About the Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test

On this page:

• About the Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test
• Cost of the test
• Types of HS&E tests
• HS&E Demo test
• Structure of the test
• Special Assistance for the test

About the Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test

The CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test is an important way for construction workers to show they can work safely. For employers, having workers who have passed the CITB HS&E test is assurance that their workforce can keep themselves and those around them safe.

The CITB HS&E test forms a key part of the requirement to obtain a construction industry scheme card.

There are three types of HS&E test. If you already know which type of test to take, you can book and pay for the test online or over the phone.

Cost of the test

It costs £22.50 to take the HS&E Test.

Vouchers of this value can be purchased ahead of time and used to pay for the test (please note vouchers can only be redeemed at Pearson Professional Centres).

Types of HS&E tests

There are three types of HS&E test:

• Operatives
• Specialists
• Managers and Professionals

You can use the CSCS card finder to check which HS&E test you need.

About the Operatives HS&E test

The Operatives test ensures workers have a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going on site. This test covers the following five core knowledge areas:

• Working environment
• Occupational health
• Safety
• High risk activities
• Specialist

The pass mark for the Operatives test is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly.

The official CITB GT100 publication contains all of the content that is covered within the test in the form of questions and answers so that you can fully prepare for your test. It is also available as a digital download. There is a smartphone app which provides test simulations so you can practise answering knowledge questions against the clock and highlight the areas where further preparation is needed. The Operatives app is available in the 14 voiceover languages offered.

You can find further information on the preparing for the test page.

About the Specialist HS&E tests

These tests include questions from the five core knowledge areas contained in the Operatives test as well as relevant questions in the chosen specialist areas. The Specialists test can be taken in the following topics:

• supervisory (SUP)
• demolition (DEM)
• plumbing (JIB) (PLUM)
• highway works (HIW)
• specialist work at height (WAH)
• lifts and escalators (LAEE)
• tunnelling (TUNN)
• HVACR - heating and plumbing services (HAPS)
• HVACR - pipefitting and welding (PFW)
• HVACR - ductwork (DUCT)
• HVACR - refrigeration and air conditioning (RAAC)
• HVACE - services and facilities maintenance (SAF)

The pass mark for each of the Specialist tests is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly.

The official CITB GT100 publication contains all of the content that is covered within the test in the form of questions and answers so that you can fully prepare for your test. It is also available as a digital download. There is a smartphone app which provides test simulations so you can practise answering knowledge questions against the clock and highlight the areas where further preparation is needed. You can find further information on the preparing for the test page.

About the Managers and Professionals test

In June 2023 the Managers and Professionals test was updated to reflect changes to legislation, working practices and new technology.

The test structure has been designed to enable you to demonstrate knowledge across the following key areas.

• Section A: Legal and management
• Section B: Occupational health, wellbeing and welfare
• Section C: General safety
• Section D: High risk activities
• Section E: Environment

The pass mark for the Managers and Professionals test is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly.

Revision material

The breadth of content is now wider than any previous versions that you may have experienced, and is not role specific. We strongly recommend candidates allow sufficient time to revise and familiarise themselves with, what maybe for some, new subject matter.

The revision material options include an app, a PC download and a revision book.

The CITB MAP revision app can be used by candidates to revise for the test. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store (also available in Welsh), costs £6.99, and can be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. Candidates who have already purchased the app within the last 12 months will not need to buy it again when updates are released, because it will receive an automatic update as part of the changes.

Anyone preferring to revise using a PC can purchase a PC download, which costs £12.25, and can also be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. It can be downloaded from the CITB shop. Candidates who have already purchased the PC download within the last 12 months will not need to buy it again when updates are released, because it will receive an automatic update as part of the changes.

The GT200 revision book is available from the CITB shop.

A sample test is available. It will give you an indication of the types of questions and different subject areas included in the MAP test. There are 13 questions for you to try. The sample test should not be used in isolation, but as part of your revision.

Structure of the tests

Each of the Heath, safety and environment tests last for 45 minutes and contain 50 questions.

CITB is continually reviewing the test to ensure that it continues to help construction workers and employers get the right knowledge, skills and training to be able to work safely in the industry. 

HS&E Demo Test

Click on the following link to see a demo test. This is a preview of how the test looks with a sample of different question styles. It is not a scored test but will enable you to familiarise yourself with the look of the test and practise how to answer each style of question.

Special assistance for the test

CITB offers a variety of access arrangements for candidates taking the HS&E test at a Pearson Professional Centre.

The following access arrangements are available to book instantly as part of the standard booking process for the HS&E test:

The following access arrangements can be requested via the Special Assistance team by calling 0344 994 4491 or emailing citb.additionalsupport@pearson.com (please note evidence may be required to approve your request):

When contacting the Special Assistance team to make a request, please provide the following information:

• which HS&E test you want to take (Operatives, Specialist or Managers and Professionals – you can use the CSCS card finder to check which HS&E test you need)
• where you would like to take your test (which test centre)
• what access arrangement you need
• any evidence you have to support your request (*evidence may include a letter from a doctor or a formal assessment document from an appropriately qualified specialist)

Once your request is received, a member of the Special Assistance team will contact you to discuss your requirements and complete your booking (subject to availability).

When you book your test, you can check the accessibility arrangements at your Pearson Professional Test Centre, for example, ramps or parking spaces for disabled drivers.

If you require any access or reasonable adjustment arrangements not listed above, please call 0344 994 4491 or email citb.additionalsupport@pearson.com.