D&D Handbook

Candidate Handbook
SAFETY TRAINED SUPERVISOR
TWELFTH EDITION | MAY 2013
Advancing the Safety, Health and Environmental

Profession Since 1969
2301 W. Bradley Avenue
Champaign, IL 61821 USA

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Board of Certified Safety Professionals,
Champaign, Illinois, USA
All rights reserved.
A BCSP Publication
All or any part of this document may be freely copied and distributed with the following
restrictions: Excerpts, in any form or medium, must include a formal statement
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Safety Trained Supervisor Candidate Handbook

Twelfth Edition
May 2013

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 1
How the Certification Works................................................................................................................................. 3
Overview of the STS Examination......................................................................................................................... 5
Sample STS Examination Items............................................................................................................................... 6
STS Examination Blueprints and Examination Specifications........................................................................... 7
Preparing for the STS Examination........................................................................................................................ 29
Taking an STS Examination...................................................................................................................................... 32
Summary of Computer-Delivered Examination Rules....................................................................................... 36
Application Instructions............................................................................................................................................ 38
Forms

Application for Certification
INTRODUCTION
The Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) Certification
Improved productivity from better communication among

and higher confidence within work groups.
Higher profits from safe work.
Recognition by having employees who hold a nationally accredited credential.
The Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) certification program is

intended for individuals who:
Are managers at all levels.
Are first line supervisors of work groups or organization
units.
Have a safety responsibility for a work group that is part of
other work duties.
Benefits for Employees

Benefits for employees may include any of the following:
Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental safety practices.
Opportunities for increased job responsibilities or
employment.
Increased value to an employer.
Recognition for safety leadership from an employer or other
employees.
Increased confidence when dealing with safety and health
matters.
Recognition by holding a nationally-recognized and
accredited credential.
Typical candidates have a safety responsibility that is adjunct,

collateral or ancillary to their job duties. Their main job duties are
in a craft or trade, in leadership, supervision or management, or
in a technical specialty.
The typical certified STS helps an employer implement safety
programs at the worker level through supervisory, safety
committee or similar safety and health leadership roles. Safety
tasks often include monitoring for job hazards, helping ensure
regulatory compliance, training employees in safety practices,
performing safety record keeping tasks, coordinating corrections
for safety problems within or among work groups, and
communicating with safety specialists or management.
Features of the STS Certification

A simple application and examination process.
Convenient testing every business day at testing
centers located throughout North America.
Computer-based testing with immediate pass-fail results.
Distinctive wallet card and certificate.
STS stickers for display.
A national database of STS certificants available to
employers.
A recertification program that helps ensure that certificants
are current in safety and health matters.
The STS safety responsibility is a part-time responsibility, usually

less than 1/3 of the total job duties. If safety responsibilities
involve a greater portion of job duties, the role is more likely to be
that of a safety technician/technologist or safety professional.
The STS certification establishes a minimum competency in
general safety practices. To achieve the certification, candidates
must meet minimum safety training and work experience and
demonstrate knowledge of safety fundamentals and standards by
examination. Those holding the STS certification must renew it
annually and meet recertification requirements every five years.
There are four areas of practice with the STS Program: STSConstruction, STS-General Industry, STS-Petrochemcial and
STS-Mining.
National Accreditation and Recognition
STS-Construction
The Safety Trained Supervisor certification holds national

accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying
Agencies (NCCA)1.
The STS-Construction program, which began in 1995, is intended

for managers, first-line construction supervisors, superintendents,
foremen, crew chiefs, and craftsmen who have a responsibility
to maintain safe conditions and practices on construction job
sties. This program typically falls under OSHA Safety and Health
Regulations for Construction in 29 CFR Part 1926 and other
construction safety practices. This program emphasizes general
job site safety within and among work groups. It does not focus
on safety knowledge and skills for particular crafts or trades.
Benefits
Supervisors, managers, safety committee members, foremen, crew
chiefs, and other work group leaders play very important roles in
making work safe. Safe work practices add to productivity and
profit.
STS-General Industry
Benefits for Employers and Owners

The overall benefits of the STS certification program may include
any of the following:
The STS-General Industry program, which began in 2004,

expands the original Safety Trained Supervisor concept to a wide
range of businesses and industries.
Evaluation of its employees fundamental safety knowledge.

Demonstrated competency of its employees by examination.
Increased safety awareness among employees.
Improved safety culture.
Reduced workers compensation claims and reduced
insurance premiums.
Reduced need for safety professionals on smaller projects or
assignments.
The STS-General Industry examination emphasizes general safety

considerations applicable to all industries and relates to OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Standards found in 29 CFR Part
1910.
National Commission for Certifying Agencies, 2025 M Street, NW, Suite 800,
Washington, DC 20036; Phone: 202-367-1165; Web: www.credentialingexcellence.org
STS-Petrochemical
The STS-Petrochemical examination program, which began in
2004, is intended for crew chiefs, supervisors and managers
who handle safety in petrochemical environments. Usually,
individuals who follow the STS-Petrochemical track do remote
site work with hazardous chemicals.
STS-Mining
Seeing a need to expand the STS line to include mining, BCSP
created the STS-Mining program beginning in 2011. The program
emphasizes safety and incident investigation within job sites and
among work groups in the context of mining.
Other industry groups under consideration are:
Government
Manufacturing
Health care
Retail
Transportation
Pest control

STS and Multiple Examinations
With the expansion of the Safety Trained Supervisor certification
to a variety of industries, there is a possibility for someone
holding the STS certification to pursue passing examinations for
more than one industry. Below is a summary of how passing
multiple STS industry examinations works.
There is only one certification, Safety Trained Supervisor,
regardless of which industry group examination someone
passes or how many different examinations someone passes.
If someone holds the STS certification and is in good
standing, regardless of the industry group examination
originally used to achieve the STS, the certificant can choose
to register for and pass other industry group examinations.
After passing each industry group examination, candidates
will receive certificates stating what industry group
examinations were passed.
Upon annual renewal, someone having passed multiple
industry group examinations will receive a single wallet card
showing that the person is certified as a Safety Trained
Supervisor. The Annual Renewal Fee applies to the
certification itself and there is no separate fee for each
industry examination passed.
The recertification cycle is based on the date a certificant
passed the first industry group examination and achieved the
STS certification.
Completing recertification requirements (see page 4) allows
the certificant to retain use of the STS certification as long as
other requirements are met. There is no separate
recertification for each industry group examination passed.
HOW THE CERTIFICATION WORKS

Qualifications
Fees and Payments
To gain eligibility for a Safety Trained Supervisor examination,

you must be of good moral character and meet the following three
requirements:
There are fees associated with the STS certification. Fees are
nonrefundable and nontransferable between individuals.
The latest fees can be found online at www.bcsp.org/safetycertifications.

The application fee covers processing an application, establishing
eligibility, and creating a candidate record.
1. Have two years of experience in any industry or in the

industry related to the version of the STS examination to be

taken.
2. Have one year of experience as a supervisor or safety

leader of a work group. Examples are manager, foreman,

crew chief, superintendent, or member of a safety

committee. This experience can be concurrent with

Requirement #1.

2a.
If you are training to become a supervisor or safety

leader and do not have the one year of experience in

such roles, you can substitute two additional years

of industry experience in Requirement #1.
3. Have completed 30 hours of formal safety training through

a single course or multiple training courses.
The examination authorization fee covers arranging for and

delivering an examination and subsequent results information.
The examination authorization fee covers one examination
only and any retake requires paying an additional examination
authorization fee.
The Annual Renewal Fee covers retaining the STS certification
on an annual basis. For the first calendar year or portion of a
calendar year, the fee is prorated for the remaining portion of the
year after achieving the STS certification. Payment of the Annual
Renewal Fee is subject to a late payment fee if payment occurs
after the payment deadline. The STS certification becomes invalid
if the Annual Renewal Fee is not paid.
To achieve the STS certification, you must pass a Safety Trained

Supervisor examination.
The Certification Process
Individuals or employers may pay fees. Checks, money orders,

and credit cards are acceptable forms of payment. Make checks
and money orders payable to BCSP. Pay all fees in U.S. dollars
drawn on a U.S. bank.
The following is an outline of the general process for achieving

the STS certification:
You (or your employer) will complete and submit your
application form and application fee to BCSP.
BCSP will review your application and notify you (or your
employer) whether you meet the qualifications to sit for an
STS examination.
You must pass the STS examination within one year
following the date on which BCSP declares you eligible for
the examination.
If you are eligible for an STS examination, you must register
to take the STS examination version that you prefer and pay
the examination fee. Your employer may register and pay for
your examination.
BCSP will issue to you (or through your employer) an
examination authorization good for 120 days and details
about scheduling your examination.
You must make an examination appointment at a convenient
time at a testing center.
You will take the applicable STS examination at the time
arranged at a testing center.
When you finish your examination, you will receive
examination results before leaving. If you pass the
examination, BCSP will send you your certificate by mail
within three weeks. If you fail the examination, you will
have to prepare for, register and pay for, and retake the
applicable STS examination. You may retake the STS
examination as often as desired, but must register and pay
for each examination retake.
To retain the certification, you (or your employer) must pay
the Annual Renewal Fee (which is prorated for the first
partial year).
To retain the certification, you must also meet STS
Recertification requirements (see page 4).
Non-sufficient fund (NSF) checks will stop action on the

certification process for any candidate or certificate holder
covered by the check and any related NSF fees are billed to the
check originator.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses the cost
of the Construction, General Industry, Petrochemical, and Mining
examinations for qualified individuals. Contact your regional VA
office (click on Contact VA at www.va.gov) to establish whether
you are qualified and for reimbursement procedures.
Eligibility and Eligibility Time Limit
After reviewing your application and verifying that all
qualifications are met, BCSP will declare you eligible to sit for the
STS examination. The eligibility is good for one year from the
date BCSP established your eligibility. Within that year, you must
pass the STS examination. If your eligibility expires, you must
submit a new application with a new application fee.
Examination Authorization and Examination Authorization
Time Limit
After BCSP sends you a notice that you are eligible to sit for
an STS examination, you may register with BCSP to take an
examination at any time within time limits. After purchasing
an examination authorization, you will have 120 days to take
the examination. If you need to extend the 120-day examination
authorization period, BCSP allows you to purchase a one-time,
60-day examination authorization extension.
You should make an appointment eight or more weeks in advance
of your preferred testing date to ensure an available appointment
time. The testing centers handle many other examinations beside
the STS examinations.
Non-Discrimination
There are several options for recertifying. The options include:
BCSP evaluates applicants and candidates objectively without

regard to age, gender, race, religion, national origin, marital
status, disability, or sexual orientation.
1. Taking and passing any STS examination.

2. Achieving the Construction Health and Safety Technician
(CHST), Occupational Health and Safety Technologist
(OHST), or Certified Environmental, Safety and Health
Trainer(CET)certification from BCSP during the
Recertification cycle. It is also possible to recertify if you
achieve the Certified Safety Professional (CSP ) or Associate
Safety Professional (ASP).
3. Completing 30 hours of additional safety and health training
or teaching during the five-year cycle.
To qualify, training must be formal, documented

courses in any format, such as live, video, CD-ROM,

Internet, or conference (local, regional, national, or

within a company).
To qualify, teaching includes any safety and health

courses, including tool-box talks. Count repeated
courses only once, unless the course is changed
significantly between offerings.
Criminal Conviction and Professional Registration Denied

Policy
BCSP requires applicants to disclose criminal convictions,
disciplinary actions, and denial or revoked certifications, licenses
and professional registrations. BCSP uses its policy relating to
criminal convictions to determine whether the application can
proceed or whether it will be terminated. In some cases, a BCSP
attorney must contact the applicant to clarify information about
the conviction. A copy of the BCSP criminal conviction policy
appears at www.bcsp.org/About_BCSP.
BCSP also requires applicants to disclose any disciplinary actions
or denial of certifications, licenses or professional registrations
taken against the applicant by the issuing certification board
or agency. BCSP determines whether the action should be
considered in the certification application process.
An employer or the offering organization must document the

course, dates, topic, and participation of the individual or verify
the participation for safety and health training and teaching. If
Recertification requirements are not met, the STS certification will
become invalid.
Applicants are required to provide disclosure of:

1.
2.
3.
4.
All felony convictions

All misdemeanor convictions within the past five (5) years
(Minor traffic violations and petty offenses DO NOT have
to be reported)
Any record of unethical behavior
Information related to having a professional license
or certification denied, suspended or revoked for
reasons other than not meeting qualifications, failure of
examination, or failure to pay renewal fees
Code of Ethics
Applicants for the STS certification agree to abide by the BCSP
Code of Ethics. You may view the BCSP Code of Ethics on the BCSP
website at www.bcsp.org. Violations may lead to disciplinary
action by BCSP and potentially a reprimand, suspension or
revocation of certification.
Appeals
You may appeal decisions related to earning and maintaining
BCSP credentials.
Requests for appeal must be submitted to the Chief Executive
Officer in writing and in accordance to the current appeals policy
located online at www.bcsp.org/About_BCSP.
Recertification
To retain the STS certification, you must recertify every five years.
The purpose of Recertification is to help ensure that certificants
remain knowledgeable in safety and health practices applicable to
managers, supervisors, and work group safety leaders. National
accreditation standards for certification programs require
recertification.
The Recertification cycle is based on the date a certificant passed
the STS examination and achieved the STS certification. It
officially begins on January 1 of the year following this date and
ends on December 31 of the fifth full year. The first Recertification
cycle may be longer than five years because it includes the partial
year after passing an STS examination.
Near the end of your five-year Recertification cycle, BCSP will
notify you that you must meet Recertification requirements to
retain your certification into another cycle.
OVERVIEW OF THE STS EXAMINATION

The STS Examination
They are functional outlines. They identify the tasks that

Safety Trained Supervisors may perform. Within each task
are the knowledge and skills needed to perform the task. The
examination items are constructed around the knowledge
statements. Each domain contains items from among the tasks
and knowledge statements sufficient to meet the portion of the
examination devoted to each domain.
All versions of the STS examinations contain 100 multiple-choice

items, each with one correct answer and three incorrect answers.
You will have two hours to complete the STS examination.
Examinations are closed book, and accessing external reference
materials during your examination is not permitted. For use
during the examination, the testing center will provide you with
materials for working out calculations by hand.
Examination Passing Scores
Computer-based Testing
BCSP uses a criterion-referenced procedure (the modified Angoff

method) to establish minimum passing scores for examinations.
This procedure ensures that your score is independent of scores
for other candidates sitting for the examination. This procedure
involves having a panel of experts rate each examination
item with respect to a candidate who would just meet the
minimum requirements to sit for the examination and should
know the correct answer. Results across all raters and across
all examination items calculate the minimum passing score.
The ratings reflect such things as the difficulty of items and the
degree to which items are common for all areas of professional
practice. As examinations are modified on a regular basis, the
minimum passing score is adjusted for the difficulty of items on
the examination. Item performance is also evaluated regularly
to ensure that BCSP examinations maintain the highest testing
standards.
The STS examinations use computer-based testing, with one item

appearing on the screen at a time. You simply use a mouse to
point to the desired answer and click on it to select it. You can
change the answers the same way.
You can mark items to return to later or simply skip them and
move to the next item. At the end of the examination, there is a
table of items and answers selected. The table also shows skipped
and marked items. You can return to any item by simply clicking
on the item number.
Prior to beginning the actual examination, there is a tutorial.
After completing the examination, you will log off to formally
submit your examination for scoring. You will then receive score
results before you leave the testing center.
Those who fail an STS examination may retake the examination

as often as they wish. There is no required time interval
between examination attempts. However, after failing an STS
examination, it is essential to improve your knowledge of topics
covered in order to improve the chances of passing. Retaking
the examination is not likely to improve your score unless you
enhance what you know. Your score report helps identify topics
to know better.
Post-examination Surveys and Reporting Problems with Your

Examination Experience
At the end of your examination (before you leave your computer
testing workstation), you will have an opportunity to complete
a brief survey. Please spend the time to answer the questions
and make comments so BCSP can improve the STS certification
process. Also, a few days after you complete your examination,
Pearson VUE may select you to receive an online survey
that relates to how well Pearson VUE managed your testing
experience. BCSP encourages you to complete this survey if you
are selected to receive it. Both surveys help BCSP and Pearson
VUE measure and improve our services.
Examination Development and Revisions

BCSP updates examinations continuously. Most items come from
safety and loss control specialists in practice. Before items are
accepted into item banks, they go through rigorous technical,
psychometric, and grammatical editing. In addition, practitioners
with expertise in the subject area of the item review edited items
on several criteria, including importance in and relevance to STS
practice. Also, 1015% of the items on BCSP examinations are
experimental, and do not contribute to a candidates pass/fail
decision. BCSP analyzes the performance of these experimental
items before deciding to include them in the official item bank.
Items that successfully complete these quality processes are
placed in the item bank for potential use in examinations.
BCSP values your feedback, and if there were problems with your
examination experience (e.g., computer delivery issues, delays
in checking you in, power failures), we want to know about
them as soon as possible. Within 30 days of your examination,
notify BCSP directly if you experienced problems so we can
investigate them. After 30 days elapse beyond your examination
appointment, BCSP no longer can begin an investigation of any
specific examination problems you encountered.
Examination Blueprints
Throughout item development, examination development,

examination revision, and examination administration, BCSP
consults with experienced testing specialists (psychometricians)
to ensure that BCSP examinations and the entire testing and
certification process conform to acceptable practice.
Periodically, BCSP will validate the content of the STS

examinations to help ensure that they reflect what is important,
relevant, and critical in the industry. The process for validating
certification examinations against current practices produces
examination blueprints.
Calculations
The examination blueprints (content outline and distribution of

questions across the outline) for each of the STS examinations
appears in this handbook. You can find the STS blueprints
starting on page 7
.
Some items on BCSP examinations require you to make

computations to determine the correct answer. Solutions to these
items are usually rounded to two or three significant figures. You
should select the answer closest to the computed value.
SAMPLE STS EXAMINATION ITEMS

The following questions are typical of those covering task areas
on the STS examinations and illustrate the difficulty level.
6.

When one or more employees enter a permit-required

confined space, what must be shown on the permit?
Select the one best response for each question below.
1.
1.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 includes

a requirement for employers called the general duty clause.
Which best describes the general duty clause?
2.
1.
4.
2.
3.
4.
2.

8.

Point of operation
Shearing
Pinch or nip point
Cutting
5 years
10 years
20 years
30 years
A work environment where safe work practices and habits

are part of the culture starts with a commitment by the
organizations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Safety managers and coordinators

Safety committee
Top management
Line employees
Answers to Sample Questions
A certified person.
A qualified person.
A competent person.
An authorized person.
1. (2) The correct answer comes from Section 5(a)(1) of the

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
2. (3) The correct answer is found in several sources such as

Supervisors Safety Manual published by the National

Safety Council.
3. (4) The authority is found in 29 CFR 1926.32(d).
4. (1) This system of labeling comes from the National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA) 704 standard, and also
appears

in OSHAs hazard communication standard (29 CFR

1926.59

and 29 CFR 1910.1200).
5. (3) The answer is found in the federal OSHA standard for

scaffolding, 29 CFR 1926.451.
6. (4) The federal OSHA standard on permit-required confined

spaces (29 CFR 1910.146 (f)(10) requires that such

confined spaces be monitored and the monitoring results

recorded on the permit.
7. (4) Federal OSHA specifies how long certain records must

be retained. Exposure records requirements appear in 29

CFR 1926.33 and 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(1)(i).
8. (3) Top management initiates an organizations culture

change. Through top managements commitment, line

supervisors and line employees implement the culture

change. This concept is found in the National Safety

Councils Accident Prevention Manual and Supervisors
Safety Manual.
Flammability
Health
Reactivity
Skin irritation
The higher a working surface is above the ground, the greater

the danger of injury from a fall. To prevent falls from
working surfaces, federal OSHA standards require that
guardrails be in place on scaffolds that are more than 45
inches wide when they are at or above what surface height?
1.
2.
3.
4.
An employer must maintain records of employee exposures

to toxic substances or harmful agents. According to federal
OSHA standards, for how long must these records be
maintained?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Chemicals used on job sites may pose a variety of hazards.

Labeling standards provide information about the hazards to
employees and product users. Many labels for chemical
hazards include a diamond shaped symbol divided into four
quadrants with a number in each quadrant, similar to the one
illustrated below. What hazard does the value in the top
quadrant describe?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

7.

An employer can approve or assign a person to perform a

specific task. Under federal OSHA standards, this would
establish the person as:
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.

Employers must provide sanitation facilities and

drinkable water at the job site.
Employers must provide a workplace free from
recognized hazards.
Employers must provide reasonable first aid and medical
treatment services for employees.
Employers must maintain records of job site accidents
and injuries.
A masonry crew uses a mortar mixer that is powered by a

gasoline engine. A V-belt drive runs between the motor
sheave and a sheave attached to the gear mechanism for the
drum. What hazard requiring guarding does the belt drive
exhibit?
1.
2.
3.
4.
3.

3.
The date the entry employees were last trained in

confined space entry
Descriptions and manufacturers of the personal
protective equipment used for the confined space entry
The management point-of-contact for the organization
that controls the confined space
The measured levels of oxygen and airborne flammable
and toxic materials present in the confined space
6 feet above the ground

STS EXAMINATION BLUEPRINTS AND EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS

The STS examination blueprints are based on surveys of what first-line supervisors do in practice. The tables that follow
provide the details. The top levels, called tasks, represent major functions that supervisors perform. Within each task is
a list of knowledge and/or skills required to carry out each task. The percent of the examination devoted to each task is
shown next to the task number.
All four STS industry examinations are receiving important updates and moving to a new version of the examination
July 1, 2013. The new STS examination blueprint will apply to all examinations taken on or after July 1, 2013 and can
be located at in this handbook or at www.bcsp.org/STS.
NOTE: Blueprints are subject to change as they go through scheduled revalidation cycles. Notifications of blueprint changes are released by BCSP
at least two months prior to the implementation of the new blueprint.
STS-CONSTRUCTION
(through June 30, 2013)
10
11
STS-GENERAL INDUSTRY
12
13
14
15
STS-PETROCHEMICAL
16
17
18
19
20
STS-MINING
21
22
23
24
STS-Construction, General Industry, Mining, and Petrochemical

(Effective July 1, 2013)
July 1, 2013. This new STS examination blueprint will apply to all examinations taken on or after July 1, 2013 and can
While all four STS examinations will now share the same blueprint, 25% of the questions in each exam are industryspecific.
25
Safety Trained Supervisor Examination Blueprint

Effective July 1, 2013
Task 1 (9%): Conduct risk assessments by performing pre-task hazard analyses and evaluating personal
protective equipment (PPE), tools, equipment, and job expectations, in order to mitigate hazardous conditions
and minimize the risk of incident or injury.

Knowledge Areas:
1. Principles of risk assessment
2. Risk assessment procedures
3. Components of pre-task hazard analyses (e.g., job hazard analysis,
job safety analysis, activity hazard analysis, job task analysis)
4. Hazards associated with tasks
5. Available or applicable PPE, tools, and equipment
6. Limitations of PPE, tools, and equipment
7. Proper use, care, and maintenance requirements of PPE, tools,
and equipment
Skill Areas:
1. Communicating effectively
2. Developing and conducting pre-task hazard analyses
3. Recognizing hazards and mitigating exposures
4. Using, caring for, and maintaining PPE, tools, and equipment
5. Inspecting for the proper use, care, and maintenance of PPE,
tools, and equipment
6. Using testing equipment (e.g., air quality, air velocity, noise)
7. Creating proper documentation
Task 2 (7%): Confirm that employees have the necessary job-specific technical skills and qualifications by
observing work practices or reviewing training records in order to ensure competent staff.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Work practices and procedures
2. Procedures for observing work practices
3. Training requirements for job tasks
4. Sources for applicable standards (e.g., consensus standards,
government agencies, manufacturers, company policy)
Skill Areas:
1. Recognizing desirable and undesirable workplace behavior (e.g.,
proactive, impaired)
2. Measuring employees performance through observation
3. Accessing and reading training records
4. Applying applicable standards to the evaluation of employees
technical skills
Task 3 (9%): Ensure that personnel in the work area are oriented to safety and health considerations by
communicating hazardous conditions and monitoring behaviors in order to help ensure that applicable rules and
emergency actions plans are understood.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Principles of hazard assessment
2. Components of new hire orientation programs
3. Principles of risk assessment
4. Components of emergency action plans
6. Principles of behavior-based safety
7. Characteristics of proactive and reactive safety cultures
Skill Areas:
1. Communicating hazards
2. Conducting new employee orientation
4. Conducting worksite inspections
5. Conducting safety meetings
6. Coaching safe behavior
7. Comparing safety performance to applicable standards
8. Communicating the emergency action plan
Task 4 (9%): Evaluate work practices by observing employees behavior and their use of PPE, tools, and
equipment in order to minimize the risk of incident or injury and to comply with applicable standards.
Knowledge Areas:
2. Types of workplace behavior (e.g., proactive, impaired)
and equipment
Skill Areas:
1. Recognizing desirable and undesirable workplace behavior (e.g.,
proactive, impaired)
2. Measuring employees performance through observation
3. Defusing emotionally charged situations
5/13
26
Safety Trained Supervisor

Examination Blueprint (continued)
Task 5 (8%): Ensure safety and health standards are implemented through coaching and by correcting observed
deficiencies in order to maintain a safe and healthful work environment.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Methods for implementing safety and health rules and
regulations
2. Methods for coaching employees
3. Methods for correcting observed deficiencies
Skill Areas:
1. Coaching safe behavior
2. Correcting observed deficiencies
3. Applying safety and health standards appropriately
Task 6 (9%): Take appropriate action when confronted with unsafe acts and conditions by exercising stop-work
authority, modifying tasks, escalating issues to higher management, consulting with qualified professionals
(when the matter is outside the scope of the supervisors capabilities, etc.) and disciplining employees in order
to minimize the risk of incident or injury.
Knowledge Areas:
3. Unsafe acts and conditions
4. Stop-work policies and procedures
5. Modifications of tasks to improve safety
6. Organizational structure and lines of communication
7. Disciplinary action policies and procedures
8. Roles and responsibilities of management and coworkers
Skill Areas:
1. Recognizing unsafe acts and conditions
2. Responding to unsafe acts and conditions
3. Exercising leadership
5. Documenting unsafe behaviors and conditions, and actions taken
in response
Task 7 (8%): Facilitate a positive, proactive safety culture by anticipating hazards, modeling and coaching safe
behavior, reporting incidents, encouraging employee participation, and communicating performance measures
in order to enhance safety and health.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Characteristics of a positive, proactive safety culture
2. Safe work practices and procedures
4. Methods for modeling and coaching safe behavior
5. Methods for correcting observed deficiencies
7. Policies and procedures related to incident reporting
Skill Areas:
1. Recognizing and rewarding safe work practices
2. Correcting observed deficiencies
3. Conducting safety meetings
4. Modeling and coaching safe behavior
5. Applying safety and health standards appropriately
Task 8 (7%): Evaluate employees using safety performance and behavior as key criteria in order to hold
employees accountable for safety.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Components of employee performance systems
2. Essential behavior to include in performance evaluations (e.g., job
safety requirements, attitude toward safety, use of PPE, tools,
and equipment)
3. Principles of behavior-based safety
4. Methods for encouraging proactive workplace behavior
5. Methods for holding employees accountable for safe work
performance (e.g., positive reinforcement, negative
reinforcement)
Skill Areas:
1. Making objective observations
2. Comparing safety performance to applicable standards (e.g.,
consensus standards, government agencies, manufacturers,
company policy)
3. Providing feedback on safe work performance
4. Communicating proactively
5. Listening to suggestions
6. Tasking disciplinary actions
5/13
27
Safety Trained Supervisor

Examination Blueprint (continued)
Task 9 (7%): Participate in investigations that determine causes, identify corrective actions, document lessons
learned, and address employee concerns using recognized investigation techniques in order to minimize the risk
of workplace incidents.
Knowledge Areas:
and equipment
6. Principles of incident investigation and root cause analysis
7. Roles and responsibilities of various personnel involved with
investigations
8. Communication requirements related to investigations at all
organizations levels (e.g., crisis management, company policy)
9. Development and uses of lessons learned
Skill Areas:
1. Conducting incident investigations
2. Identifying corrective actions
3. Identifying root causes
4. Accessing and documenting lessons learned
5. Addressing employees concerns
Task 10 (6%): Verify the effectiveness of emergency action plans through training and practice in order to ensure
effective response in crises.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Principles of emergency action planning
2. Components of emergency action plans
3. Training techniques and exercises (e.g., simulation, drill)
4. Crisis management techniques that include first response
protocols
Skill Areas:
1. Communicating the emergency action plan
2. Conducting emergency action drills
3. Conducting training related to emergency action plans and crisis
management plans
4. Preparing after-action reports that include lessons learned
Task 11 (7%): Coordinate operations and work processes with other supervisors by communicating effectively in
order to minimize risk.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Roles and responsibilities of other management personnel
4. Communication strategies and requirements
5. Crew coordination techniques (e.g., between shift changes, upon
recognizing adjacent area hazards)
6. Inspection and documentation procedures
7. Hazards related to work processes
Skill Areas:
2. Using standard terminology
4. Minimizing exposures through risk assessment
5. Recording shift events
Task 12 (9%): Perform safety and health-related record keeping in accordance with applicable standards using
established procedures in order to document essential processes.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Events that require documentation (e.g., task analysis, safety
meetings, on-the-job training, inspections, incident
investigations)
2. Safety and health record keeping systems
4. Confidentiality requirements
Skill Areas:
1. Writing clearly and effectively
2. Using established documentation procedures and forms
3. Maintaining confidentiality of records
Task 13 (5%): Comply with company and BCSP Code of Ethics by resolving issues consistently with these
requirements in order to protect the interests of employees, employers, and other stakeholders.
Knowledge Areas:
1. Components of company and BCSP Code of Ethics
Skill Areas:
1. Resolving issues ethically
5/13
28
PREPARING FOR THE STS EXAMINATION

You may use various approaches to prepare for an STS
examination, including:
Performing individual study.
Participating in informal study groups.
Attending formal review courses.
Some keys to success include:

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

Having an examination preparation plan.
Developing a test-taking strategy.
Understanding how to use your calculator.
Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

A self-evaluation will help you determine how well you know
various subjects included on an STS examination. Simply rate
yourself on each major and minor subject area included on the
examination. Focus especially on the knowledge statements, since
they form the basis for examination items.
Having an Examination Preparation Plan
You can use your self-evaluation ratings to help establish a study
plan. The examination blueprint shows how the items on an
examination are distributed across tasks. While the exact number
of items devoted to each task may vary on an actual examination,
one can estimate about how many items may be devoted to each
particular subject by assuming a uniform distribution within a
domain.
The total number of items that you get correct on an STS
examination determines whether you pass. The goal is to get
enough items correct to pass the examination. Scoring well in one
subject area can compensate for a weaker score in another subject
area. However, there may not be enough items in your strong
areas to achieve a passing score. Most likely you will have to get
items correct in your moderate and weak areas.
Use this information to form a preparation strategy. If you know
a subject well and are likely to get most items for that subject
correct on the examination, you have few additional opportunities
to increase your score within that subject. If you are likely to get
few items correct for another subject, you have a larger number of
chances to gain points by studying that subject.
Convert your subject strengths and weaknesses into a study plan
that is likely to increase your overall examination score. You
will want to refresh your knowledge in all subjects. It is also a
good idea to study subjects that offer the greatest opportunity to
increase your overall score.
Make a chart of subjects. List for yourself how you will prepare
for each subject. You may want to identify study hours for each,
create a study schedule, or even chart out how you plan to
prepare for each subject (reading, practicing working calculations,
study group, refresher course, etc.).
Note that knowledge and understanding are essential in passing
the examinations. Relying only on practice examination questions
is not the best way to increase knowledge and understanding that
form the foundation for examination questions.
Developing a Test-taking Strategy

Knowing how to take examinations will help improve your
score. An STS examination uses multiple-choice items. Each item
has one correct answer and three incorrect answers. Remember,
the goal is to get as many items correct as possible. There is no
penalty on an STS examination for incorrect answers. Only correct
answers count toward reaching the passing score. All items have
the same value.
Understand Item Construction
A four-choice, objectively scored examination item contains an
item stem and four possible answers. The premise, or lead-in
statement or question, is called the stem. One of the choices is
correct and three are not.
Guess Intelligently
If you do not know the answer to an item or are not sure about it,
you should guess intelligently. Look for choices that you know
are incorrect or do not appear as plausible as others. Choose your
answer from among the remaining choices. This increases your
odds of selecting a correct answer.
Read the Items Carefully
Read each item carefully. Consider the item from the viewpoint
of an examination writer. Look for the item focus. Each item
evaluates some subject or piece of knowledge. Try to identify
what knowledge the item is trying to test. Avoid reading things
into an item. The item can only test on the information actually
included. Recognize that the stem for some items may include
information that is not needed to answer the question.
Consider the Context
Often an item is framed around a particular industry or situation.
Even if you do not work in that industry or have not experienced
a particular situation, the item may be testing knowledge that you
have. Avoid dismissing an item because of the context.
Use Examination Time Wisely
When taking your examination, complete those items first that
you know or can answer quickly. Then go back to items that were
difficult for you or required considerable time to read, analyze, or
compute. This approach allows you to build your score as quickly
as possible. You may want to go back over skipped or marked
items several times.
Complete Skipped Items
After you have gone through the examination once or if you are
running out of time, look for items that you have not answered.
Select an answer for any skipped or incomplete item. By chance
alone, you can get one of every four correct. Guess intelligently
after eliminating incorrect choices. Wrong answers have no
penalty.
Go Back to Troublesome Items
Mark items that you are not sure about or items that are difficult
for you. After you have worked through the entire examination,
go back to marked items. Reread the items and study the choices
again. You may recall some knowledge or information that
you had not considered earlier and be able to answer the item
correctly. You may also be able to eliminate a choice that is not
correct and increase your chances of guessing the correct answer.
29
Understanding How to Use Your Calculator

Some items on an STS examination require completing
calculations to obtain the correct answer. You must bring your
own calculator(s) and your calculator(s) must meet BCSP
calculator rules (page 33). Make sure you know how to use your
calculator. You can waste valuable time figuring out how to use
it after you are at the examination. You can also make errors in
computations if you have not practiced using your calculator.
It is a good idea to practice working solutions to computational
problems to remember the correct procedures.
Other Review and Study Sources
Some employers, professional membership organizations,
trade organizations, and private companies offer study courses,
software, and materials to assist candidates with preparing for an
STS examination.
Other than materials copyrighted and/or published by
BCSP (e.g., Candidate Handbook), BCSP does not have any
involvement in the development, content, or distribution
of any courses or materials associated with preparing for
BCSP certification examinations. BCSP does not endorse any
providers, nor does BCSP evaluate providers or providers
materials for consistency with an STS examination blueprint.
Published References Presenting Coverage of Subject Matter
Associated with the STS Examination Blueprints
You should also draw on study references in your own library
or a company library. These published references provide
reasonable coverage of the subject matter associated with all
three STS examination blueprints. Examination items are not
necessarily taken directly from these sources. You may have
previous or later editions of these or other references available
that also present acceptable coverage of the subject matter.
1. Accident Prevention Manual, Administration & Programs,

12th Edition, National Safety Council, Itasca, IL, 2001.

STS-Construction
STS-Petrochemical
STS-Mining
2. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29 (Labor), Part 1903

(Inspections, Citations, and Proposed Penalties).
STS-Construction
STS-Mining
(Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness).
STS-Petrochemical
(Occupational Safety and Health Standards).

STS-Construction (when referenced by 29 CFR 1926)

STS-Petrochemical
STS-Mining
5. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29 (Labor), Part 1910.119

(Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals).
STS-General Industry (general)
STS-Petrochemical (emphasis)
(Safety and Health Regulations for Construction).
STS-Construction
STS-General Industry (as required for construction-related
activities)
STS-Mining
STS-Petrochemical (as required for construction-related
activities)
REVIEW AND STUDY SOURCES
C = Course
G = Guide
ClickSafety (C,S)
2185 N California Boulevard, Suite 425
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
+1 925-855-7233 or Toll Free at +1 800-971-1080
www.clicksafety.com
S = Software
Kendrick Global Enterprises, LLC (C)

+1 817-428-3270
www.theststraininggroup.com
National Center for Construction Education
and Research (C, G)
13614 Progress Boulevard
Alachua, FL 62615
+1 888-622-3720; +1 352-334-0911
www.nccer.org
Datachem Software (S)

69 Milk Street, Suite 300
Westborough, MA 01581
+1 800-377-9717
www.datachemsoftware.com
SafeTeach-Global (C)
1325 Overstreet Lane
Lagrange, KY 40031
+1 502-225-0503
safeteach-global.com
Kaplan EduNeering (C)

202 Carnegie Center, Suite 301
Princeton, NJ 08540
+1 877-EDU-NEER (+1 877-338-6337)
www.kaplaneduneering.com
30
7. Construction Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition, Mark McGuire

Moran, Government Institutes, Inc., Rockville, MD, 2003.
Examination Security
STS-Construction
STS-Mining
8. Field Safety, National Center for Construction Education and
Research, Gainesville, FL, 2003.
STS-Construction
STS-Mining
9. Manual of Accident Prevention for Construction, 8th Edition,
Associated General Contractors of America, Arlington, VA,
2003.
STS-Construction
STS-Mining
10. Occupational Health & Safety, 3rd Edition, National Safety
Council, Itasca, IL, 2000.
STS-Petrochemical
11. Official OSHA Construction Safety Handbook, 5th Edition,
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Neenah, WI, 2005.
STS-Construction
STS-Mining
12. Safety Supervision, 2nd Edition, Dan Peterson, American
Society of Safety Engineers, Des Plaines, IL, 1999.

A key to a successful and respected certification program is

examination security. Without it, a program has little value.
BCSP relies on the ethical behavior of candidates and certificants
to maintain the security of BCSP examinations.
The only information BCSP provides about the content of STS
examinations are the detailed examination blueprints (starting
on page 8). The blueprints are available to anyone. When those
who have taken, or who will take, an STS examination reveal
information about the content of the STS examination (other
than that which is on the published examination blueprint), they
violate the agreement all candidates accept when they apply for
certification and when they take an examination.
BCSP copyrights the STS examinations. Applicants, candidates,
or certificants who reveal information about the content of BCSP
examinations through any means also violate the BCSP Discipline
Procedures and the STS Code of Conduct.
BCSP has taken action and will continue to take action against
individuals who violate this trust. Penalties include permanently
barring individuals from pursuing any BCSP designation and
revoking their BCSP certifications, in addition to other legal
remedies.
In addition, BCSP will pursue legal action against organizations
or individuals not seeking certification who reveal information
about the content of an STS examination (other than that which is
on the published examination blueprint).
STS-Construction
STS-Petrochemical
STS-Mining
13. Safety Technology, National Center for Construction

Education and Research, Gainesville, FL, 2003.
STS-Construction
STS-Mining
14. Supervisors Safety Manual, 9th Edition, National Safety
Council, Itasca, IL, 1997.

STS-Construction
STS-Petrochemical
STS-Mining
15. Youve Just Been Made the Supervisor...Now What?, Onion

and OToole, National Safety Council, Itasca, IL, 2003.

STS-Construction
STS-Petrochemical
STS-Mining
31
TAKING AN STS EXAMINATION

BCSP uses computer delivered examinations at testing centers
operated by Pearson VUE. You do not need computer skills.
Once BCSP makes you eligible for the STS examination and you
are ready to take the examination, you need to take the following
actions.

Locate a Pearson VUE Testing Center

Purchase an Examination Authorization
Receive Your Examination Authorization Letter
Schedule an Examination Appointment
Take the Examination
After you take an examination, BCSP will mail your official

examination result and related materials to you.
Locate a Pearson VUE Testing Center
To ensure that a Pearson VUE testing center is suitably convenient
to you, visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP. Click on the Locate
a Testing Center link on the website page. If you do not have
Internet access, contact BCSP to help you find a nearby testing
center.
Purchase an Examination Authorization
After BCSP sends you a notice that you are eligible to sit for
a BCSP examination, you may register with BCSP to take an
examination at any time within your eligibility time limit rules
(page 3).
If you contact BCSP by phone to register and pay for an
examination authorization, a BCSP customer service professional
will verify that you are eligible for the examination and ask you
for credit card/debit card information. You may also pay for
your examination authorization by personal check or money
order by following the instructions in your notice of eligibility
letter.
Receive Your Examination Authorization Letter
After you pay for an examination authorization, BCSP will mail or
email you an Examination Authorization Letter. In it are detailed
instructions for scheduling an examination appointment at a
Pearson VUE testing center. Have this letter available when you
create your online Web account to schedule your appointment
online, or when you make your appointment with Pearson VUE
by phone.
Schedule an Examination Appointment
After you receive your Examination Authorization Letter, you
must schedule an examination appointment directly with Pearson
VUE. A brochure sent with your Examination Authorization
Letter will have additional details for scheduling and
rescheduling (if necessary) your examination appointment. Some
of the rules are outlined on pages 36 and 37 of this publication.
BCSP examinations are available at Pearson VUE testing centers
around the world. Visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP to locate
a testing center near you. All centers are open during normal
weekday business hours, and some have weekend and holiday
hours.
Make your appointment as soon as possible after you receive

your Examination Authorization Letter since available
appointment times at Pearson VUE testing centers are reserved
early. BCSP strongly recommends making your appointment
eight or more weeks in advance. If you wait too long and
find that you are unable to make an appointment to take your
examination within your examination authorization period, you
will forfeit your examination authorization fee, and you will
have to purchase a new examination authorization to sit for the
examination, if you are still eligible.
When you make your appointment, Pearson VUE will send you a
confirmation letter by email or mail containing your examination
appointment details along with driving instructions and other
information. After scheduling your appointment, BCSP suggests
that you confirm your appointment location, date, and time online
at www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.
Take the Examination
Arrival and Preliminary Procedures
Consider arriving at the Pearson VUE testing center 30 minutes
before your appointment starting time to help ensure your signin procedure goes smoothly. The Pearson VUE testing center
staff will tell you where to secure your coat and other personal
belongings and show you the location of the rest rooms. If
you arrive 15 minutes or more after your appointment starting
time, you will be refused admission, and you will forfeit your
examination authorization fee.
Presenting Your Identification
The testing center staff will ask you to present acceptable
identification and ask you to sign your name in a logbook.
Depending on where you are scheduled to take your examination,
the testing center staff also may take your picture and obtain
electronic fingerprint data to confirm your identity.
You must bring a valid, unexpired government-issued
identification document bearing both your picture and signature.
Your name on this identification document must exactly match
the name you used when you applied for certification with BCSP.
If you are not a citizen of the country in which you are testing,
the only acceptable identification document is your valid,
unexpired passport.
Examples of acceptable identification for testing within the
country of your citizenship include your valid, unexpired
passport or your valid, unexpired, non-temporary North
American state or provincial drivers license/identification card,
military identification card, national identification card, European
Identity card, or permanent resident card. If the identification
document you present is expired, invalid, or does not have both
your picture and signature, you will be refused admission, and
you will forfeit your examination authorization fee.
There are additional identification requirements for foreign
nationals testing in the Peoples Republic of China and Hong
Kong, and for citizens of countries against which the U.S. is
enforcing economic and trade sanctions. If you are in one of
the above situations, or if you have any questions related to the
presentation of acceptable identification, contact BCSP before
scheduling your examination appointment.
32
Final Sign-in Procedures

The testing center staff will then provide you with materials for
working out calculations by hand. If you intend to take one or two
calculators with you into the secure testing room, the testing center
staff will inspect each calculator and verify that each calculator
complies with the published BCSP calculator rules in effect when
you sit for the examination.
BCSP Calculator Rules
The following are the only makes and models of calculators
permitted.
Examination Tutorial
When you are ready to begin your examination, you will log on
as instructed by the testing center staff. There will be several
introductory screens, including a screen where you will have
to accept BCSPs Security and Confidentiality Agreement prior
to actually viewing any examination content. Once you accept
BCSPs Security and Confidentiality Agreement, you will be able
to complete a brief tutorial to become familiar with the features of
the examination delivery software. BCSP strongly recommends
that you complete this tutorial. The time you spend on this
tutorial does not count toward your actual testing time.
Examination Duration
Once you finish the online tutorial, your examination clock
will actually begin. You will have two hours to complete the
STS examination. At the end of your examination (after you
are shown your result), you will be asked to complete a postexamination survey.
Casio models FX-115, FX-250, FX-260, FX-300

Hewlett-Packard models hp 9, hp 10, hp 12, hp 30
Texas Instruments models TI-30, TI-34, TI-35, TI-36
Any version of these makes and models may be used. For
example, a Hewlett-Packard hp 30s is permitted, as is a Texas
Instruments TI-30Xa.
Your time remaining will appear on the computer screen. If you

leave your computer testing workstation for any reason during
the examination, your clock will continue to run.
Examination Integrity and Security

After the sign-in procedure is completed, the testing center staff
will escort you into the secure testing room and seat you at your
computer testing workstation. Other than the materials provided
by the testing center staff for working out calculations and your
authorized calculators, you cannot take any notes, books, papers,
purses, hats, coats, jackets, pagers, mobile telephones, or other
materials or electronic devices into the secure testing room. In
addition, no food, drinks, or tobacco products are permitted in the
secure testing room at any time. All such items must be stored
outside the secure testing room. You may access only your stored
food, drinks, or tobacco products (when permitted by local law)
during self-scheduled breaks you take outside the secure testing
room. You may not access your other personal belongings at all
until you complete your examination. During breaks, you are
not permitted to have contact with anyone other than the testing
center staff.
Examination Format
One item will appear one the screen at a time. You may answer
the item, mark the item for later review, or skip the item
completely. Even if you mark an item because you intend to
review the item later, BCSP recommends that you select an
answer anyway in case you run out of time and are unable to
return to review the marked item.
After you have seen all of the examination items, you will be
presented with a review screen that presents a list of all items and
your responses. This list will also show whether you skipped
any items or marked any for later review. You may easily return
to any item on this table by simply clicking on the item using the
computer mouse. Once you return to the item, you may change
your answer selection, if desired, and return to the review screen.
Examination Environment
You may find that the examination room is too cool or too warm
or that the computer testing workstation is not ergonomically
designed for you. In addition, you may be distracted during an
examination by noises such as mouse clicks and typing by other
examinees in the room. BCSP does everything possible to help
make your examination experience a positive one, and many of
these distractions affect people differently. Therefore, you may
want to plan for them. For example, you should consider wearing
clothing that will allow you to remain comfortable in either a cool
or warm environment, and consider having earplugs to block as
much environmental noise as possible. You should contact the
testing center staff if the environmental conditions in the secure
testing room are unreasonable.
Therefore, for the duration of the examination (i.e., while your

examination clock is running, including during self-scheduled
breaks), you shall not:
Consult verbally, electronically, or in writing with any person
other than testing center staff;
Consult any written or electronic reference other than your
authorized calculator(s) and the materials for working out
calculations provided by the testing center staff;
Leave your computer testing workstation, except to take a
self-scheduled break within the building (or part of the
building) controlled by Pearson VUE; or
Leave the building (or part of the building) controlled by
Pearson VUE.
Several security procedures are in place at Pearson VUE testing
centers. Pearson VUE formally documents all irregularities, and
BCSP evaluates these irregularities to determine appropriate
action. Depending on the irregularity, BCSP may invalidate your
examination and take additional disciplinary actions in accordance
with BCSPs Discipline Procedures if you access prohibited
materials, have contact with anyone except testing center staff,
leave the testing center while your examination clock is running,
engage in unethical, disruptive, or unprofessional conduct, or
violate any other BCSP or Pearson VUE security procedures at a
testing center.
Completing the Examination and Getting Your Result

After submitting your survey responses, you may leave your
computer testing workstation and find a member of the testing
center staff to check out.
During the check out procedure, you will have to return any
materials given to you by the testing center staff. The testing
center staff will then give you a printed copy of your examination
result. Within three weeks, BCSP will mail your certification
packet if you have passed the examination. If you do not pass the
examination, BCSP will mail you a new examination order form if
you are still eligible to sit for the exam.
33
Late Arrivals and Missed Appointments

If you fail to keep your scheduled examination appointment,
if you arrive more than 15 minutes beyond the starting time of
your scheduled appointment, or if you fail to present acceptable
identification to the testing center staff when you arrive for your
scheduled appointment, you will be refused admission, and you
will forfeit your examination authorization fee. To sit for the
examination after having been refused admission, you must pay a
new examination authorization fee, if you are still eligible.
Cancelling and Rescheduling Examination Appointments
If you need to cancel and reschedule an examination appointment,
there must be one or more full business days remaining before
the date of your scheduled appointment. Appointments cannot
be canceled and rescheduled if there is less than one full business
day before the date of your scheduled examination appointment.
To reschedule an examination appointment, a Pearson VUE
testing center must have an appointment time available within
the remaining time in your examination authorization period. If
you have to cancel and reschedule your examination appointment
toward the end of your 120-day examination authorization
period, you should consider purchasing a one-time, 60-day
examination authorization extension from BCSP.
Examination Authorization Extensions
After registering and paying for an examination authorization,
you will have 120 days to take the examination. If you need to
extend the 120-day examination authorization period, and you are
testing in the U.S. or Canada, BCSP allows you to purchase a onetime, 60-day extension for a nonrefundable fee. If you are eligible
for this one-time examination authorization extension, BCSP
must receive and acknowledge your payment for the extension at
least two full business days before the date your current 120-day
examination authorization period expires.
If you scheduled an appointment, you are still responsible for
canceling that appointment and rescheduling it even if you
purchased an examination authorization extension. If you fail
to cancel and reschedule your current appointment, you will
forfeit both your examination authorization and extension fees.
Taking an STS Examination for Recertification Credit
An STS in good standing may take and pass any STS
examination during a Recertification cycle to fulfill all
Recertification requirements for that cycle. To take advantage
of this Recertification option, contact BCSP to pay for an STS
examination authorization. If you pass the examination, your
record will be automatically updated to reflect your compliance
with all Recertification requirements for that cycle.
Examinations for Candidates Requiring Special

Accommodations
If you require special examination facilities or arrangements
because of one or more documented disabilities (consistent
with the Americans with Disabilities Act), you must inform
BCSP of these needs at the time you purchase an examination
authorization. You will be asked to provide official medical
documentation describing the nature of your disabilities, the
precise special accommodation(s) recommended for you, and the
name, address, phone number, and qualifications of the licensed
healthcare professional validating your request. Pearson VUE can
accommodate almost all requests for special accommodations.
However, if special accommodations are not available through a
Pearson VUE testing center, BCSP will make other arrangements
to ensure that your needs are met. If, at the time you purchase
your examination authorization, you fail to inform BCSP
of your need for one or more special accommodations, you
will not receive them when you arrive for your examination
appointment. Your special accommodations will not be
granted until BCSP receives and reviews your official medical
documentation and approves your request.
Once BCSP approves your request for special accommodations,
BCSP will notify you and provide you with additional
instructions describing how you will need to schedule your
examination appointment. Note: Be prepared to send BCSP
your medical documentation as soon as you purchase your
examination authorization. Your 120-day examination
authorization clock starts on the day you purchase your
examination authorization even if you are requesting one or more
special accommodations.
Examinations for Candidates Using External Assistive Devices
If you routinely use (or expect use) external assistive devices or
equipment such as crutches, a wheelchair, a cane, a low vision
optical aid, or a hearing aid, you must inform BCSP of your need
to use these external assistive devices in the secure testing room at
the time you purchase an examination authorization. BCSP must
inform Pearson VUE of your need to use one or more external
assistive devices so the Pearson VUE testing center staff can be
prepared to perform appropriate security inspections on these
assistive devices when you arrive. If you fail to inform BCSP of
your need to use one or more external assistive devices, you may
not be permitted to use your assistive devices in the secure testing
room.
Retesting
If you fail your examination, you may register and pay to retake
the examination after you receive your official result and score
report from BCSP. There is no limit to the number of times you
can register for and retake the examination, as long as you remain
eligible. You do not have to reapply for the STS credential after
failing an examination unless your overall eligibility has expired.
Eligibility time limit rules are summarized on page 3 of this
publication.
34
Other Testing Arrangements

If there is no Pearson VUE testing center near you and if you
are not planning to travel to a city with a Pearson VUE testing
center, BCSP can make special arrangements to deliver a BCSP
examination by special administration (including for U.S. military
personnel in DANTES facilities). Taking a BCSP examination
by special administration is more expensive than taking a
computer-delivered BCSP examination in a Pearson VUE testing
center. If you believe that you will need a special examination
administration, please contact BCSP five or more months prior
to your desired examination date so we can research providing a
special administration for you. Once we understand the special
administration rules and procedures, BCSP will contact you to
explain the special administration rules and procedures and to
provide you with the specific examination authorization fee for
your case.
EMPLOYERS AND SPONSORS: If you are managing

a group of STS candidates and you want to sponsor an
on-site special paper-and-pencil administration of STS
examinations to a group of your employees and contractors
(whether or not there is a Pearson VUE testing center in
your area), please refer to the STS Group Management
Handbook, online at www.bcsp.org/groupmanagement.
35
SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES

(Testing Within the United States and Canada)
When making plans to take an STS examination in the United States, its territories, or Canada, consider the following rules for computerdelivered examinations. All fees are subject to change.
Once you register and pay for an examination authorization, you have 120 days from your registration date to schedule an appointment
with Pearson VUE and take the STS examination. If you need additional time beyond 120 days, you may purchase a one-time, 60-day
extension of your examination authorization. Therefore, a maximum of 180 days is available for you to take your examination after
you register and pay for your examination authorization. No additional extensions to your examination authorization are permitted
beyond the one-time, 60-day extension.
To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly recommends that you
visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP and register online. You may also call the Pearson VUE North American registration center at 1-866717-3653 (8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time, closed on U.S. holidays). You cannot schedule a new appointment or
cancel/reschedule an existing appointment directly with a local Pearson VUE testing center or directly with BCSP. When you make or
change your appointment with Pearson VUE, have your Examination Authorization Letter available. After scheduling or rescheduling
your examination appointment, confirm your appointment location, date, and time online at www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.
There must be one or more full business days remaining prior to the date of your existing examination appointment for you to cancel/
reschedule the appointment. Even if you properly cancel an existing examination appointment, to reschedule it, there must be a testing
center with an available appointment during the time remaining in your examination authorization period.
If you have already made an examination appointment within the original 120-day examination authorization period, but you decide
to purchase the one-time, 60-day extension to your examination authorization, you remain responsible for canceling and rescheduling
your existing appointment.
You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:
Fail to take the examination during the 120-day examination authorization period and you did not purchase a one-time, 60-day
examination authorization extension during the 120-day period; or
Fail to take the examination during the 60-day extension of the 120-day examination authorization period even if you purchased
the one-time, 60-day extension; or
Fail to show up for any scheduled examination appointment (even if you purchased an extension); or
Are more than 15 minutes late for any scheduled examination appointment; or
Fail to present acceptable identification to the Pearson VUE staff; or
Fail to follow BCSPs or Pearson VUEs security and administrative procedures at the testing center.
If you forfeit your examination authorization fee, you must register and pay for a new 120-day examination authorization to take the
36
SUMMARY OF COMPUTER-DELIVERED EXAMINATION RULES

(Testing Outside the United States and Canada)
When making plans to take an STS examination outside the United States or Canada, consider the following rules for computerdelivered examinations. All fees are subject to change.
Once you register and pay for an examination authorization, you have 120 days from your registration date to schedule an appointment
with Pearson VUE and take the STS examination.
To schedule a new appointment or to cancel/reschedule an existing examination appointment, BCSP strongly recommends that you
visit www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP and register online. You may also call the Pearson VUE North American registration center at
1-866-717-3653 (8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time, closed on U.S. holidays). You cannot schedule a new appointment or
cancel/reschedule an existing appointment directly with a local Pearson VUE testing center or directly with BCSP. When you make or
change your appointment with Pearson VUE, have your Examination Authorization Letter available. After scheduling or rescheduling
your examination appointment, confirm your appointment location, date, and time online at www.pearsonvue.com/BCSP.
Regional Registration Centers Outside the United States and Canada
Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean (Except U.S. Territories)
1-952-681-3872; 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. weekdays U.S. Eastern Time (closed on U.S. holidays)
Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands (Except U.S. Territories)
61-2-9478-5400; 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. weekdays Australian Eastern Time (closed on Malaysian holidays)
Europe, Middle East, Africa
44-161-855-7455; 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. weekdays Central European Time (closed on UK holidays)
There must be one or more full business days remaining prior to the date of your existing examination appointment for you to cancel/
reschedule the appointment. Even if you properly cancel an existing examination appointment, to reschedule it, there must be a testing center with an available appointment during the time remaining in your examination authorization period.
You forfeit your examination authorization fee when you:

Fail to take the examination during the 120-day examination authorization period; or
Fail to show up for any scheduled examination appointment; or
Are more than 15 minutes late for any scheduled examination appointment; or
Fail to present acceptable identification to the Pearson VUE staff; or
Fail to follow BCSPs or Pearson VUEs security and administrative procedures at the testing center.
If you forfeit your examination authorization, you must register and pay for a new 120-day examination authorization to take the
37
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
How to Apply
The STS Candidate Handbook includes an STS application form that
can be photocopied and used to apply by mail. Be sure to keep a
copy for your records. If you fill out an application form located
on the BCSP web site (www.bcsp.org), print out the completed
form, and mail or fax it to BCSP. Be sure to print a copy for your
files.
Complete all information requested. BCSP will return incomplete
applications. The application fee must accompany the application
or BCSP cannot process it. You can pay by check, money order or
credit card. Staple all application materials together. Any check
or money order should be on top. Do not send any materials that
are not requested in the instructions. Make sure you sign and
date the application before mailing. Mail application and fees to:

STS Applications
BCSP
Champaign, IL 61821
Application Instructions
A STS Examination
Select the examination you would like to take.
B Applicant Information
Please specify your gender as male (M) or female (F).
Enter your last name, family name or surname, first name or
given name, and middle initial. Do not use nicknames. Your
name must appear on your application as it appears on your
drivers license or passport.
Enter your home address. BCSP will use this address to
contact you by mail.
Enter your U.S. Social Security Number (if applicable). BCSP
will never release your Social Security Number.
Enter your date of birth using the MM/DD/YY format.
Select one North American Industry Classification System
(NAICS) code from the table of NAICS codes (Table 2 on
page 39) which best fits your current position. If your
employer has multiple functions, you may add a second
NAICS code on the application. NAICS has replaced the U.S.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.
Provide your home phone, work phone, mobile phone, and
fax numbers, along with your email address(es), so BCSP can
contact you, if necessary.
C Sponsor Information
Enter the name of the company (sponsor), the contact person,
address, email address, and phone number.
D Applicant Payment Information
If payment is by check or money order, check the appropriate
box. Write the check number in the space provided. Make
checks and money orders payable to BCSP. Pay all fees
in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Staple the check or
money order to the front of the application form.
If payment is by credit card, specify the type of credit card
you will use and enter your credit card number, expiration
date, your name as it appears on the card, the CVV/CVV2,
and your signature. The CVV/CVV2 code is a 3- or 4-digit
verification code
on the back of your credit card. This number is printed on

the back of MasterCard, VISA, and Discover/Novus cards in
the signature area after the credit card number. You can find
the 4-digit number on the front of American Express cards
above and to the right or left of the credit card number.
Enter the billing address for the credit card being used. If this
is the same as the home address specified in section A, check
the Same as Home Address box.
Specify if you want an electronic receipt and enter the email
address where this should be sent.
If payment is for a group, refer to page 35.
E Qualifications
Check yes or no for each qualification requirement to indicate
whether you comply with each of them.
F Work Experience
Show your work experience. Include only enough recent
experience to show that you have at least one year of
supervisory experience and two years experience (in
the industry related to the version of the STS examination to
be taken) or additional experience to substitute for
supervisory experience. The two kinds of experience can be
concurrent. For each position and period of employment, list
the start date, end date, number of hours worked during the
period, and the employers name, city, and state. (A standard
40-hour week and 50 weeks per year work schedule is 2,000
hours per year. One month of work at 40 hours per week is
165 hours.) Use standard conversions to hours unless you
have records for the actual number of hours worked. Enter
the total number of hours. For each position and period of
employment, check yes if you were a supervisor, foreman,
manager, or crew chief.
G Safety and Health Training
To qualify for the STS certification, an applicant must list 30
hours of completed safety and health training (unless
their sponsor has signed and attested to their 30 hours of
training). List each training course, its length (in hours),
the course title, the name of the organization conducting
the course and its city and state, and the instructors name.
If you need additional space to list courses, make a copy
of the application form and continue under Safety and
Health Training on the copy. Make a copy of a certificate of
completion (or other proof of attendance) for each course you
list. Enclose the certificate copies with your application. Do
not send any other course materials.
H Validation of Safety and Health Training
Your sponsor or a company officer must attest to your having
completed at least 30 hours of safety and health training.
Your contact should sign and date the application and fill in
the information requested under Validation of Safety
and Health Training. This includes listing his/her name and
title, the company (sponsor) name, address, and phone
number.
I Application Agreement and Signing
Read the application agreement. Enter your signature and the
date to accept it. BCSP will return unsigned applications.
38
Table 2. NAICS Codes
39
Safety Trained Supervisor (STS)
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION

Board of Certified Safety Professionals
2301 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821 | Phone: +1 217-359-9263 | Fax: +1 217-359-0055

Please type or print in ink all requested data. Please use legal name, not a nickname. See the STS Candidate Handbook instructions for completing this form.
STS EXAMINATION
Check the examination you would like to take:
General Industry
A
Construction
Petrochemical
Mining
APPLICANT INFORMATION
GENDER
NAME
HOME
ADDRESS
Last/Family Name
First Name
Middle Name
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (U.S. ONLY)

Street Address
Apartment
Box Number
DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YY)
City
State/Province
NAICS CODE (See Table 2)
Country
1. 2.
Zip/Postal Code (if applicable)
PHONE NUMBERS
(If outside the U.S. or Canada,

include country and city codes)
HOME PHONE (Area Code & Number)
FAX (Area Code & Number)
WORK PHONE (Area Code & Number)
CELL (Area Code & Number)
EMAIL ADDRESS(ES)
SPONSOR INFORMATION (if applicable)

NAME OF COMPANY (SPONSOR)
SPONSOR CONTACT PERSON
SPONSOR ADDRESS
SPONSOR EMAIL ADDRESS
APPLICANT PAYMENT INFORMATION
_SPONSOR PHONE NUMBER
(The application fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.)
FEE PAID BY

$120
Personal Check
Company Check
Cashiers Check
Money Order
Check # ____________
(U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank)
Make checks payable to:
BCSP
CREDIT/DEBIT CARD INFORMATION
American Express
Discover/Novus
MasterCard
VISA
Expiration Date
Credit/Debit Card Number
M M
Y Y
Name as it Appears on Card CVV/CVV2
Signature
Billing Address (Street, City, Province/State, Zip/Postal Code, Country; or Same as Home Address)

I want an electronic receipt sent to this email address:
QUALIFICATIONS

YES NO

a. Have you received at least 30 hours of training in safety and health? (List or have employer certify under Safety and Health Training.)

b. Do you have at least 2 years or 4,000 hours of work experience in your industry?
c. Do you have at least 1 year or 2,000 hours of experience as a foreman, supervisor or crew chief?
(Show your supervisory history under Work Experience.)

If your answer to c was NO and you are preparing to become a supervisor, do you have at least 4 years or 8,000 hours of work experience
in your industry?
STS Application Form

Mail to:
Page 1 of 2
1/2013
BCSP
Fax to:
Champaign, IL 61821
+1 217-359-0055
APPLICANT NAME
WORK EXPERIENCE
Start Date End Date No. of

Employer Name, City, State
(MM/YY) (MM/YY) Hours
Supervisor, Foreman,
Manager or Crew Chief
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
TOTAL HOURS ---->
SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING (This box MUST be completed.)

Training Completed (Certificates of completion or similar documents must be attached for each course unless the Validation of Safety and Health Training box is completed.)
Course Course
End Date Length
Course Title
(MM/YY) (Hours)
Organization Conducting Course, City, State
Name of Instructor
G
TOTAL
HOURS -->
VALIDATION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING (to be completed by sponsor or company officer)
I certify that I am a sponsor of the applicant (or officer of the company) named on this application form and that the applicant has completed at least 30 hours of
training in safety and health subjects.
Name (please print) ___________________________________ Title ____________________________ Company Name __________________________
Address (Street, City, Province/State, Zip/Postal Code, Country) __________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________ Signature _______________________________________________________ Date __________________
APPLICATION AGREEMENT AND SIGNATURE

1. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
2. Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor within the last 5 years?
3. Do you have a record of any unethical behavior?
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
4. Have you ever had a professional registration, license or certification denied, suspended or revoked other than for lack of minimum qualifications, failure of
examination, or failure to pay renewal fees?
YES NO
(If you answered YES to any of the questions 1-4, you must complete the Criminal Conviction & Professional Registration, Certification, or License Information Form
at www.bcsp.org/pdf/ccform.pdf).
5. I understand that any falsification of information on this application including any attachments or supplemental materials, provided now or later, may be cause
for rejection or withdrawal of certification or such other action as BCSP may deem appropriate. I certify that the statements above (including any attachments
submitted, now or later) are accurate to the best of my knowledge. I hereby authorize BCSP to verify any information or supplements submitted.
6. I agree to hold BCSP harmless from any and all liability in the event this application is rejected on the basis of information furnished to BCSP by me or other
persons which would, in the judgment of BCSP, make me ineligible for certification.
7. With this application, I hereby authorize BCSP to publish in all of its directories or registries my name, city, state, country, and any certification it issues to me.
BCSP will make every effort to keep your personal and examination information confidential. BCSP will obtain your approval prior to releasing information
from your BCSP records, other than directories, verification of your certification to the public or a court subpoena for your records.
8. I agree to adhere to the BCSP Code of Ethics in its current and subsequent editions and, if I am certified, to meet the requirements for Recertification (see
http://www.bcsp.org/pdf/BCSPcodeofethics.pdf).
9.
If my application is part of a sponsor group, I hereby authorize BCSP to make my application information, examination score, results information and
certification and recertification status available to the sponsor.
_______________
Date
STS Application Form
Page 2 of 2
_________________________________________
Signature
NOTES
Advancing the Safety, Health and Environmental

Professional Since 1969
2301 W. Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821 USA

P: +1 217-359-9263 | F: +1 217-359-0055
www.bcsp.org
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Candidate Handbook

SAFETY TRAINED SUPERVISOR

TWELFTH EDITION | MAY 2013

Advancing the Safety, Health and Environmental

Safety Trained Supervisor Candidate Handbook

Application for Certification

Improved productivity from better communication among

The Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) certification program is

Benefits for Employees

Typical candidates have a safety responsibility that is adjunct,

Features of the STS Certification

The STS safety responsibility is a part-time responsibility, usually

National Accreditation and Recognition

The Safety Trained Supervisor certification holds national

The STS-Construction program, which began in 1995, is intended

Benefits for Employers and Owners

The STS-General Industry program, which began in 2004,

Evaluation of its employees fundamental safety knowledge.

The STS-General Industry examination emphasizes general safety

HOW THE CERTIFICATION WORKS

Fees and Payments

To gain eligibility for a Safety Trained Supervisor examination,

1. Have two years of experience in any industry or in the

The examination authorization fee covers arranging for and

To achieve the STS certification, you must pass a Safety Trained

Individuals or employers may pay fees. Checks, money orders,

The following is an outline of the general process for achieving

Non-sufficient fund (NSF) checks will stop action on the

There are several options for recertifying. The options include:

BCSP evaluates applicants and candidates objectively without

1. Taking and passing any STS examination.

Criminal Conviction and Professional Registration Denied

An employer or the offering organization must document the

Applicants are required to provide disclosure of:

All felony convictions

OVERVIEW OF THE STS EXAMINATION

They are functional outlines. They identify the tasks that

All versions of the STS examinations contain 100 multiple-choice

Examination Passing Scores

BCSP uses a criterion-referenced procedure (the modified Angoff

The STS examinations use computer-based testing, with one item

Those who fail an STS examination may retake the examination

Post-examination Surveys and Reporting Problems with Your

Examination Development and Revisions

Throughout item development, examination development,

Periodically, BCSP will validate the content of the STS

The examination blueprints (content outline and distribution of

Some items on BCSP examinations require you to make

SAMPLE STS EXAMINATION ITEMS

When one or more employees enter a permit-required

Select the one best response for each question below.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 includes

A work environment where safe work practices and habits

Safety managers and coordinators

Answers to Sample Questions

1. (2) The correct answer comes from Section 5(a)(1) of the

The higher a working surface is above the ground, the greater

An employer must maintain records of employee exposures

Chemicals used on job sites may pose a variety of hazards.

An employer can approve or assign a person to perform a

Employers must provide sanitation facilities and

A masonry crew uses a mortar mixer that is powered by a

The date the entry employees were last trained in