Construction HS&E Op/Spec Test

Safety and Environment Test (HS&E test) the Construction Industry Training Board

In order to obtain a CSCS card, candidates must pass the CSCS Test, also known as the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test (HS&E test). This test is administered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), an organisation which is the contracted by the CSCS to handle assessments, card applications and enquiries from potential candidates. Each year, the CITB handles hundreds of thousands of CSCS card applications on behalf of the CSCS.

How many questions are there in the CSCS Test?

The test consists of 50 questions. These will be selected randomly from a database of hundreds of official CITB questions from the key areas mentioned above. Like the real exam, the CSCS mock test above and all of the practice tests that we provide as part of our revision material consist of 50 questions.

What is the duration of the test?

The CSCS test is a timed assessment. You will have 45 minutes to complete the test. A countdown timer in the corner of your screen will indicate how much time you have left. You should have ample time to answer each question and double check them before finishing. It is important that you take your time and read each question carefully. If you spend an equal amount of time on each question, you will have just under a minute to answer each question.

Like the official test, the CSCS mock test above is also timed and you will have exactly 45 minutes to complete it. Our software also features a pause option allowing you to stop the timer if you need extra time to think about questions and answers. Please note that you won’t have this option in your real test.

What is the pass mark?

The pass mark for operatives and specialists is 45/50 (90%). The pass mark for managers and professionals is 46/50 (92%).

What are some tips to pass the test?

Make sure you get enough practice in and do plenty of revision in the weeks leading up to the test. Our practice and revision material has everything you need to pass the exam with flying colors.

Before you start the test, you will be given some time to get a feel of the computer software and user interface. Spend this time wisely and ask a member of staff if you’re unsure about anything.

After starting the test, ensure you read the carefully and understand what it is asking. Read the question more than once.

Ensure you choose an answer for each question. If you’re not sure about an answer, take an educated guess and choose an option that you feel may be correct. Don’t leave any unanswered questions.

Make efficient use of your time. Remember you have 45 minutes to complete 50 questions. It is wise to spend an equal amount of time on each question. If you spend 45 seconds or less on each question, you will still have time at the end of your test to go through your answers and double check them.

Don’t waste too much time on a question you’re struggling with. If you’re finding a question difficult, leave it and come back to it at a later stage.

The test consists of 50 knowledge questions.

Prior to this date, the test also contained behavioral case study questions. These questions have since been removed and the scoring mechanism is now easier to understand.

The test is made up 50 questions, which consist of knowledge questions. You can score of a maximum of 50 points for the test.

There are 16 categories spanning 5 key sections. These 16 categories are:

A: Legal and management:

Accident reporting and recording

General responsibilities

B: Health and welfare:

Dust and fumes (Respiratory hazards)

First aid and emergency procedures

Hazardous substances

Health and welfare

Manual handling

Noise and vibration

Personal protective equipment

C: General safety:

Electrical safety, tools and equipment

Fire prevention and control

Safety signs

Site transport safety and lifting operations

D: High risk activities:

Excavations and confined spaces

Working at height

E: Environment:

Environmental awareness and waste control