To apply for a CSCS card you must demonstrate your occupational competence and, in most cases, you must also pass the ConstructionSkills Health Safety and Environment Test within the previous two years. Exemptions to this requirement are listed below.
The aim of the test is to examine knowledge across a wide range of health and safety topics in order to improve safety and productivity on site. It is usually taken as a PC-based touch screen test at either a mobile testing unit or an accredited test centre. With the exception of the exemptions described below, everyone applying for a CSCS card must pass the appropriate health and safety test as well as prove their competence in the appropriate way for the card they are applying for
From 2 April 2012 the ConstructionSkills Health, Safety and Environment Test replaced the Health and Safety Test. The new test introduced a host of new updates to help raise construction standards in a changing industry, while retaining traditional health and safety elements. There is more information about the changes here
The type of card being applied for will determine the level of test that needs to be taken. Further information on this can be found in the Occupations section of this website.
You can book a ConstructionSkills Health Safety and Environment Test online or you can call the information and booking line on 0344 994 4488. The cost of the test is £17.50.
If the person taking the test needs additional support eg accessibility or literacy please call the booking line to discuss the requirements.
A range of books, CDs and DVDs are available to help revise and practice for the CSCS Health and Safety Test. They are available from most high street and online booksellers or you can order them by calling 0344 994 4488 or visiting this website
The most up-to-date versions of these materials are:
Health, Safety and Environment Test for operatives and specialists – GT 100/12 (ISBN 978-1-85751-343-1)
Health, Safety and Environment Test for managers and professionals – GT 200/12 (ISBN 978-1-85751-342-4)
Health, Safety and Environment Test DVD for operatives and specialists (PC DVD-ROM) – GT 100/12 DVD (ISBN 978-1-85751-345-5)
Health, Safety and Environment Test DVD for managers and professionals (PC DVD-ROM) – GT 200/12 DVD (ISBN 978-1-85751-344-8)
EXEMPTIONS
If you have achieved a construction related NVQ or SVQ within the last two years and are applying for a CSCS card for the first time, you may not have to pass a ConstructionSkills Health, Safety and Environment Test. Please check with your training provider. This is only available to new applications and cannot be used for card renewals.
CSCS has a mutual recognition agreement with FAS (Eire) Safepass which acts as an exemption to the ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test requirement.
