What to expect from a CSCS Touch Screen Test

The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (also referred to as the CSCS Touch Screen test) was developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as a way for workers to prove their knowledge of maintaining health and safety on a construction site. The test is for both existing workers and those looking to join the industry. The aim is to check a learner's knowledge over a range of health and safety topics. This shows contractors that workers have the knowledge of how to be safe on-site, both in terms of their own safety and that of others around them.

Which CSCS test should I take?

CSCS touch screen test can be taken in one of three categories:

Operative – tests for a basic level of health, safety and environmental awareness. This test is required when applying for the Labourer card, the Trainee card, the Apprentice card, most Blue Skilled Worker cards and most Gold Advanced Craft cards.
Manager and Professional – covers the basic level of health, safety and environmental awareness per the operative test, plus additional material relevant to managers and professionals. This test is required when applying for the Black Managers card and the Academically or Professionally Qualified person cards.
Specialist – covers the basic level of health, safety and environmental awareness per the operative test, plus additional material relating to a specialist area such as supervision or working at heights. Specialist tests are required when applying for the Gold Supervisor card, as well as Blue Skilled Worker and Gold Advanced Craft cards in certain occupations.

CSCS Health Safety and Environment tests (touch screen tests) can be booked by calling the office or check our available and book direct on our website.

What does the CSCS test involve?

Please be aware - due to changes in the rules set out by CITB, Tests now need to be registered at least 48 hours prior to your Test time. This means, unfortunately, we are unable to take same-day or next-day bookings. In order to book your test, we need your name, email address, date of birth, national insurance number, home address and contact number. This is required for every individual candidate, in order to register their Test.

The HS&E Test is made up of 50 questions covering five core knowledge areas:

legal and management
health and welfare
general safety
high risk activities
environment

Candidates have 45 minutes to answer the 50 questions. The test now includes new question styles. Behavioural case studies are also used in the test to check a candidate's understanding of health, safety and environmental issues, and how to behave safely on-site.

The pass mark for the Operatives and Specialists tests is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly. The pass mark for the Managers and Professionals test is 92%. To pass, you need to answer at least 46 out of 50 questions correctly.

There are voiceover options available in English for all tests for those more comfortable with audio alongside written text. You can also request voiceover in Bulgarian, Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian and Spanish.

How to prepare for your CSCS test?

There are many ways you can prepare for your CSCS test, the important point to note is to actually do it!

You can download the CITB: Op/Spec or CITB: MAP app from the App Store or Google Play. The apps offer revision packs and mock tests for you to complete.
There is a range of material available from CITB, including videos, books, etc, check out the link for more information https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/health-safety-and-environment-hse-test-and-cards/preparing-for-the-test/
For those taking the Operatives test, you can attend a course at Raeburn Training. We run CSCS Preparation Courses every month. They are a tutor led session, which uses the app as an interactive teaching tool.

What to expect on the day?

You must bring photographic ID with you. You will not be able to take the test without providing ID. You can find a list of accepted forms of ID here.

The process is the same for first timers and those renewing their cards. You will be collected from reception and taken to our Internet Test Centre. Please be aware you will be under audio and video CCTV at all times in the Test centre. One of our invigilators will then carry out some registration tasks. This involves taking a copy of your ID, a couple of signatures and a photograph. All personal items, such as phones, smart watches, keys and coats will be placed in a secure locker. Your pockets must be empty.

Once all the candidates are registered, you will then commence the test. This is just like any exam – in silence and with a time limit. There is an optional 15-minute tutorial which can be taken before the test, which shows you how to answer the different styles of questions. You are not marked on your answers in the tutorial, it doesn't matter if you choose the wrong answer. If you have revised using official CSCS books or app then you will be familiar with all the questions and with the format they are presented in.

Once you have completed your test, please sit quietly and wait for the other candidates to finish. Please do not turn around and watch other candidates screens while they finish. There is an optional 15-minute survey at the end of the test, all about your experience of the CSCS test and how you revised for it.

Your score report will print out automatically in our office. Once everyone has finished the test, you will be taken through one at a time to collect your score report and find out if you passed!

What if I fail my test?

You can rebook to undertake the test again, bookings must allow for 72 hours between test slots.

If I pass, can I apply for my CSCS card?

You can apply for a CSCS card directly on the CITB website - https://www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards/. In most cases, a qualification is also required to be uploaded along with the code from the test certificate.

Raeburn Training can help candidates with their CSCS green labourer card applications when they undertake their test and required training with us. We recommend that this training is undertaken before the test and if you are applying for a green labourer card, it is necessary to complete a H&S course prior to applying for a CSCS card each time, even if you have held a green card before.