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100+ Free CHMM Practice Questions

Pass your Certified Hazardous Materials Manager exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
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A CHMM reviewing a chemical inventory finds that the facility stores 10,000 pounds of ammonia. Under OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), what is the threshold quantity (TQ) for ammonia that triggers PSM coverage?

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B
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to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CHMM Exam

140

Total Exam Questions

IHMM CHMM Program

700/1000

Passing Score (Scaled)

IHMM Candidate Handbook

3 hours

Exam Duration

IHMM CHMM Program

$535

Total Cost (App + Exam)

IHMM Fee Schedule 2026

5 years / 200 CMPs

Recertification Cycle

IHMM Recertification Policy

4 years

Minimum Professional Experience Required

IHMM CHMM Eligibility

40 CFR §312.10

EPA Environmental Professional Recognition

EPA CERCLA All Appropriate Inquiries Rule

~73%

First-Time Pass Rate

EHSCareers.com CHMM Guide

The IHMM CHMM exam is a 140-question multiple-choice test delivered over 3 hours via Kryterion HOST (on-site or online proctored). Passing requires a scaled score of 700/1000. Prerequisites: bachelor's degree plus 4 years of professional-level hazmat management experience. Cost: $175 application + $360 exam ($535 total); $160 annual maintenance. Recertification every 5 years requires 200 CMPs (100 professional experience + 100 professional development). CHMM holders are recognized as EPA Environmental Professionals under 40 CFR §312.10, enabling them to sign Phase I ESA All Appropriate Inquiries reports.

Sample CHMM Practice Questions

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

1Under RCRA Subtitle C (40 CFR Part 262), a large quantity generator (LQG) must ship hazardous waste off-site within how many days of accumulation start?
A.90 days
B.180 days
C.270 days
D.365 days
Explanation: Under 40 CFR 262.17, large quantity generators (LQGs) — those generating 1,000 kg or more per month — must ship hazardous waste off-site within 90 days of the start of accumulation. Small quantity generators (SQGs, 100-999 kg/month) get 270 days; very small quantity generators get 1 year.
2Which EPA regulation establishes the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) program for above-ground oil storage facilities?
A.40 CFR Part 110
B.40 CFR Part 112
C.40 CFR Part 261
D.40 CFR Part 300
Explanation: SPCC is established by 40 CFR Part 112 under the Clean Water Act authority. It requires facilities with aggregate above-ground oil storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons (or buried storage >42,000 gallons) that could reasonably discharge to navigable waters to prepare and implement a written SPCC Plan.
3A facility manager receives a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) report identifying a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC). What is the appropriate next step under ASTM E1527-21?
A.Immediately notify EPA and begin remediation
B.Commission a Phase II ESA with subsurface sampling and laboratory analysis
C.File a CERCLA notification with the National Response Center
D.Conduct an Environmental Management System audit under ISO 14001
Explanation: Under ASTM E1527-21, a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) identified in a Phase I ESA warrants a Phase II ESA, which involves collecting soil, groundwater, or soil gas samples and conducting laboratory analysis to confirm or refute the presence of contamination. Phase II is the standard next step before any regulatory notification.
4Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (HAZWOPER), what is the minimum annual refresher training requirement for employees on a hazardous waste site?
A.4 hours
B.8 hours
C.16 hours
D.40 hours
Explanation: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8) requires a minimum of 8 hours annual refresher training for all HAZWOPER-trained employees at hazardous waste cleanup sites. The initial training is 40 hours (with 3 days supervised field experience) for general site workers. Supervisors require an additional 8 hours of specialized training.
5CERCLA Section 103 requires notification to the National Response Center when a release of a hazardous substance equals or exceeds its Reportable Quantity (RQ). Under 40 CFR Part 302, what is the default RQ for substances not otherwise listed?
A.1 pound
B.10 pounds
C.100 pounds
D.1,000 pounds
Explanation: Under 40 CFR 302.4, the default Reportable Quantity (RQ) for CERCLA hazardous substances not assigned a specific RQ is 1 pound. Many commonly regulated substances have higher RQs (e.g., sulfuric acid = 1,000 lbs, benzene = 10 lbs), but the statutory default triggers notification at 1 pound when no specific RQ is listed.
6Under EPCRA Section 313 (Toxic Release Inventory), what is the threshold reporting quantity for a manufacturing facility using a listed toxic chemical?
A.10,000 pounds processed
B.25,000 pounds manufactured or processed
C.50,000 pounds otherwise used
D.100,000 pounds total on-site
Explanation: Under EPCRA Section 313 (40 CFR Part 372), facilities subject to TRI reporting must file a Form R if they manufacture or process 25,000 pounds or more of a listed toxic chemical in a calendar year. The threshold for 'otherwise used' chemicals is 10,000 pounds. Both thresholds apply to SIC codes in manufacturing, mining, and federal facilities.
7A CHMM is reviewing a facility's RCRA hazardous waste manifest. Which agency form number is the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest?
A.EPA Form 8700-22
B.DOT Form F 5800.1
C.OSHA Form 300A
D.EPA Form 7550-1
Explanation: EPA Form 8700-22 is the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (and 8700-22A for continuation sheets), required under 40 CFR Part 262 Subpart B. It must accompany all off-site shipments of RCRA hazardous waste and include generator, transporter, and designated facility information, waste description, quantity, and handling codes.
8Under 49 CFR 172.504, which placard is required when shipping a quantity of hazardous materials that does not meet the 1,001-pound threshold for a specific hazard class?
A.DANGEROUS placard
B.Class-specific placard for the predominant hazard
C.HAZMAT placard
D.No placard is required
Explanation: Under 49 CFR 172.504(b), when a vehicle or freight container contains 1,000 lbs or less aggregate gross weight of two or more categories of hazardous materials each in an amount less than the placard threshold, a DANGEROUS placard may be used in lieu of separate class-specific placards. This is the omnibus placard for mixed loads below individual class thresholds.
9The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is used to determine RCRA D-list toxicity characteristic status. Which analytical method standard governs the TCLP?
A.EPA SW-846 Method 1311
B.ASTM D1535
C.EPA Method 8270D
D.NIOSH 1501
Explanation: The TCLP is codified as EPA SW-846 Method 1311 (Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste). It uses an acetic acid extraction fluid to simulate landfill leachate conditions and determines whether a waste leaches hazardous concentrations of 40 regulated analytes (metals and organics) listed in 40 CFR 261.24, Table 1.
10Which RCRA Subtitle C provision establishes Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs) that prohibit placement of untreated hazardous wastes into land disposal units?
A.RCRA Section 3004(d)-(k)
B.RCRA Section 3005
C.RCRA Section 3002
D.RCRA Section 7003
Explanation: RCRA Section 3004(d) through (k), implemented through 40 CFR Part 268, establishes Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs). LDRs prohibit land disposal of hazardous wastes unless they meet treatment standards (Best Demonstrated Available Technology — BDAT) for each waste code. Generators must provide LDR notifications and certification when shipping waste.

About the CHMM Exam

The CHMM is IHMM's flagship, ANSI/ISO 17024-accredited hazardous materials credential for managers and program leaders. Unlike the practitioner-level CHMP, the CHMM emphasizes program design, regulatory compliance strategy, risk management, and organizational oversight across RCRA, CERCLA/SARA, EPCRA, TSCA, DOT/PHMSA, OSHA HAZWOPER/PSM, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act. EPA recognizes CHMM holders as 'Environmental Professionals' under 40 CFR §312.10 for CERCLA All Appropriate Inquiries.

Questions

140 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

700/1000 (scaled)

Exam Fee

$535 total ($175 application + $360 exam); $160/year annual maintenance (IHMM (Institute of Hazardous Materials Management))

CHMM Exam Content Outline

10.71%

Planning for Materials with Hazards

EPCRA Sections 302-313, SPCC/FRP plans, RMP program elements, contingency plan development, chemical inventory management, LEPC/SERC coordination

10.57%

Health and Safety

HAZWOPER 1910.120, PPE Levels A-D, OSHA PELs/TLVs/IDLH, respiratory protection 1910.134 (fit testing, seal checks), IH monitoring instruments (PID, CGI, O2), medical surveillance

10.34%

Shipping and Transporting Hazardous Waste/Materials

DOT 49 CFR Classes 1-9, packing groups, placarding, shipping paper order, proper shipping names, ERG use, limited quantities, hazmat employee training

9.12%

Facility Operations Involving Materials with Hazards

OSHA PSM 1910.119 (PHA, MOC, incident investigation), RMP 40 CFR 68, TSCA (PMN, PCBs), NFPA fire codes, chemical compatibility, UST 40 CFR 280

8.50%

Storing Materials with Hazards

Generator accumulation rules (VSQG/SQG/LQG), satellite accumulation areas (no time limit, 55-gal cap), universal waste, RCRA container labeling, secondary containment

8.46%

Disposition of Materials with Hazards

LDR treatment standards (BDAT), RCRA manifests, TSDF Part 264/265 differences, RCRA corrective action (Section 3004(u)), used oil management (40 CFR 279)

7.50%

Response and Recovery

ICS/NIMS, unified command, site control zones (hot/warm/cold), decontamination corridors, NFPA 472 response levels, EPCRA Section 304 immediate notification

7.50%

Management Systems

ISO 14001:2015 (PDCA, Clause 4.1, environmental aspects/significance, objectives), ISO 14031 (MPI/OPI/ECI), CFATS tiering (consequence/threat/vulnerability), pollution prevention hierarchy

7.49%

Recordkeeping and Reporting

RCRA manifest retention (3 years), biennial reports, EPCRA Tier II (Section 312), TRI Form R thresholds (Section 313), NPDES DMRs, NRC spill notifications

6.50%

Training Personnel

HAZWOPER training levels (40 hr, 24 hr, 16 hr, 8 hr refresher), DOT hazmat employee training (172.704, 3-year recurrent), PSM process training, lab standard CHP

6.50%

Remediation

Phase I/II ESA (ASTM E1527-21, RECs), CERCLA PRP liability (4 categories, strict/joint/several), ISCO, EISB, SVE, pump-and-treat, PRB, vapor intrusion (OSWER 9200.2-154), RBCA

6.35%

Environmental Studies

CERCLA cancer risk (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶), slope factors, SDWA MCLs (UIC, TTHMs), CAA (NESHAP area sources, PSD/BACT), CWA (NPDES BAT, oil sheen), AERMOD air modeling

How to Pass the CHMM Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 700/1000 (scaled)
  • Exam length: 140 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $535 total ($175 application + $360 exam); $160/year annual maintenance

Keys to Passing

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

CHMM Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master RCRA generator thresholds: VSQG (<100 kg/mo), SQG (100-999 kg/mo, 270-day limit), LQG (≥1,000 kg/mo, 90-day limit); satellite accumulation areas have no time limit up to 55 gallons
2Know CERCLA's four PRP liability categories: current owners/operators, past owners/operators during disposal, generators (arrangers), and selected transporters — liability is strict, joint, several, and retroactive
3Memorize EPCRA reporting thresholds: Section 302 TPQs (sulfuric acid 1,000 lbs; chlorine 10 lbs; ammonia 500 lbs); Section 313 TRI thresholds (25,000 lbs manufactured/processed; 10,000 lbs otherwise used)
4Know DOT shipping paper basic description order: UN number → Proper Shipping Name → Hazard Class → Packing Group (mnemonic: 'I Put Hazards Properly')
5Understand OSHA HAZWOPER training levels: Awareness (recognize/notify), Operations (defensive), Technician (offensive/hot zone), Incident Commander (1910.120(q)(6)(v)); annual 8-hour refresher for all levels
6Study ISO 14001:2015 PDCA: Plan (Clause 4.1 context + 6.1 objectives), Do (implementation), Check (9.1 monitoring), Act (10 improvement); environmental aspects significance factors include frequency, severity, regulatory requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CHMM exam?

The IHMM CHMM exam contains 140 multiple-choice questions with four answer options per question. The exam is completed in 3 hours. Some questions may be unscored pilot items used to validate future exam forms, but candidates cannot distinguish them during the test.

What score do I need to pass the CHMM exam?

The CHMM uses scaled scoring from 0 to 1,000. A minimum scaled score of 700 is required to pass. The scaled score accounts for slight variations in difficulty across exam forms. Your raw score (questions answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score before results are reported.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CHMM?

CHMM candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university plus at least 4 years of professional-level work experience in hazardous materials management. International degrees require an equivalency evaluation from a NACES-approved organization. Third-party employment verification is required.

How is the CHMM different from the CHMP?

The CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager) is IHMM's senior management-level credential requiring a bachelor's degree plus 4 years of management-scope experience. The CHMP (Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner) is the practitioner-level credential focused on hands-on technical work, with lower education and experience requirements. CHMM holders are also recognized as EPA Environmental Professionals under 40 CFR §312.10 — enabling them to sign Phase I ESA reports for CERCLA All Appropriate Inquiries.

How much does the CHMM exam cost?

The CHMM costs $175 (nonrefundable application fee) plus $360 (exam fee) for a total initial cost of $535. After passing, an annual certification maintenance fee of $160 applies. Retake fees are $160 for the 2nd and 3rd attempts within a 12-month period. A $100 rescheduling fee applies if the appointment is changed within 72 hours.

How do I maintain my CHMM certification?

CHMM certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires 200 Certification Maintenance Points (CMPs): 100 CMPs from professional work experience in hazardous materials management, and 100 CMPs from professional development activities such as continuing education, conferences, publications, teaching, or IHMM volunteer service. Failure to earn 200 CMPs requires retaking the exam ($360 fee).

What regulations are most heavily tested on the CHMM?

The CHMM is a management-level exam covering 12 domains. Heavily tested areas include RCRA (hazardous waste generator categories, manifests, LDRs, TSDFs), CERCLA/SARA (PRP liability, reportable quantities, risk assessment), EPCRA (Sections 302-313), DOT 49 CFR (hazard classes, placarding, shipping papers), OSHA HAZWOPER (1910.120) and PSM (1910.119), and Clean Air/Water Act compliance. Expect scenario-based management-level application questions.

Is the CHMM recognized by EPA?

Yes. EPA recognizes the CHMM credential under 40 CFR §312.10 as qualifying holders as 'Environmental Professionals' for purposes of CERCLA All Appropriate Inquiries (Phase I Environmental Site Assessments). This recognition allows CHMMs to sign and supervise Phase I ESA reports — a significant professional privilege not held by practitioners without this credential.