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 Swansea.
What to Expect in the Test
When you arrive, just show your ID to the staff. Then they will take a picture of you (for security purposes) and confirm your test time. After the exam begins, you have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate with your score.
If you failed to pass the exam, you can re-register to retake it after three days. You are strongly encouraged to purchase review material to prepare for the retake. You can find an overview of these materials
here.
Please be sure that you take full advantage of these materials, especially if this is not your first time taking the exam. Studying significantly increases your likelihood of achieving a passing grade.
If you would like to apply to retake the test, you can do so
here. Simply fill in the requested information to get started on the application process.
What to Take With You
The most important thing to carry with you on test day is an acceptable form of identification. No ID card, no exam, and no exceptions. A valid ID includes your UK driving license or passport.
If you do not have either of these, you’ll need to show 2 alternative forms of ID. These can include:
● Trade Union card
● EU Country ID card
● British Armed Forces card
● National Insurance card
● Recent bank statement
● Credit or debit card
What’s more, you may click
here to review a complete list of approved alternative IDs.
What to Do Before Going to the Test Centre
To ensure that you get passing results on the CITB test, always be sure to study before you come in. If you need help getting ready for the test, please click
here for revision material.
How Do I Book a Test?
To book your CITB test in Swansea, you can apply by clicking
here. Simply fill out our online form to get started. You need to provide some basic information to get registered.
We send your test date and time to the email address that you provided us. This information typically arrives within 24 hours.
CITB Test
The CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test (commonly known as the CITB Test) is split into 3 different levels. All levels can be taken at our Swansea test centre but you do need to know which level it is that you should be taking.
The 3 levels are the Operatives Test, the Specialists Test, and the Managers or Professionals Test. To get a better understanding of which level is right for you, the following information should help.
The Operatives Test
This is the entry-level test and is the one most commonly taken. It is aimed at most non-senior roles in the construction industry so is the one that is most likely to be suited to the majority of construction workers. By passing the Operatives test, you can get a Labourer’s CSCS Green Card or a Provisional CSCS Red Card.
The Specialists Test
This is the next level of CITB test and requires more in-depth knowledge about working safely within the UK construction industry. The Specialists Test is aimed at workers who are classed as skilled workers such as pipefitters, gas engineers, plumbers, and other similar roles. By passing the Specialists Test, you can get a CSCS Red Card (Trainee, Apprentice or Experienced Worker), CSCS Blue Card (Skilled Worker) or CSCS Gold Card (Supervisory or Advanced).
The Managers or Professionals Test
This is the highest level of the CITB Test and you'll need a lot of industry knowledge in order to pass it. The Managers or Professionals Test is aimed at construction workers who will be taking on senior roles on-site so their knowledge is expected to be much higher than the other levels. By passing the Managers or Professionals Test, you can get a CSCS Red Card (Technical, Supervisor or Managers), CSCS White Card (Academically or Professionally Qualified Person), or CSCS Black Card (Manager).
Knowing which test to take is very important as taking the wrong one can prevent you from doing the role you want to do. If you are unsure which CITB test you should book at our Swansea test centre, you should speak to your site supervisor who should be able to help you.