Attachment I. Examination Protocols
Examination Development
The content validity (relevance), fairness and accuracy of the CSSHO examination
are assured:
The BCSSHO and its professional testing company mandate that all aspects of the
examination development, administration, scoring and reporting adhere to U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers EM 385-1-1, international professional standards and
guidelines required in the testing and certification industry. The most important of
these standards are promulgated by such key organizations as the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) 17024 Standards, American Psychological Association (APA), the National
Council on Measurement in Education (NCME), the American Educational Research
Association (AERA), and the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation
(CLEAR). This body of standards provides a means for ensuring that the
assessment process is a fair measure of competence and is legally defensible.
The examination content outline is based upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
EM 385-1-1Safety and Health Requirements Manual which is revalidated on a
periodic basis and as safety regulations change. A focus group methodology is
utilized to annually review a significant percentage of questions using a panel of
CSSHO Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) representing the full complement of diversity
in the field. This provides a documented link between the content of the examination
and practice on the job as a CSSHO.
Examination Design
The CSSHO examination is comprised of 150 4-option multiple choice or, true or
false questions. The exam is administered in paper-pencil at all testing sites.
Candidates are allotted three hours for completion of the exam. Each multiplechoice question has four answer choices; only one answer choice is correct. Each
True or False question has only one correct answer.
Candidates are encouraged to read the questions carefully, choosing the single best
response. Questions with multiple answer choices marked will be scored as
incorrect. Candidates are advised to first answer the questions that they are sure of,
returning to the more difficult questions as time allows. Credit is given only for
questions that have responses. Questions left blank will be scored as incorrect:
There is no penalty for guessing.
All answers for paper-pencil administrations must be recorded on the answer sheet
that is provided at the beginning of the written examination administration. No credit
is given for answers recorded in the examination booklets. The answer sheet must
be filled in using the #2 pencil provided. The BCSSHO scores all test answers.
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
1
Answer sheets are scored by optical read scanners, so candidates are responsible
for the quality of the answer sheet gridding.
The examination score is based upon the total number of correct responses.
Passing scores on certification examinations must be fair for all candidates.
Certification examination scores are pass-fail scores. The goal is to determine
whether a candidate meets a minimum level of competence as determined by the
cut score or passing score.
Certification examinations cannot use arbitrary (academic-style) or normative
(achievement test-style) scoring methods, because they do not ensure all
candidates have an equal chance to pass the examination. A common procedure is
used to set the passing score or cut score for the CSSHO examination. The Angoff
Method is used for this procedure. Each member of a panel of experts rates each
question on the examination in terms of what portion of the candidates who are just
good enough to practice in the area covered by the examination will know the
answer. This process weights such things as subject importance, difficulty and
universal application in various job settings. The rater will expect fewer candidates
to get difficult questions right and many to answer the easy questions correctly. A
mean across all questions and all raters determines the passing score.
Test scores are statistically validated prior to reporting. Examination grading is
conducted by the BCSSHO Test Committee.
As described earlier, the examination content outline is based upon EM 385-1-1 and
the role of the CSSHO. The examination is constructed based upon the importance
rating of the thirty-four main content Sections in EM 385-1-1 for construction
projects. A complete content outline follows:
1. Program Management
A. General
B. Indoctrination and Training
C. Physical Qualification of Employees
D. Accident Reporting and Recordkeeping
E. Emergency Planning
F. Emergency Operations
2. Sanitation
A. General Requirements
B. Housekeeping
C. Drinking Water
D. Non-Potable Water
E. Toilets
F. Washing Facilities
G. Showers
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
2
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Change Rooms
Clothes Drying Facilities
Food Service
Waste Disposal
Vermin Control
3. Medical and First Aid Requirements
A. General
B. First Aid Kits
C. First Aid Stations and Infirmaries
D. Personnel Requirements and Qualifications
4. Temporary Facilities
A. General
B. Access/Haul Roads
5. Personal Protective and Safety Equipment
A. General
B. Eye and Face Protection
C. Hearing Protection and Noise Control
D. Head Protection
E. Protective Footwear
F. High-Visibility Apparel
G. Respiratory Protection
H. Full Body Harnesses, Lanyards and Lifelines
I. Electrical Protective Equipment
J. Personal Flotation Devices
K. Lifesaving and Safety Skiffs
6. Hazardous or Toxic Agents and Environments
A. General
B. Hazardous or Toxic Agents
C. Hot Substances
D. Harmful Plants, Animals, and Insects
E. Ionizing Radiation
F. Non-ionizing Radiation and Magnetic and Electric Fields
G. Ventilation and Exhaust Systems
H. Abrasive Blasting
I. Inclement Weather and Heat/Cold Stress Management
J. Cumulative Trauma Prevention
K. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management
L. Control of Chromium (VI) Exposure
M. Crystalline Silica
7. Lighting
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
3
A. General
8. Accident Prevention Signs, Tags, Labels, Signals, Piping System Identification, and Traffic
Control
A. Signs, Tags, Labels, and Piping Systems
B. Signal Systems, Personnel, and Procedures
C. Traffic Control
9. Fire Prevention and Protection
A. General
B. Flammable and Combustible Liquids
C. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-Gas)
D. Temporary Heating Devices
E. First Response Fire Protection
F. Fixed Fire Suppression Systems
G. Firefighting Equipment
H. Fire Detection and Employee Fire Alarm Systems
I. Fire Fighting Organizations - Training and Drilling
J. Fire Patrols
K. USACE Wild Land Fire Control
10. Welding and Cutting
A. General
B. Respiratory Protection
C. Fire Protection
D. Oxy-fuel Gas Welding and Cutting
E. Arc Welding and Cutting
F. Gas Metal Arc Welding
11. Electrical
A. General
B. Arc Flash
C. Overcurrent Protection, Disconnects, and Switches
D. Grounding
E. Temporary Wiring and Lighting
F. Operations Adjacent to Overhead Lines
G. Batteries and Battery Charging
H. Hazardous (Classified) Locations
I. Power Transmission and Distribution
J. Underground Electrical Installations
K. Work in Energized Substations
L. Communication Facilities
12. Control of Hazardous Energy
A. General
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
4
B.
C.
D.
E.
Training
Periodic Inspections
Locks and Tags
Application and Removal of Locks and Tags
13. Hand and Power Tools
A. General
B. Grinding and Abrasive Machinery
C. Power Saws and Woodworking Machinery
D. Pneumatic Tools
E. Explosive-Actuated Tools
F. Chain Saws
G. Abrasive Blasting Machinery
H. Power-Driven Nailers and Staplers
14. Material Handling, Storage, and Disposal
A. Material Handling
B. Material Storage
C. Housekeeping
D. Debris Nets
E. Material Disposal
15. Rigging
A. General
B. Personnel Qualifications
C. Multiple Lift Rigging (MLR)
D. Wire Rope
E. Chain
F. Fiber Rope (Natural and Synthetic)
G. Slings
H. Rigging Hardware
16. Cranes and Hoisting Equipment
A. General
B. Personnel Qualifications
C. Classification of Equipment and Training of Operators
(USACE-Owned and Operated Cranes and Hoists Only)
D. Inspection Criteria
E. Safety Devices and Operational Aids
F. Testing
G. Operation
H. Critical Lifts
I. Environmental Considerations
J. Lattice, Hydraulic, Crawler-, Truck-, Wheel-, and Ringer-Mounted Cranes
K. Portal, Tower, and Pillar Cranes
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
5
L. Floating Cranes, Floating Derricks, Crane Barges, and Auxiliary Shipboard Mounted
Cranes
M. Overhead and Gantry Cranes
N. Monorails and Under hung Cranes
O. Derricks
P. Handling Loads Suspended from Rotorcraft
Q. Material Hoists
R. Pile Drivers
S. Hydraulic Excavators, Wheel/Track/Backhoe Loaders Used to
Transport/Hoist Loads with Rigging
T. Crane-Supported Personnel (Work) Platforms
17. Conveyors
A. General
B. Operation
18. Motor Vehicles, Machinery and Mechanized Equipment, All Terrain Vehicles, Utility Vehicles
and other Specialty Vehicles
A. General
B. Guarding and Safety Devices
C. Operating Rules
D. Transportation of Personnel
E. Motor Vehicles (for Public Roadway Use)
F. Trailers
G. Machinery and Mechanized Equipment
H. Drilling Equipment
I. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
J. Utility Vehicles
K. Specialty Vehicles
19. Floating Plant and Marine Activities
A. General
B. Access
C. Marine Fall Protection Systems
D. Main Deck Perimeter Protection
E. Marine Railing Types
F. Launches, Motorboats, and Skiffs
G. Dredging
H. Scows and Barges
I. Navigation Locks and Vessel Locking
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
6
20. Pressurized Equipment and Systems
A. General
B. Compressed Air and Gas Systems
C. Boilers and Systems
D. Compressed Gas Cylinders
21. Fall Protection
A. General
B. Training
C. Fall Protection Program
D. Controlled Access Zones
E. Fall Protection Systems
F. Covers
G. Safety Net Systems
H. Personal Fall Protection Systems
I. Ladder-Climbing Devices (LCDS)
J. Scaffolds, Aerial Lift Equipment and Moveable Work Platforms
K. Warning Line Systems (WLS)
L. Safety Monitoring Systems (SMS)
M. Rescue Plan and Procedures
N. Working Over or Near Water
O. Other Engineered Fall Protection Systems
22. Work Platforms and Scaffolding
A. General
B. Scaffolds – General
C. Metal Scaffolds and Towers
D. Wood Pole Scaffolds
E. Suspended Scaffolds
F. Hanging Scaffolds
G. Form and Carpenter’s Bracket Scaffolds
H. Horse Scaffolds
I. Pump Jack Scaffolds
J. Adjustable Scaffolds
K. Crane-Supported Work (Personnel) Platforms
L. Elevating Work Platforms
M. Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms (Aerial Devices/Lifts)
N. Mast Climbing Work Platforms
O. Roofing Brackets
P. Stilts
23. Demolition
A. General
B. Debris Removal
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
7
C.
D.
E.
F.
Wall Removal
Floor Removal
Steel Removal
Mechanical Demolition
24. Safe Access, Ladders, Floor & Wall Openings, Stairs and Railing Systems
A. Safe Access – General
B. Ladders
C. Handrails
D. Floor, Wall and Roof Holes and Openings
E. Stairways
F. Ramps, Runways and Trestles
G. Personnel Hoists and Elevators
25. Excavations and Trenching
A. General
B. Safe Access
C. Sloping and Benching
D. Support Systems
E. Cofferdams
26. Underground Construction (Tunnels), Shafts, and Caissons
A. General
B. Hazardous Classifications
C. Air Monitoring, Air Quality Standards, and Ventilation
D. Fire Prevention and Protection
E. Drilling
F. Shafts
G. Hoisting
H. Caissons
I. Compressed Air Work
J. Underground Blasting
27. Concrete, Masonry, Steel Erection and Residential Construction
A. General
B. Concrete and Masonry Construction
C. Formwork and Shoring
D. Pre-Cast Concrete Operations
E. Lift-Slab Operations
F. Structural Steel Assembly
G. Systems-Engineered Metal Buildings
H. Masonry Construction Roofing
I. Roofing
J. Residential Construction
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
8
28. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
A. General
B. Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP)
C. Responsibilities
D. Training
E. Medical Surveillance
F. RCRA TSD Facilities
G. Facility or Construction Project Emergency Response
29. Blasting
A. General
B. Transportation of Explosive Materials
C. Handling of Explosive Materials
D. Electromagnetic Radiation
E. Vibration and Damage Control
F. Drilling and Loading
G. Wiring
H. Firing
I. Post-Blast Procedures
J. Underwater Blasting
30. Diving Operations
A. General
B. Diving Operations
C. SCUBA Operations
D. Surface Supplied Air (SSA) Operations
E. Mixed-Gas Diving Operations
F. Equipment Requirements
G. Scientific Snorkeling
31. Tree Maintenance and Removal
A. General
B. Tree Climbing
C. Felling
D. Brush Removal and Chipping
E. Other Operations and Equipment
32. Airfield and Aircraft Operations
A. Airfields – General
B. Aircraft
33. Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) Encountered During USACE Activities
A. General
B. MEC Examples
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
9
34. Confined Space Entry
A. Confined Spaces – Non-Marine Facilities
B. Work Performed in Confined and Enclosed Spaces on Ships and Vessels
The following 10 questions are provided as examples of the types of questions
found on the CSSHO examination. Some questions have four options, with only one
correct answer, EXCEPT select questions are negatively phrased, and require
candidates to identify the single incorrect response. Some questions are offered in
sets, with a single stimulus providing the information required to answer all items in
the set. No two questions test the same concept. Some questions are True or
False. Questions contain no superfluous information and are not designed to be
tricky or confusing. All new questions are reviewed and approved by Subject Matter
Experts for validity and accuracy, and undergo review to ensure reliability and legal
defensibility.
1. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) referencing requirements for Accident
Prevention in EM 385-1-1 is in Part__________ of the FAR:
a. 10.
b. 17.
c. 23.
d. 52.
2. The provisions of this EM 385 implement and supplement the safety and health
standards and requirements contained in 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1926, 29 CFR 1960,
EO 12196, FAR Clause 52.236.13, DODI 6055.1, AR 40-5, and AR 385-10. Where
more stringent safety and occupational health standards are set forth in these
requirements and regulations, ____________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
COE-385-1-1 will apply
29 CFR 1910 will apply
29 CFR 1926 will apply
The more stringent shall apply
3. The AHA will be continuously reviewed and modified as necessary to address __________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
changing site conditions
changing operations
change of competent/qualified person(s)
all of the above
4. For complex or high hazard projects, the SSHO shall have a minimum of ten (10)
years of safety-related work with at least five (5) years experience on similar type
projects.
a. True
b. False
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
10
5. When a medical facility or physician is not accessible within five minutes of an
injury to a group of two or more employees for the treatment of injuries, at least two
employees on each shift shall be qualified to administer _______.
a.
b.
c.
d.
EMT duties and first responder duties.
first aid and CPR
CPR and EMT duties
first responder duties and first aid
6. Depending upon the nature and location of the project site, the GDA may determine
that temporary project fencing is not required.
a. True
b. False
7. Which of the following is not a requirement for using Automatic-Inflatable Personal
Flotation Devices?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Provides 100 pounds minimum buoyancy post deployment.
Only used by workers over 16 years old and who weigh more than 90 pounds.
Type V or better, USCG approved for Commercial Use.
An AHA is performed for the activity.
8. When working with hot substances, ______ fire extinguisher(s) rated 2A:20B:C
shall be available within _______ feet of the working kettles.
a.
b.
c.
d.
one; 20
two; 25
one; 50
two; 50
9. Airborne contaminants created by portable equipment (such as drills, saws, and
grinding machines) in concentrations exceeding acceptable safe limits shall be
_______ at the source.
a.
b.
c.
d.
completely eliminated
be reduced
effectively controlled
none of the above
10. Manual (hand) signals may be used when the distance between the operator and
signal person is not more than ______.
a.
b.
c.
d.
50 feet (15 m)
25 feet (7.5 m)
100 feet (30.4 m)
10 feet (3 m)
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
11
Keys: 1= d, 2= d 3 = d, 4 = a, 5 = b, 6 = a, 7 = a, 8 = b, 9 = c, 10 = c
Content Sections tested:
1 = Appendix S; UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
2 = UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
3 = Section 1.A.13
4 = Section 1.A.17.e
5 = Section 3.A.2
6 = Section 4.A.4.d
7 = Section 5.J.2
8 = Section 6.C.1.c
9 = Section 6.G.1.e
10 = Section 8.B.3
The BCSSHO provides the following reference listing as a source for information
that may be useful to supplement the education and experience related to
competent performance as a CSSHO. Candidates are encouraged to review
resources and information in content areas where skills or knowledge may be weak,
keeping in mind that some questions on the examinations are developed from
information gained through practical experience. The BCSSHO does not
recommend that candidates memorize all of the references and regulations listed.
The information tested on the examination pertains to the common body of
knowledge which is delineated in the EM 385 Content Outline for the CSSHO
examination. All examination items and tasks are confirmed by one of the references
on the list. Additional information about obtaining recommended texts and study
guides may be found on the BCSSHO website at www.bcssho.org.
The Board of Certified Site Safety and Health Officers do not endorse any particular
text or author; this list is not intended to be inclusive, but reflects references used to
support the test development process.
References not included on this list may be perfectly adequate. Use of the
references does not guarantee successful performance on the examination.
Examination Administration
The Examination Administrator or Proctor is BCSSHO’s designated agent for
maintaining a secure and valid examination administration. Any individual found by
BCSSHO or its agent to have engaged in conduct which compromises or attempts
to compromise the integrity of the examination process will be subject to disciplinary
action as sanctioned by BCSSHO, and delineated in the Code of Ethics.
Examinations are administered according to a strict protocol to ensure the security
of the examination and the right of each candidate to a standardized testing
experience. In addition to the attestation on the CSSHO Application, as a
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
12
prerequisite to distribution of examination materials, candidates are required to sign
a Security Affidavit agreeing to abide by all rules and regulations, including the
following:
During the registration procedures at the test site, candidates must sign the test
roster and provide two forms of government issued identification, one of which must
include a photograph, such as a driver’s license or passport.

No books, papers, texts, references, or calculators are allowed into the
examination room. Scratch paper will be provided for use during the examination,
and will be collected by the test proctor. No electronic devices of any kind are
permitted in the testing room. If any are found, the candidate will be disqualified. If at
all possible, personal belongings should not be brought to the testing site. If they
are, they will be placed in a secure location, and may not be accessed by the
candidate during the administration.

No food or drink is allowed in the examination site. Candidates with a specific
medical conditions (e.g.: hypoglycemia, pregnancy, diabetes) requiring the
consumption of water or food during the examination period must submit a written
request to the BCSSHO Operations Manager prior to the examination.

Visitors are not permitted in the examination room.

At no time during the examination may candidates give or receive help to one
another, or communicate in any way. Examination Proctors have the authority to
remove a candidate suspected of cheating from the examination room, at which time
scores will be cancelled, and disciplinary action will be taken.

Candidates are expected to follow all instructions from examination proctors,
printed in test booklets and answer sheets. Candidates will be provided with the
opportunity to ask questions prior to beginning the examination. Paper-pencil
versions of the CSSHO examination contain detailed instructions concerning the
proper completion of the answer sheet.
Candidates may leave the testing room with express permission from the proctor.
Candidates must sign out and sign in from the room and must surrender their testing
materials when they exit. Exit from the testing room is permitted for washroom and
drinking fountain visits only. Candidates may not access cell phones, nor may not
leave the building during breaks.
Disqualifying behaviors include:

creating a disturbance;
aiding or asking for aid from another candidate;
any attempt to copy, buy, sell, or reproduce testing materials;
unauthorized possession of test materials;
impersonation of another candidate;
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
13
use of contraband materials or equipment in the testing site;
any falsification or misrepresentation of information provided during the CSSHO
application process.
Candidate Comments
Candidates taking CSSHO examination are provided with a comment form on which
they are encouraged to document any questions or concerns they may have
concerning individual test questions or the examination experience.
Examination proctors may not discuss or comment on the examination contents. All
comments and questions are reviewed and considered by the CSSHO Examination
Committee; however, security procedures preclude discussion with candidates
concerning individual test questions. Candidates should not expect a response to a
comment, unless it relates to a problem with the examination administration.
Candidate comments or lack thereof may be taken into consideration as evidence
during the Appeals process (details of Examination Appeal protocol follows).
Examination
Once a CSSHO application is approved, candidates will receive official notification of
their right to register to take the CSSHO examination, and instructions on how to do
so. The examination is offered in the three following settings:
Regular Administrations

The BCSSHO offers regularly scheduled administrations of the paper-pencil
version of the CSSHO examination at central locations, in conjunction with
independent training and educational programming. Registration for these
examination administrations is independent of registration for education or training.
Schedules and registration deadlines for paper-pencil examinations are posted on
the BCSSHO website at http://www.bcssho.org/workshops.html. Registrations for
most regular administrations must be received three (3) weeks prior to the
examination administration.
Third Party Administrations

Examination Administrations of the CSSHO Examination are offered at over 300
test sites in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and 15 locations in Canada. Test sites
operate in all 50 states and most are open from Monday-Saturday from 9:00am–
9:00pm, and Sundays from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, excluding holidays. These sites are
operated by the BCSSHO testing contractor. Contact bcssho@bcssho.org for
information concerning testing center locations and hours of operation or the Find a
Testing Center icon for complete information.
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
14
Special Examination Administrations

Special examination administrations may be arranged for candidates who are
physically unable to access the established test site administrations. There are two
modes of Special Administration Testing, via paper-pencil, or special computer delivery
for Special Examination only. Candidates bear all costs associated with the securing of
a proctor and the rental of the testing center, with the understanding that remote testing
will be offered only if proctor staff and testing sites meet BCSSHO security and conflict
of interest requirements. If remote testing centers meet minimum computer equipment
and internet connection requirements, the examination will be provided via computer. If
paper-pencil examinations are administered at a Special Administration, candidates will
also bear responsibility for shipping costs for test materials. If more than one candidate
wishes to coordinate a remote examination administration, the associated costs will be
shared among the candidates.
Written requests for special administrations must be received by the BCSSHO a
minimum of ten weeks in advance, and must include the specific date and location
requested, and the number of candidates participating. All candidate applications
must be approved prior to a Special Administration Testing event.
Rescheduling an Examination
Candidates scheduled to take the examination at a regular examination
administration in conjunction with independent training and educational
programming may reschedule if a written request is received by the BCSSHO
Operations Manager a minimum of 10 days prior to the exam date. The fee for
rescheduling a regular administration is $100.00. Candidates must reschedule their
exam within a one-year window of the originally scheduled test date or the
application will expire. Failure to reschedule within this time frame will inactivate the
application and forfeit the full fee for the CSSHO application.
Candidates may reschedule or postpone a special examination administration if a
written request is received by the BCSHHO Operations Manager a minimum of 21
days prior to the examination date. The fee for rescheduling a special administration
is $100.00.
Failure to appear at any scheduled examination site or failure to reschedule an
examination date within a one-year window will cause the forfeiture of all application
fees. Candidates may reapply for the CSSHO program by updating the application
and paying the full application fee. It is the candidate’s responsibility to contact the
BCSSHO to reschedule a test administration.
Examination Scoring
1. Candidates passing the examination will receive notice of successful
performance. The CSSHO examination is a minimum competency examination, and
is not intended to distinguish scores other than pass or fail.
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
15
2. Failing candidates will receive a report indicating areas of weakness. This report
is designed to provide a tool for study and preparation for retaking the examination.
3. Candidates testing with paper-pencil administrations (Regular or Special
Administrations) will receive scores by mail within 4 weeks of the examination date.
4. Candidates testing for Special Examination Administrations will receive a printed
score notice upon completion of the examination.
5. Paper-pencil examination scores will be provided only to the candidate via mail,
and will NOT be provided over the phone, fax, or internet.
Copyright © BCSSHO 2011 All Rights Reserved
16