CAOHC Practice Test

The CAOHC Certification is the gold standard for Occupational Hearing Conservationists (OHCs). It verifies that you have the knowledge and skills to conduct audiometric testing, fit hearing protection, and educate workers about noise hazards. Successful candidates often combine Online CAOHC Training with hands-on practice to master the CAOHC Hearing Conservation Manual concepts. Practice with the free CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

CAOHC Exam at a Glance

What changed for CAOHC in 2026

• Oct 27, 2026: Eligibility changed to No prerequisites; complete CAOHC-approved 20-hour course and pass exam (previously No prerequisites; complete a CAOHC-approved 20-hour course and pass its exam).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Exam fee changed to Varies by location and Course Director (previously Course fee varies by location and Course Director).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Registration opens changed to Register directly with Course Director; CAOHC does not manage registration (previously Register with the Course Director; CAOHC does not manage course registration).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Renewal changed to Every 5 years via 8-hour recertification course and exam (previously Every 5 years by an 8-hour recertification course and exam; extension requests at least 30 days before expiry).^[4]
• Oct 27, 2026: Retake policy changed to Up to 2 retakes (3 total attempts) within 30-day windows; full course retake after 3 fails (previously Up to 2 retakes (3 attempts) within 30-day windows; after 3 fails, retake the course).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Score release changed to Immediate score upon submission; official results via email within 48 business hours (previously Score shown at once; official results by email within 48 business hours).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Validity changed to 5 years from course completion date (previously 5 years from the course completion date).^[3]

Free CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Study Tools

Interactive CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation, “For initial certifications, the exam is 75 minutes and consists of 50 questions.”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through CAOHC questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: How do reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to chemical ototoxicity?

1. Ototoxic chemicals generate ROS that damage cochlear cell membranes and DNA
2. ROS protect hair cells from chemical damage
3. ROS are only produced by noise, not chemicals
4. ROS improve blood flow to the cochlea during chemical exposure

Answer: A. Ototoxic chemicals generate ROS that damage cochlear cell membranes and DNA

Explanation:

The correct answer is that ototoxic chemicals generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cochlear cell membranes and DNA. Oxidative stress of this kind is a common pathway of chemical injury to hair cells and the stria vascularis.

The option saying ROS protect hair cells has the effect backwards, because ROS are the harmful agent here. The option saying ROS come only from noise is wrong because chemicals can produce them as well. The option saying ROS improve blood flow to the cochlea is wrong because the effect is damage, not improved circulation.

Rule to remember: chemical ototoxicity often works through oxidative damage, so chemical exposure can harm hearing even without loud noise, and the two exposures can add to each other.

Example 2

Question: Which type of hearing protection device generally provides the highest level of noise reduction?

1. Cotton balls
2. Earplugs
3. Earmuffs
4. Both earplugs and earmuffs used together

Answer: D. Both earplugs and earmuffs used together

Explanation:

The correct answer is both earplugs and earmuffs used together, often called double protection. Each device attenuates sound alone, and combining them gives the highest level of noise reduction. It is recommended where noise is extreme and a single device may not give enough attenuation.

Cotton balls are wrong because they give little reliable protection and are not a hearing protection device. Earplugs alone and earmuffs alone are both useful, but neither matches the two worn together.

Rule to remember: when single protection is not enough, add a second device rather than relying on a makeshift option. Proper fit still matters, because a poorly seated plug or muff loses much of its benefit.

Example 3

Question: After a worker is found to have a confirmed STS, the employer must take which of the following steps if the worker is not already under physician care for hearing loss?

1. Immediately reassign the worker to a quieter department
2. File an OSHA 300 recordable entry within 24 hours
3. Refer the worker to a physician or audiologist at no cost to the worker
4. Retest the worker every week for 90 days before referral

Answer: C. Refer the worker to a physician or audiologist at no cost to the worker

Explanation:

The correct answer is to refer the worker to a physician or audiologist at no cost to the worker. When a standard threshold shift (STS) is confirmed and the worker is not already under physician care for hearing loss, the employer is responsible for the referral and its cost.

Reassigning the worker to a quieter department is wrong because it is not the required step. The 24 hour OSHA 300 entry is wrong because that timing is not the rule being tested. Weekly retesting for 90 days is wrong because it would delay the referral and is not a requirement.

Rule to remember: a confirmed STS leads to follow-up care arranged and paid for by the employer, along with other follow-up actions such as notification and protection review.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official CAOHC exam guide so you know the format, time limit and retake rules. Then use the practice sets to find where you are weakest.

Take a first pass through the basics: Physics of Sound and Anatomy, Occupational Hearing Loss and Noise Measurement and Control. Next work through the practical side with Audiometric Testing Procedures and Audiogram Review and STS, since the course also tests audiometry in practice.

Then move to program topics: Hearing Protection Devices, Hearing Protection Device Fitting, Federal Regulations and Standards and Recordkeeping and Program Management.

• After each set, read the explanation for every miss, not only the score.
• Write down the rule behind each wrong answer and review that list before the next session.
• Repeat the weakest sets until your errors stop repeating.
• Ask your Course Director which materials the course covers, and match your study to them.

Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to build understanding, not to memorise answers.

The official CAOHC Hearing Conservation Manual is your bible for this exam. Pay close attention to the chapters on audiogram review and standard threshold shifts (STS), as these are frequent topics in CAOHC Test Questions.

Expect to invest between $600 and $1,000 for your initial CAOHC Certification, including the course, exam, and materials. Many employers cover these CAOHC Certification Cost expenses.

Ready to Get CAOHC Certified?

Join thousands of occupational health professionals who have passed their exams with our free resources. Start your CAOHC Practice Test now and secure your certification.

Sign up for CAOHC Recertification Classes at least 3-6 months before your expiration date. Employers often require active CAOHC Certification Verification for employment.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. What is the primary role of a CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC)?

   • A. To diagnose hearing disorders and prescribe treatment
   • B. To conduct audiometric testing and assist in administering hearing conservation programs
   • C. To perform medical examinations for hearing loss claims
   • D. To serve as an OSHA compliance officer

Answer: B. To conduct audiometric testing and assist in administering hearing conservation programs

OHCs conduct pure tone audiometric testing and assist with HCP administration under the supervision of a licensed audiologist or physician.

Answer: B. 20 hours

CAOHC requires OHCs to complete 20 contact hours of approved continuing education during each 5-year recertification period.

Answer: C. Every 5 years

CAOHC certification is valid for 5 years and requires renewal through continuing education and a recertification process.

Answer: A. 40 dB SPL

ANSI S3.1 specifies maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) for audiometric testing rooms. For the 500 Hz octave band, the MPANL is 40 dB SPL when testing to 0 dB HL using supra-aural earphones.

Take the full CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation practice test

Sources & last verified

1. Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake fee (official source). “For initial certifications, the exam is 75 minutes and consists of 50 questions.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
2. Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation — exam fee, eligibility, registration opens (official source). “Registration fees vary by location and Course Director.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
3. Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation — validity, delivery (official source). “The COHC certification expiration date is set for 5 years from the date you complete the course, not the exam.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
4. Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation — renewal (official source). “Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) must renew their credentials every 5 years.” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.