The CSCS card is a way to verify that people working on construction sites have the appropriate knowledge and training. This helps prevent on-the-job mishaps that endanger everyone's health and safety. You obtain a CSCS card by taking the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test. There are 150 CITB test centres nationwide including in Canterbury.
Book the CITB Test in Canterbury
For 25 years the CSCS Card has prevented unqualified people from working on UK construction sites. Today, it is a standard item for anyone who hopes to work in the construction industry. To obtain a CSCS Card you must pass the CITB Test.
What to Expect in the Test
Make sure to arrive at the Canterbury Test Centre on time with a valid ID. Once there will have your photo taken for security purposes. When the test starts you will have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions.
What to Take With You
You cannot take the test without an acceptable ID. That means a UK passport with photo and signature or a UK driving license with the same.
If you don’t have one of those you’ll need to provide 2 alternative forms of identification. These include everything from a bank statement to a Trade Union Card to a Proof of Age Card.
Click here for a complete list of acceptable alternative IDs.
What to do Before Going to the Test Centre
Make sure you spend time studying before the test. You can find a selection of quality revision aids
here.
How do I Book a Test?
Book your test quickly and easily using the Construction Certification
online form.
Determining Which Test to TakeYou cannot simply show up to take just any CITB test in Canterbury, you need to take the one that is appropriate for the type of card you are trying to obtain. While all the tests are CITB health, safety and environment tests they are not all the same, nor do they cover the same information. There are, in fact, different levels of difficulty depending on the card you're looking for.
You will need to make sure you schedule the right test given your particular circumstances. To help you out here is a quick rundown of the different levels of CITB test and which cards they apply to:
The Operatives Test
The basic Operatives test is for anyone seeking either of these CSCS Cards:
- CSCS Green Card
- CSCS Red Card (Provisional)
The Operatives or Specialist Test
The Operatives or Specialist test is intended for anyone seeking any of the following CSCS Cards:
- CSCS Blue Card (Skilled Worker)
- CSCS Red Card (Apprentice)
- CSCS Red Card (Experienced Worker)
- CSCS Red Card (Trainee)
- CSCS Gold Card (Supervisory)
- CSCS Gold Card (Advanced)
The Specialist, Managers or Professionals Test
This test is designed for people at the upper echelons of the construction business, those who would typically be seeking any of the following CSCS Cards:
- CSCS Black Card (Manager)
- CSCS Red Card (Technical, Supervisor, Managers)
- CSCS White Card (Academically Qualified Person)
- CSCS White Card (Professionally Qualified Person)
Things to Be Aware of
First of all, just as a person cannot show up to take any old CITB test in Canterbury, so too they cannot obtain any of the CSCS Cards described above unless they have the proper prerequisites.
Second of all, every level of the CITB health, safety and environment testing regime is difficult. It is, unfortunately, all too common for people to show up to take the Operatives Test without having engaged in any meaningful amount of revision work. They assume the test is easy then walk out at the end wondering what went wrong.
With all the earnestness at our command, we urge you to pick up some revision aids and put them to good use in the days and weeks prior to arriving for your CITB test in Canterbury. You'll be glad you did.