CSCS card scheme

Your quick guide to the CSCS TEST CITB – Construction Skills health and Safety Test

The Construction Skills Health and Safety Test is designed to give everybody working on construction sites a minimum level of health and safety awareness. And, a test pass is needed to apply for, or to renew a CSCS or affiliated card.

Today more and more companies insist on a CSCS Card before allowing you to work on their site. So, without one you could be prevented from working. And earning!

Taking the CITB – Construction Skills Health and Safety test is straightforward. There are Fixed Test Centres all over the UK. They are open on weekdays as well as some Saturdays and evenings for your convenience. To find out where your nearest one is please call 0870 600 4020 (8am – 6pm Mon to Fri)

WHAT THE BASIC CSCS OPERATIVES TEST INVOLVES
The test has 35 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 40 minutes. The test is conducted via sensitive computer screens but you don’t need special computer skills to take it. In fact, you can even practise using the screen before you sit your test. Sessions are monitored so assistance is always on hand. Questions are taken from an approved selection covering many health and safety topics affecting construction. These include site hazards, working at heights, using dangerous substances and understanding warning signs. A book containing all the topics is available from major booksellers at a cost of £8.49

If you are dyslexic or have any other reading difficulties, headphones and audio questioning can be supplied. This will be discussed when you book your test.

If you wish to take the test in a language other than English, we can arrange an interpreter at many of the centres. The CSCS test is available with a Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, Bulgarian, Punjabi, German Romanian or Portuguese voice-over. Please request which language at the time of booking your test. Please call the helpdesk on 01485 577 885 for more details.

THREE EASY STEPS TO BOOKING YOUR TEST

  • 1. New applicants will need to provide their full name, address and postcode, date of birth and/or national Insurance number to be able to register.


  • 2. You will need a credit or debit card in order to pay for your test. Alternatively you can ask to apply in writing and pay by postal order or cheque.


  • 3. Call the following number 0870 600 4020

A letter will be sent to you once you’ve booked confirming the date, time and location of your test. It will also show which category of test you will be sitting. Please check the details of the letter and any instructions. On the day of your test you must bring the following:

  • 1. Your confirmation letter


  • 2. ID bearing your photo


  • 3. ID bearing your signature (this could be the same as your photo ID)

Helping you prepare for your test

  • 1. Read Health and safety guides – CITB offers a wide range in 8 different languages (see above)


  • 2. Seek advice from your local CITB-Construction Skills area office


  • 3. Ask your employer or key worker for guidance


  • 4. Take a practice test at your local learning centre. Multi lingual practise tests are available at the:

    TUC Canary Wharf Learning Centre,
    Heron Quays,
    Canary Wharf
    nearest tube: Canary Wharf on Jubilee Line.