Certified Construction Trenching and Shoring Technician (CCTST)
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Course Description
The purpose of this training is to provide employees with information about the OSHA excavation standard. Note: A competent person is required on every trenching and excavation job site. This class does not certify any attendee as a competent person; only the company can designate its own employee as a "Competent Person." The course provides information regarding OSHA standards and safety guidelines, but does not provide the significant work experience required to be considered a competent person.Participants will learn what constitutes a competent person and gain knowledge of 29 CFR 1926 - Subpart P Trenching and Excavations. The training covers correct soil testing procedures, identification of hazards associated with trenching and excavations, understanding the different types of protective systems, excavation regulations, confined space, and fall protection. Reference articles from the California Code of Regulations are also included, covering personal safety devices, haulage and earth moving, traffic control, flaggers, barricades, warning signs, work over or near water, and ladder safety.
The course also provides training on underground safety equipment, including trench plates, hydraulic shoring, trench shields, checklists, and other protective systems. Additional topics include permits and best practices to ensure worker safety during excavation and trenching activities.
What You'll Learn
- After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand OSHA standards and regulatory requirements for trenching and shoring operations.
- Identify common hazards associated with excavation work, including cave-ins, falling loads, and hazardous atmospheres.
- Assess soil types, trench depths, and environmental conditions to determine appropriate protective systems.
- Implement safe trenching and shoring practices, including the use of sloping, benching, shields, and shoring equipment.
Who Should Attend
Construction Managers Supervisors & Managers of Employees Who Work in Excavations & Trenches Safety Supervisors Training Managers Industrial Hygienists Individuals associated with the federal agency's collateral duty safety and health personnel
Certified Construction Trenching and Shoring Technician (CCTST) Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CCTST) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CCTST), accessed May 14, 2026.