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 Wolverhampton.
What to Expect in the Test
Before you can take the CITB test, you will need to show the on-site staff your ID. They will then verify that you are scheduled for the test at that time. In adherence to safety guidelines, the staff will take your photo.
The CITB test itself takes 45 minutes to complete and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Once you’ve finished the exam, you will get a certificate of achievement that shows your test results.
If you fail the CITB exam, you may register to take the next exam three days later. You should purchase revision material, especially if you don’t pass the first time. This will help you get ready for your retake. You can find this study material at
this link.
If you need to retake your test for a CSCS card or you wish to take it for the first time, follow
this link and fill in the requested information to get started.
What to Take With You
On test day, you are required to take with you an acceptable form of identification. Without an ID, you can’t take the test (no exceptions). A valid ID includes:
- UK driving license
- Passport
If you don’t have a driving license or passport from the UK, you will need to take with you two alternate forms of ID. These may include:
- HMRC letter B79 Notification of Discharge Letter
- CITB Scheme Card Student
- Building Society Passbook
- Cheque Guarantee Card
- ID Card Citizen Card
- EU Country ID Card
- Trade Union Card
- Bank Statement
- Work ID Card
If you would like to view a complete list of acceptable documentation, click
here.
What to Do Before Going to the Test Centre
Studying for the CITB exam will ensure the best outcome. You can prepare yourself accordingly by reviewing revision material at
this link.
How Do I Book a Test?
Would you like to book the CITB test in Wolverhampton? Simply click
here and fill out our online form to apply. You will be asked to provide some basic information to complete the registration. Once submitted, you should receive your test date and time via your email address within 24 hours.
The Different Tests You Can Choose FromThere are three different tests on offer at the Wolverhampton test centre and indeed there are over ten different types of CSCS Cards you can obtain. This can understandably be confusing. Below we have outlined the different types of test available, and the cards that they relate to.
The Operatives Test: This test is for people who want to obtain a CSCS Green Card (Labourer) or a CSCS Red Card (Provisional). It’s the most common and popular test on offer, owing to the fact it is suited to a wide range of trades.
The Specialists Test: This is a more complex test for people who want to obtain a CSCS Red Card (Trainee, Apprentice or Experienced Worker), CSCS Blue Card (Skilled Worker) or CSCS Gold Card (Supervisory or Advanced). This is slightly less common, owing to the fact it is for people in more specialist trades, such as plumbing.
The Managers or Professionals Test: This test will help you obtain a CSCS Red Card (Technical, Supervisor or Managers), a CSCS White Card (Academically or Professionally Qualified Person) or a CSCS Black Card (Manager). This is for people working in senior construction roles.
Advice for Your Test
Across the country, we see regular examples of people failing these tests, because they have underestimated them, not taken the time to revise and put themselves at a disadvantage.
As the saying goes – fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
The good news is that if you do take the time to revise and be ready, there is no reason you shouldn’t come away with your desired CSCS Card.
Our key advice:
- Get yourself some useful and appropriate revision materials and spend the time to go through them and prepare yourself.
- Use the time you are given before your test, to familiarise yourself with the software, wisely – this is all part of being prepared.
- Arrive at the Wolverhampton test centre in good time so you are cool, calm and collected when the test begins.
- Finally, don’t get hung up on a question if you’re stuck. Just like the advice in schools – move on and then go back to it at the end.