An unhandled error has occurred. Reload X
Skip to main content

CHP: Certified Health Physicist Examination Practice Test

140 questions available

The Certified Health Physicist (CHP) credential, administered by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP), is the premier professional certification for radiation safety experts. It validates comprehensive mastery of the principles and practices essential for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation while enabling its beneficial uses. Earning the CHP designation signifies an individual's advanced competency across the core domains of health physics, including radiation detection and measurement, external and internal dosimetry, radiation shielding, environmental transport, regulatory frameworks, and emergency response. This certification is not merely an exam; it represents a career milestone that demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of professional practice, ethical conduct, and technical excellence. CHPs are recognized as authoritative leaders, qualified to design, implement, and oversee complex radiation protection programs in diverse sectors such as nuclear power, medicine, national laboratories, academia, government agencies, and the military. The credential is a testament to rigorous preparation, proven experience, and a dedication to safeguarding public health.

140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
ABHP140 practice questions23 answers with a checkable referenceBank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

23 of 140 answers carry a checkable reference.

Regulatory, Operational Health Physics & Emergency Response

Posting requirements (10 CFR 20.1902) include a 'Caution: Radiation Area' sign when:

External Dosimetry & Shielding

ALARA acronym stands for:

Regulatory, Operational Health Physics & Emergency Response

Declared pregnant worker (10 CFR 20.1208) dose limit to the embryo/fetus is:

Regulatory, Operational Health Physics & Emergency Response

10 CFR Part 20 'Standards for Protection Against Radiation' is administered by:

Regulatory, Operational Health Physics & Emergency Response

10 CFR 20.1801 requires:

Why This Certification Opens Doors

Achieving the CHP credential is a transformative career differentiator that confers immediate industry recognition and credibility. It signals to employers, regulators, and peers that you possess the validated expertise required for senior-level and leadership positions in radiation safety. CHPs are consistently sought after for roles with greater responsibility, higher compensation, and significant influence over policy and program direction. This certification is often a mandatory or strongly preferred qualification for key positions such as Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) at major facilities, corporate subject matter experts, and regulatory advisors. It establishes you as a trusted authority, enhancing your professional standing and opening doors to advanced career opportunities that are typically inaccessible to non-certified professionals.

Exam Details CHP-ABHP

Exam Code CHP-ABHP
Vendor ABHP

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the CHP examination?

Candidates must meet stringent education and experience requirements set by the ABHP. This typically includes a bachelor's degree in a physical science, engineering, or biological science with a specified number of credit hours in physics and calculus. Crucially, candidates must demonstrate at least six years of full-time professional experience in health physics. A master's or doctoral degree can reduce the required experience to five or four years, respectively. All experience must be verified and endorsed by sponsors.

What is the structure and format of the CHP exam?

The CHP examination is a comprehensive, two-part assessment. Part 1 is a 100-question, multiple-choice exam covering the breadth of health physics. Part 2 consists of approximately 8-10 complex, multi-part essay questions designed to test in-depth analytical and problem-solving skills. The exam is administered over a full day, and a passing score on both sections is required to earn the certification. The ABHP provides a detailed exam blueprint outlining the weight given to each core topic area.

How does the CHP differ from state or other radiation safety certifications?

The CHP is a nationally recognized, vendor-neutral certification of comprehensive expertise across all domains of health physics. While state-specific radiation control technician or Radiological Safety Officer (RSO) licenses may be required for certain operational roles, they are often limited in scope to specific regulations or technologies. The CHP is a broader, deeper credential that validates the ability to develop programs, solve novel problems, and provide expert guidance at a strategic level, making it the peak professional achievement in the field.

What are the maintenance requirements for the CHP credential?

To maintain the CHP certification, individuals must adhere to the ABHP's Continuing Education (CE) program and recertification process. This requires earning a minimum of 80 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) over a four-year recertification cycle. These CECs must be relevant to health physics and obtained through activities such as attending technical meetings, completing courses, publishing papers, or teaching. Recertification demonstrates an ongoing commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving field.

What are the primary career paths for a Certified Health Physicist?

CHPs occupy critical roles across numerous sectors. Key career paths include: serving as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for a university, medical center, or nuclear power plant; working as a regulator or inspector for agencies like the NRC, DOE, or state health departments; providing consultancy and expert witness services; leading research and development at national laboratories; and holding senior positions in environmental protection and emergency response organizations for government or private industry.