Manchester CITB - Test Centre

Upon arrival, the staff will verify your identity and confirm that you are scheduled to take the exam. Then, you will be photographed for security reasons. 

The test itself is a multiple-choice test with 50 questions and takes 45 minutes. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of your test results. 

If you fail the exam, you can register for a retake three days after the first exam. We also encourage you to purchase revision materials to help you prepare for the retake exam. You can find these materials by following this link. 

It is strongly recommended that you use these materials, especially if this is not your first time taking the exam. Studying for the CITB test greatly increases the likelihood of obtaining a passing score. 

If you need to re-register to retake the exam, please click here and fill in the requested information.

You need a valid ID to take the CITB exam. You cannot take the exam without this (no exceptions). A valid proof of identity is your UK driving license or passport. 

If you don’t have these forms of identification, you must bring two alternative forms of identification for verification. Acceptable secondary IDs include British Armed Forces cards, recent bank statements, National Insurance cards, EU Country ID cards, credit or debit cards, or Trade Union cards. 

To review the complete list of accepted IDs, please click here.

Failure to study before the exam may result in a poor score. Be sure to check our Revision materials to help you brush up before retaking the test. You can find this material by following this link.

I’m ready to book my CITB test in Manchester, now what? To apply to take the exam, simply click this link and fill out our online form.
 

Whether a person is trying to earn their first CSCS card or they need to upgrade, no cards can be issued until they take and pass the appropriate CITB health, safety and environment test. All the tests mentioned below are different levels of the CITB test. Which one is appropriate for you will depend on which type of card you want to obtain. 

Before you go ahead and book a CITB test in Manchester it's important that you know exactly which test you should be taking. That way you do not walk into the test centre unprepared. Currently, there are three levels of CITB test: 

The Operatives Test
If you are seeking a CSCS card for the first time - that would be a Red Card (Provisional) - or you wish to work as a labourer in the UK construction industry - for that you’d need a Green Card (Labourer) - the basic Operatives Test is for you.

Many people show up for the basic Operatives Test thinking it’s no big deal and wind up failing. Don’t make this mistake. The Operatives Test may be the lowest level of CITB tests, but that does not mean it’s easy. People who pass and obtain their Green or Red Card are usually those who have invested time in revision prior to their testing date.
 
The Operatives or Specialist Test

Skilled workers hoping to obtain a Blue Card, Apprentices, Trainees or Experienced workers hoping to obtain a Red Card, and those seeking a Gold Card will need to take the Operatives or Specialist test.
 
The Operatives of Specialist test is more detailed and technically orientated than the basic operatives test and will require a firm grasp of the relevant construction concepts, safety issues and environmental hazards related to their particular field. Be aware too that certain prerequisites apply to those hoping to obtain one of these cards.
 
Specialist, Managers or Professionals Test
 
Last, but certainly not least, those wishing to obtain a CSCS Black Card (Manager), CSCS Red Card (Technical, Supervisory, Managers), or CSCS White Card (Academically or Professionally Qualified Person), will need to pass the Specialist, Managers or Professionals test. Book you test below. 

How difficult is the CITB Health Safety & Environment test? 

How difficult a given individual finds the HS&E test almost always comes down to whether they engaged in revision beforehand. Remember, you will need to get 45 out of 50 questions on the exam correct in order to receive your CSCS card. That can be quite a tall order for someone who has not studied the material ahead of time. 

 

Do I need to have a construction job before I take the HS&E test? 

No, you do not need to have a construction job, or even the offer of a construction job, in order to take the CITB HS&E test. Anyone who is so disposed can take the test as long as they register and pay the appropriate fee. Whether a person chooses to use their CSCS card is entirely up to them. The card will stay valid regardless. 

 

When does the CITB test result expire? 

When you pass the HS&E test and are given your CSCS card there is no expiration date attached. Technically, that is. For practical purposes, however, if you attempt to get a new skills card, or renew an existing skills card, the administrators will likely check to see how long ago you passed the HS&E test. If it is more than two years then it's likely they will instruct you to retake, and pass, the test before you will be issued a new skills card. 

 

Can I obtain a CSCS card without taking the HS&E test? 

No, you cannot obtain a CSCS card unless you take and pass the Health Safety & Environment test first. There are no exceptions to this rule. 

 

What happens if I take the wrong CITB test? 

When you arrive for the test you will be screened by staff at the Manchester CITB test centre. They will ensure you are scheduled to take the test being given at that time. If you show up for a test you are not registered for you will be turned away and instructed when to return to take the correct test.