the examination.