If you need help studying for the STS® exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free STS practice test!
STS Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the STS exam, you’ll have to meet at least ONE of the requirements below:
- You need at least two years of supervisory experience.
- You need at least four years of work experience at a minimum of 18 hours per week in any industry.
- You need at least an associate degree in occupational safety, construction management, or risk management.
- You need to complete a two-year union or trade training program or apprenticeship.
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 100 multiple-choice questions total, but only about 90 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 10-15 unscored questions on the STS exam are “experimental” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are experimental. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 2 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different domains of the STS exam.
1. Safety Program Implementation and Management
15% of the exam
- Incident investigation and reporting
- Elements of a job safety analysis
- Essential elements of new employee orientation training
- Observing workers’ fitness for duty
2. Hazard Awareness
20% of the exam
- Safety inspection procedures and corrections
- Safety audits
- Stop work authority
- Identifying hazards based on documentation
- Motor vehicle safety precautions
3. Hazard Controls
20% of the exam
- Hierarchy of controls
- Mitigating or reducing hazards
- Machine safeguarding
- Conducting continuous improvement processes for a JSA
- Risk assessment and management
4. Basic Industrial Hygiene
12% of the exam
- Identifying chemical routes of entry into the body
- Hazardous atmospheres
- Identifying hazards related to various issues
5. Emergency Preparedness and Management
11% of the exam
- Routine emergency equipment inspections
- Equipment emergency shutoff procedures
- Items included in an emergency response plan
6. Life Critical Activities
22% of the exam
- Identifying fall hazards
- Identifying confined spaces hazards
- Ladder safety protocols
- Identifying electronic hazards
- Isolation of hazardous energy
- Risks associate with hoisting and rigging
- Fire protection systems
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on BCSP’s website, which involves submitting a $120 application fee.
Once your application is approved, you will have a full year to register and sit for the exam.
STS Exam Scores
The STS exam is scored using two methods: the modified-Angoff method and the Bookmark Standard Setting method.
Here’s how they work:
This method involves a handful of experienced professionals estimating how many test-takers who know the bare minimum would get each question right. These guesses lead to the experts setting a passing score that reflects the knowledge level of a qualified candidate.
Bookmark Setting Method
For this method, experts sort the exam questions from easiest to hardest and then place a “bookmark” at the point where they think passing should be. This determines the minimum score needed to pass based on this critical point.
STS Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! As long as your eligibility requirements remain valid, you may take the exam as many times as you want, with a six-week waiting period between attempts.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the STS exam?
There are 100 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
How long is the STS exam?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
How much does the STS exam cost?
The testing fee is $185.
What is the passing score for the STS exam?
You need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass the exam.
STS is a registered trademark of Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Inc., which is not affiliated with Mometrix Test Preparation and does not endorse this page.