The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test is an important way for construction workers to provide evidence that they can be safe on the job. It's also a way for them to know that their fellow workers are safe on the site and not put them at risk of injury.
For employers, having workers who've passed the CITB HS&E test is assurance that their workforce is, and will continue to be safe at work.
About the Operatives HS&E test
The Operatives test provides workers with a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going on site.
To be able to apply for a CSCS Labourers Green card, delegates will need to successfully complete the Operatives HS&E test and the Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course, holding both valid certificates. CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site, and contractors or clients in the UK require workers to hold a card before they are granted access to a site.
Available in other languages upon request.
To Book
To book this course, simply click below to add to your basket. Then head over to the Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course page, and select a course at a location and date that suits you. Add to your basket and go to checkout.
Once you have purchased the HS&E test, a member of our team will call you within one working day* and complete a registration form with you over the phone. You will be given options of available dates and times to book your touch screen test at a location of your choosing. Please note you will need to provide unique and direct emails for the delegates that will be used for the processing of CSCS Cards.
All test centres are following the social distancing measures enforced by the UK Government. See COVID-19 Guidance tab for more information.
*Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 08:00-17:30
The HS&E Operatives test is made up of 50 questions covering five core knowledge areas:
- Legal and management
- Health and welfare
- General safety
- High risk activities
- Environment
Delegates will have 45 minutes to answer the 50 questions. The test now includes new question styles. Behavioural case studies are also used in the test to check a delegate's understanding of health, safety and environmental issues, and how to behave safely on-site.
It is highly recommended that delegates complete the Site Safety plus Health & Safety Awareness course PRIOR to taking the HS&E test, as the Site Safety Plus course will provide the knowledge required to pass the HS&E test.
However, there is a range of revision materials to help you prepare for the HS&E test from printed booklets that you can purchase in a bookshop, to smartphone apps that help you revise on the go.
To increase your chances of passing the test, we recommend that you work through all the sample questions in the revision materials. Ensure you are confident with the topics and questions before you turn up for your test.
Revision Materials
Before you take the HS&E test, we recommend you watch the Setting Out video below.
All versions of the HS&E test include 12 behavioural case study questions. These questions are based on 10 principles and are designed to test how you respond to health and safety situations on a construction site.
These 10 principles are covered in the Setting Out video, which explains the safety measures that you can expect employers to take on your behalf. The video also offers tips on how you can promote a safer working environment.
Revision materials for the operative version of the HS&E test are available to buy in the following formats:
Question and answer books
Health, safety and environment test for operatives and specialists, GT100 (sections A – E only)
DVDs
Health, safety and environment test for operatives and specialists, GT100 DVD
Document download
Health, safety and environment test for operatives and specialists, GT100 DL
Smartphone/tablet apps
The HS&E test mobile app for operatives and specialists (available in both Android Google Play and iOS App stores)
Delegates who have entered, or are about to enter, the construction and civil engineering industry as a member of the workforce.
All principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card. CSCS cards provide evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site.
Upon completion of the HS&E test, delegates will be immediately notified of their Pass/Fail mark. If a Pass mark is achieved, a certificate of completion will be emailed to the email address provided by the delegate on registration of the course.
- Delegates will be required to retake this test every 2 years to remain qualified.
Once you have successfully completed both the HS&E Operatives test AND the Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course, you will be able to apply for a CSCS Labourers Green Card. The CSCS Green card provides evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site and principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid card before they are allowed entry to the site.
To find out more information on applying for the Green Card, visit the CSCS website.
Scotland
- The Health, Safety and Environment testing operations will be suspended from 18th January 2021.
- Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.
Wales
- The Welsh Government has agreed with CITB re-establishing the Health, Safety and Environment testing operations. All testing centres in Wales will be operational from 18th January 2021, please check your test confirmation email or letter for details of safety measures at the Test Centre including the requirement to wear face coverings, or for any changes to your scheduled appointment.
- Further information can be found on the Welsh Government website.
England
- The Health, Safety and Environment testing is operational in England, all testing centres are operational, please check your test confirmation email or letter for details of safety measures at the Test Centre including the requirement to wear face coverings, or for any changes to your scheduled appointment.
- Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test is an important way for construction workers to provide evidence that they can be safe on the job. It's also a way for them to know that their fellow workers are safe on the site and not put them at risk of injury.
For employers, having workers who've passed the CITB HS&E test is assurance that their workforce is, and will continue to be safe at work.
About the Operatives HS&E test
The Operatives test provides workers with a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going on site.
To be able to apply for a CSCS Labourers Green card, delegates will need to successfully complete the Operatives HS&E test and the Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course, holding both valid certificates. CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site, and contractors or clients in the UK require workers to hold a card before they are granted access to a site.
Available in other languages upon request.
To Book
To book this course, simply click below to add to your basket. Then head over to the Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course page, and select a course at a location and date that suits you. Add to your basket and go to checkout.
Once you have purchased the HS&E test, a member of our team will call you within one working day* and complete a registration form with you over the phone. You will be given options of available dates and times to book your touch screen test at a location of your choosing. Please note you will need to provide unique and direct emails for the delegates that will be used for the processing of CSCS Cards.
All test centres are following the social distancing measures enforced by the UK Government. See COVID-19 Guidance tab for more information.
*Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 08:00-17:30
The HS&E Operatives test is made up of 50 questions covering five core knowledge areas:
- Legal and management
- Health and welfare
- General safety
- High risk activities
- Environment
Delegates will have 45 minutes to answer the 50 questions. The test now includes new question styles. Behavioural case studies are also used in the test to check a delegate's understanding of health, safety and environmental issues, and how to behave safely on-site.
It is highly recommended that delegates complete the Site Safety plus Health & Safety Awareness course PRIOR to taking the HS&E test, as the Site Safety Plus course will provide the knowledge required to pass the HS&E test.
However, there is a range of revision materials to help you prepare for the HS&E test from printed booklets that you can purchase in a bookshop, to smartphone apps that help you revise on the go.
To increase your chances of passing the test, we recommend that you work through all the sample questions in the revision materials. Ensure you are confident with the topics and questions before you turn up for your test.
Revision Materials
Before you take the HS&E test, we recommend you watch the Setting Out video below.
All versions of the HS&E test include 12 behavioural case study questions. These questions are based on 10 principles and are designed to test how you respond to health and safety situations on a construction site.
These 10 principles are covered in the Setting Out video, which explains the safety measures that you can expect employers to take on your behalf. The video also offers tips on how you can promote a safer working environment.
Revision materials for the operative version of the HS&E test are available to buy in the following formats:
Question and answer books
Health, safety and environment test for operatives and specialists, GT100 (sections A – E only)
DVDs
Health, safety and environment test for operatives and specialists, GT100 DVD
Document download
Health, safety and environment test for operatives and specialists, GT100 DL
Smartphone/tablet apps
The HS&E test mobile app for operatives and specialists (available in both Android Google Play and iOS App stores)
Scotland
- The Health, Safety and Environment testing operations will be suspended from 18th January 2021.
- Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.
Wales
- The Welsh Government has agreed with CITB re-establishing the Health, Safety and Environment testing operations. All testing centres in Wales will be operational from 18th January 2021, please check your test confirmation email or letter for details of safety measures at the Test Centre including the requirement to wear face coverings, or for any changes to your scheduled appointment.
- Further information can be found on the Welsh Government website.
England
- The Health, Safety and Environment testing is operational in England, all testing centres are operational, please check your test confirmation email or letter for details of safety measures at the Test Centre including the requirement to wear face coverings, or for any changes to your scheduled appointment.
- Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Delegates who have entered, or are about to enter, the construction and civil engineering industry as a member of the workforce.
All principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card. CSCS cards provide evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site.
Upon completion of the HS&E test, delegates will be immediately notified of their Pass/Fail mark. If a Pass mark is achieved, a certificate of completion will be emailed to the email address provided by the delegate on registration of the course.
- Delegates will be required to retake this test every 2 years to remain qualified.
Once you have successfully completed both the HS&E Operatives test AND the Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course, you will be able to apply for a CSCS Labourers Green Card. The CSCS Green card provides evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site and principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid card before they are allowed entry to the site.
To find out more information on applying for the Green Card, visit the CSCS website.
Please call us on 0345 605 0006 or speak to one of our agents on Live Chat