CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test

Book your CSCS or CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test to apply for or renew your CSCS Card.

About the Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test

The HS&E test is important for anyone who wants to work in construction in the UK. The test covers aspects of health and safety that are relevant to workers in the construction industry.

For employers, the HS&E test ensures that employees are up-to-date with the latest health & safety legislation and demonstrates a commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

What Do I Need to Bring to the Test Centre?

You must bring valid ID to the test centre. Your ID should show your full name, signature, and include a photo, such as a passport or driving licence.

Test Structure

The HS&E test is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions are divided into five sections:

  • Legal and Management
  • Health and Welfare
  • General Safety
  • High-Risk Activities
  • Environment

 

Types of HS&E Tests

There are three types of HS&E tests: the Operatives, specialists and the Managers test. The type of HS&E test you need to take depends on the role you want to carry out in construction.

Operatives HS&E Test

If you want to work on a construction site as an operative, labourer or tradesperson, you will need to take the Operatives HS&E test.

Specialists HS&E Test

If you want to work on a construction site in a specialist role, such as a scaffolder, plant operator or demolition worker, you will need to take the Specialist HS&E test.

Managers and Professionals HS&E Test

If you want to work in construction as a site manager, project manager or any other type of managerial role, you will need to take the Managers and Professionals HS&E test.

How Much Does the Health, Safety & Environment Test Cost?

The HS&E test costs £22.50 with CITB and can be booked at different test centres across the UK. Hurak can book the test for you at a cost of £41.99, taking all of the headaches out of arranging your exam. When you book with us, we also provide a revision book with more than 400 questions and answers to help you get ready.

Preparing for the Health, Safety & Environment Test

You can prepare for the HS&E test by buying the CITB HS&E Test Candidates’ Handbook. The revision materials contain information about what will be covered in the test, as well as practice questions.

If you schedule the test through us, you'll receive a complimentary revision book to assist with your studying.

Applying for a CSCS Card

Once you have passed the HS&E test, you can apply for a CSCS card.

There are different types of CSCS cards, depending on your occupation. For example, there are cards for labourers, groundworkers, bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, painters and decorators, plumbers and electricians.

To apply for a CSCS card, you will need to provide proof of your identity, qualifications and employment history.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

The CSCS is a scheme that was set up to improve standards in the construction industry.

To get a CSCS card, you need to pass the HS&E test. The CSCS card shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely and competently in construction.

CSCS cards are widely recognised by employers and are often a requirement for working on construction sites.

Card Schemes

There are different card schemes that you can apply for, depending on your occupation.

For example, there is the Green Card scheme for labourers, the Gold Card scheme for skilled workers, and the Black Card scheme for management.

To find out more about the different card schemes, visit the CSCS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can retake the HS&E test as many times as you need to. We can book you another test once 24 hours have passed, however, do note you cannot sit another test within 48 hours of your initial test time. 

There are 300+ test centres across the UK. To find your nearest HS&E test centre, visit the CITB website.


No, CITB is not the same as CSCS. CITB stands for the Construction Industry Training Board. This board works with the construction companies in order to improve the skills in the construction industry and to increase the competitive edge and how to respond to the challenges that the employers might face in the construction industries. 

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme, which is a card scheme that helps employers to identify workers who have the necessary skills and qualifications to work safely on construction sites. Under this scheme, the delegates are issued with the various CSCS cards that are their identification proof for their proficiency and competency in the work.

Yes, you can still apply for a CSCS card if you have a criminal record. However, there are some types of convictions that may make you ineligible for a CSCS card. For more information, please contact the CSCS offices.


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CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test - Hurak