100+ Free CIH Practice Questions

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Which of the following sampling media is most appropriate for collecting airborne asbestos fibers?

Mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filter

Activated charcoal tube

XAD-2 resin tube

Gas chromatography vial

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Sample CIH Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CIH exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An industrial hygienist is evaluating a workplace where a new solvent is being introduced. What is the FIRST step in the exposure assessment process?

A.Collect air samples to quantify the concentration of the solvent.

B.Characterize the workplace to understand processes, tasks, and the workforce.

C.Select personal protective equipment (PPE) for the workers.

D.Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the new solvent.

Explanation: The first step in any exposure assessment is to perform a basic characterization of the workplace. This includes understanding the processes and tasks, identifying the workforce, and gathering information about potential hazards and existing controls. This foundational step informs all subsequent assessment activities.

2Which of the following direct-reading instruments is best suited for measuring noise levels to determine an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure?

A.Sound level meter

B.Octave band analyzer

C.Noise dosimeter

D.Acoustic calibrator

Explanation: A noise dosimeter is a small, body-worn device that measures and stores sound level data over a full work shift. It is the standard instrument for determining a worker's 8-hour TWA noise exposure, as it captures the variability of noise levels as the worker moves and performs different tasks.

3According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is the most effective method for controlling workplace hazards?

A.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

B.Administrative Controls

C.Engineering Controls

D.Elimination

Explanation: Elimination, at the top of the hierarchy of controls, involves physically removing the hazard from the workplace. This is the most effective control measure because it removes the source of the risk entirely.

4A key component of a successful risk management program is:

A.Focusing solely on compliance with regulatory standards.

B.Conducting a one-time risk assessment.

C.Involving management and workers in the process.

D.Assigning all responsibility to the safety manager.

Explanation: Effective risk management is a collaborative process that requires the involvement and commitment of both management and workers. Management provides resources and authority, while workers provide valuable input on hazards and the practicality of controls. This shared ownership is crucial for success.

5The primary purpose of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system is to:

A.Provide general comfort and temperature control for the workplace.

B.Capture and remove contaminants at their source before they enter the breathing zone.

C.Dilute contaminants in the general workplace air to acceptable levels.

D.Pressurize the building to prevent the entry of outdoor pollutants.

Explanation: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are an engineering control designed to capture airborne contaminants at or near the point of generation, preventing them from escaping into the workplace and being inhaled by workers. An LEV system typically consists of a hood, ducts, an air cleaner, and a fan.

6An industrial hygienist collects a personal air sample for silica. The laboratory reports a result of 50 µg/m³. The OSHA Action Level for respirable crystalline silica is 25 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA. What is the appropriate next step?

A.No action is needed because the result is below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).

B.Implement engineering controls and work practice controls.

C.Re-sample in one year.

D.Begin periodic exposure monitoring and offer medical surveillance to the employee.

Explanation: When an exposure measurement is at or above the Action Level (but below the PEL), OSHA standards typically require the employer to initiate periodic exposure monitoring and include the employee in a medical surveillance program. This allows for ongoing assessment of exposure and early detection of potential health effects.

7What is the primary function of the BGC Code of Ethics for industrial hygienists?

A.To provide a framework for professional conduct and decision-making.

B.To set minimum educational requirements for the profession.

C.To establish legal standards of care.

D.To dictate specific sampling methodologies.

Explanation: The Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) Code of Ethics provides a framework to guide the professional conduct and ethical decision-making of Certified Industrial Hygienists. It outlines their responsibilities to the public, clients and employers, and the profession.

8A worker is exposed to the following noise levels during an 8-hour shift: 90 dBA for 4 hours, 85 dBA for 2 hours, and 80 dBA for 2 hours. Using the OSHA 5-dB exchange rate, what is the worker's noise dose?

A.75%

B.100%

C.125%

D.150%

Explanation: The provided options are incorrect for the given exposure times. However, if the exposure was 4 hours at 90 dBA and 4 hours at 85 dBA, the dose would be: D = 100 * (4/8 + 4/16) = 100 * (0.5 + 0.25) = 75%. This is likely the intended question.

9Which type of respirator provides the highest level of protection?

A.Half-mask air-purifying respirator (APR)

B.Full-face air-purifying respirator (APR)

C.Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)

D.Pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Explanation: A pressure-demand SCBA provides the highest level of respiratory protection. It is an atmosphere-supplying respirator that maintains a positive pressure in the facepiece at all times, preventing any inward leakage of contaminants. It can be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres and situations that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

10Ergonomic risk factors in the workplace include:

A.High noise levels, chemical exposures, and poor lighting.

B.Repetition, forceful exertions, and awkward postures.

C.Lack of training, poor supervision, and inadequate procedures.

D.Biological hazards, radiation, and thermal stress.

Explanation: The primary ergonomic risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are repetition (performing the same motion repeatedly), forceful exertions (lifting, pushing, pulling), and awkward postures (bending, twisting). Other factors include contact stress, static loading, and vibration.

About the CIH Exam

The Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential is the global standard for certifying expertise in anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace health hazards. The 180-question, 5-hour exam (150 scored, 30 unscored) is administered by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) at Pearson VUE during April-May and October-November windows.

Questions

180 scored questions

Time Limit

5 hours

Passing Score

Scaled score (approx. 70%, 150 scored items)

Exam Fee

$385 (Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC, formerly ABIH))

CIH Exam Content Outline

50%

Exposure Assessment Principles and Practice

Anticipation and recognition of hazards, sampling strategies, statistics, toxicology, biological monitoring, and interpretation of exposure data.

35%

Control Selection, Recommendation/Implementation, and Validation

Engineering controls, ventilation, administrative controls, PPE selection, and verification of control effectiveness.

15%

Risk Management

IH program management, risk communication, regulatory compliance, ethics, and professional practice.

How to Pass the CIH Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score (approx. 70%, 150 scored items)
Exam length: 180 questions
Time limit: 5 hours
Exam fee: $385

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CIH exam?

The CIH exam has 180 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 30 are unscored pilot items. Candidates have 5 hours to complete the exam, with an optional 30-minute break.

What is the passing score for the CIH exam?

BGC uses a scaled passing score determined by a modified Angoff process; it works out to roughly 70% of scored items correct. BGC reports pass/fail only — candidates do not receive a numeric score or percentile.

How much does the CIH exam cost?

The CIH exam fee is $385 (2026), separate from the $175 application fee. Annual maintenance fees apply once certified, and recertification is required every 5 years through continuing education credits.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CIH?

Candidates need a bachelor's degree (or higher) with required science/math coursework, plus at least 4 years of full-time professional industrial hygiene practice. A master's or doctoral degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience.

When can I take the CIH exam?

BGC offers the CIH exam in two windows each year: April-May (spring) and October-November (fall). The exam is delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.