Construction sites can be hazardous places to work and in order to keep yourself and your work colleagues safe you need to be aware of the work place risks and how to deal with them safely. The CITB Health and Safety test was put in place to ensure that all construction workers have a minimum understanding of the health and safety awareness required to work safely on site.
If you are applying for a CSCS card or renewing your current CSCS card you will be required to pass the CITB Health and Safety test. The length and content of the test will vary depending upon the level of card you are applying for or renewing.
Exemptions
In some cases if you have undertaken a construction related NVQ/SVQ in the past 2 years you may be exempt from taking the CSCS test but this rule only applies to first time applicants and will not be taken into account if you are renewing your CSCS card. Candidates should always check with their training provider before registering for the CSCS test.
Test Types and Content
The CSCS test is tailored to particular construction occupations therefore the type of CSCS Card you require will determine the Health and Safety Test you need to take. For example if you are applying for the Black CSCS Management Card you will need to take the Managerial and Professional CSCS Test (commonly referred to as the MAP test), or if you are applying for the Gold Supervisory CSCS card you will need to pass the Supervisor Level CSCS Test.
The duties and tasks that your occupation involves will also determine which sections of the test you take, for example if you are a scaffolder you will need to complete the working at height section of the test. All CSCS Test participants will be required to complete the General Responsibilities section of the test which covers basic construction health and safety rules.
The test questions relate to many of the health and safety risks that are relevant for construction site workers such as understanding warning signs, access and egress, site hazards, the safe usage of dangerous substances, working at height and working in confined spaces.
The CSCS Health and Safety test is a multiple-choice exam normally taken on a PC using a touch screen interface. It can be taken at an accredited testing centre or at a mobile testing unit. Most of the Health and Safety Tests are made up of 50 multiple choice questions and you will have 45 minutes to answer them.
Revising for the CSCS Test
There are multiple revision materials available to help you pass the CSCS Test including; a book which includes all the questions that may appear in the test, a DVD Rom which includes a mock test which you can take on your PC in order to familiarise yourself with the test experience, and a DVD.
If you need additional literacy or accessibility support when taking the test contact the test centre or your training provider to discuss your needs.
Test Day
Once you have booked your test you should receive a letter that will detail your test date and time and also the type/category of test you will be sitting. Any further instructions will be detailed in the letter.
On the day of the test you will need to bring the following documentation with you to prove your identity:
Photographic ID – Passport, Drivers Licence or Citizen Card
Proof of Signature – This could be the same as your Photographic ID or you could provide a Bank Card or Credit Card
Test Confirmation Letter
