CRST Certification Examination: Passing Score and Competency Levels

This document outlines the requirements for demonstrating competency and achieving a passing score for certification, drawing upon OSHA regulations and industry best practices. While specific numerical passing scores for the CRST (Certified Risk and Safety Technician) certification examination are not explicitly defined in the provided source documents, the regulations emphasize the demonstration of competency in key areas through both written and practical evaluations.

General Competency Requirements

Competency is demonstrated through a combination of written and practical tests that evaluate the individual's knowledge and skills necessary for safe operation and risk assessment. The evaluation ensures the operator's ability to recognize and avert risk, specific to the equipment's safety devices, operational aids, software, size, and configuration. For operators employed before December 10, 2018, employers may rely on previous assessments of the operator's existing knowledge and skills. [7] [7]

Written Examination Criteria

The written test assesses the individual's knowledge of information necessary for the safe operation of specific equipment types. This includes understanding controls, operational/performance characteristics, the use of load/capacity information, procedures for preventing and responding to power line contact, technical knowledge of relevant subject matter, and knowledge applicable to the suitability of supporting ground and surface conditions. [4] [5] [5] [5] [5] [5]

Practical Examination Criteria

The practical test evaluates the individual's skills necessary for the safe operation of equipment. This includes the ability to recognize items from visual and auditory observation, operational and maneuvering skills, application of load chart information, and application of safe shut-down and securing procedures. [5] [5] [2] [2] [2]

Language and Literacy

Tests may be administered verbally if the operator candidate passes a written demonstration of literacy relevant to the work and demonstrates the ability to use written manufacturer procedures. Tests may be administered in any language the operator understands, with the certification noting the language of the test. The operator is only permitted to operate equipment furnished with materials in the language of the certification. [4] [4] [4] [4]

Hazardous Materials Technician Competencies

For hazardous materials technicians, competency includes knowing how to implement the employer's emergency response plan, functioning within an assigned role in the Incident Command System, selecting and using proper specialized chemical personal protective equipment, understanding hazard and risk assessment techniques, performing advanced control/containment/confinement operations, understanding and implementing decontamination procedures, understanding termination procedures, and understanding basic chemical and toxicological terminology and behavior. [1] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6]

Hazardous Materials Specialist Competencies

Hazardous materials specialists must know how to implement the local emergency response plan, understand classification/identification/verification of materials using advanced survey instruments, know the state emergency response plan, select and use proper specialized chemical PPE, understand in-depth hazard and risk techniques, perform specialized control/containment/confinement operations, determine and implement decontamination procedures, develop a site safety and control plan, and understand chemical/radiological/toxicological terminology and behavior. [6] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3] [3]

Incident Commander Competencies

Incident commanders must know and be able to implement the employer's incident command system and emergency response plan, understand hazards and risks associated with employees working in chemical protective clothing, know how to implement the local emergency response plan, know the state and Federal Regional Response Team emergency response plans, and understand the importance of decontamination procedures. [3] [3] [8] [8] [8] [8]

Refresher Training

Employees trained in accordance with specific paragraphs must receive annual refresher training or demonstrate competency in those areas at least yearly. A statement of training or competency must be made, and if a competency statement is made, the employer must keep a record of the methodology used to demonstrate competency. [8] [8]

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