CIH Exam Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The BGC CIH handbook describes a 180-question multiple-choice examination, 150 scored questions and 30 unscored pilot questions that are not identified, delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers in two sections, and the portal mock uses 180 questions in 300 minutes. The passing score is a criterion-referenced cut score that is equated between exam forms and is based on the total number correct across the whole exam; all questions carry equal weight, there is no penalty for wrong answers and there is no minimum per subject area. BGC does not publish the numeric cut score. The CIH exam blueprint based on the 2021 job analysis, effective April 1, 2022, lists three content areas with these shares: Exposure Assessment Principles and Practice 50 percent, Control Selection, Recommendation/Implementation, and Validation 35, and Risk Management 15.

The CIH is the credential for professional industrial hygienists who anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control workplace health hazards; the exam is one part of earning it, together with education and experience requirements.

Industrial hygienists and occupational health and safety professionals preparing for the Certified Industrial Hygienist exam.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

BGC says that if you do not pass the exam within two years of your application approval you must submit an updated reference and pay a reapplication fee; confirm the current attempt rules in the BGC CIH handbook.

BGC sets an equated cut score based on the total number correct across the whole exam and does not publish the number, so no fixed percentage can be quoted. The portal mock shows a percent score only as a rough self-check. Format: 180 multiple-choice questions, 150 of them scored, in two sections; the portal mock has 180 questions in 300 minutes, the same size and pace. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The BGC CIH handbook describes a 180-question multiple-choice examination, 150 scored questions and 30 unscored pilot questions that are not identified, delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers in two sections, and the portal mock uses 180 questions in 300 minutes. The passing score is a criterion-referenced cut score that is equated between exam forms and is based on the total number correct across the whole exam; all questions carry equal weight, there is no penalty for wrong answers and there is no minimum per subject area. BGC does not publish the numeric cut score. The CIH exam blueprint based on the 2021 job analysis, effective April 1, 2022, lists three content areas with these shares: Exposure Assessment Principles and Practice 50 percent, Control Selection, Recommendation/Implementation, and Validation 35, and Risk Management 15. 180 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 30 unscored pilot) · delivered in two sections at Pearson VUE · five hours · criterion-referenced equated cut score. BGC sets an equated cut score based on the total number correct across the whole exam and does not publish the number, so no fixed percentage can be quoted. The portal mock shows a percent score only as a rough self-check.

• Exposure Assessment Principles and Practice50%
• Control Selection, Recommendation/Implementation, and Validation35%
• Risk Management15%

The content outline spreads questions across 3 areas: Exposure Assessment Principles and Practice (50.0%); Control Selection, Recommendation/Implementation, and Validation (35.0%); Risk Management (15.0%).

BGC bases eligibility on education and experience and asks you to complete its CIH eligibility checklist first; the review takes place after the application is completed and the application fee is paid. Confirm the degree, coursework and experience requirements with BGC.

BGC's fee schedule lists a $160 application fee, a $370 examination fee and annual fees after certification (a partial year is charged at a reduced rate); a reapplication fee applies if you do not pass within two years.

BGC charges annual fees and sets the certification maintenance requirements for CIH holders; check BGC for what applies after you pass.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Exposure Assessment Principles and Practice (50.0%); Control Selection, Recommendation/Implementation, and Validation (35.0%); Risk Management (15.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 180 questions in one sitting.

This guide follows the CIH exam blueprint based on the 2021 job analysis, effective April 1, 2022; BGC revises its blueprints after each job analysis, so check gobgc.org before you apply.