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 Newcastle Upon Tyne.
What to Expect in the Test
Test day is simple and straightforward. Upon arrival, simply present your ID to the staff and have your photo taken (for security). Once testing begins, you will be given 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. Once completed, you will receive your results certificate.
If you fail the exam, you can register for the next exam three days after the first exam. We also recommend that you purchase revision material to help you prepare for taking the test again.
You can find revision material by
following this link. It is strongly recommended that you make use of these materials, especially if you don’t pass the first time. In doing so, you will greatly increase the likelihood of earning a passing score.
If you need to register to take the exam again, you can do so by clicking
here.
What to Take With You
You must bring an acceptable form of identification. If you don’t have a valid ID, you won’t be able to take your test (no exceptions). The most commonly accepted forms of ID include your UK driving license or your passport.
If you don’t have either, you will need to provide two alternate forms of identification. Acceptable documents include an EU Country ID card, Trade Union card, British Armed Forces card, credit or debit card, National Insurance card, or your most recent bank statement. Click
here to see a complete list of acceptable ID alternatives.
What to Do Before Going to the Test Centre
To ensure the best results, always review your study notes before coming in. If you need assistance preparing, click
here for more information.
How Do I Book a Test?
Ready to take your CITB test in Newcastle? Simply click
here to fill out our online form.
The 3 CITB TestsThere are currently 3 CITB Health, Safety and Environment tests being given to those who wish to receive CSCS Cards. Those tests are as follows:
The Operatives Test - The Operatives Test is a level 1 test given to those who want to obtain a CSCS Green Card (Labourer) or a CSCS Red Card (Provisional).
The Specialist Test - The Specialist test is, as the name implies, given to Plumbers, Pipefitters and others with special skills. If you want to obtain a Red Card (Trainee, Apprentice or Experienced Worker), Blue Card (Skilled Worker) or Gold Card (Supervisory, Advanced), take the Specialist CITB test.
The Managers and Professionals Test - This level 3 test covers familiar topics but does so in great depth in order to test your qualifications. Those who want a Red Card (Technical, Supervisor, Managers), White Card (Academically or Professionally Qualified Person) or Black Card (Manager) take this test.
Some pointers that may help you pass the test
Purchase and use some revision materials - Most of the people who fail these tests do so because they didn’t take them seriously. Buy some revision materials and put them to good use.
Get to know the computer software - A particular type of computer software is used to conduct the test. Go through it prior to the test to ensure you know how it works so that you don’t have any missteps during the actual test.
Keep moving on - Don’t let yourself get stuck on any single question. If you don’t know the answer then either circle back to the question later or take a guess and move on.
Don’t leave any questions unanswered - On a multiple-choice test like this, there is no excuse for leaving unanswered questions. All you need to do is fill in a circle and you'll have a 20-25% chance of being right. So you have nothing to lose by guessing and everything to gain.
The Bottom Line
When people fail these tests it's almost always because they didn't spend time studying. Don't let that happen. Pick up some high-quality revision materials and make certain that you arrive at the Newcastle Upon Tyne test centre fully prepared.