What is the HS&E test, and why is it important for construction workers? The CITB HS&E test is essential for construction workers to prove they can work safely. Read this helpful guide that explains the test and answers key questions about the process.
What is the HS&E test?
What does HS&E stand for? HS&E stands for ‘Health, Safety, and Environment’.
What is the CITB HS&E test? The HS&E test is a training course accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The HS&E test is designed for construction workers to help them prove their competency in health and safety areas. The test is essential for construction workers, testing them on a range of areas with the aim of improving safety on a construction site. The HS&E test assures employers that workers can keep themselves and those around them safe. Without passing the HS&E test, workers won’t be able to obtain their construction industry scheme card.
How long does the HS&E test last?
The HS&E test lasts for 45 minutes and contains 50 questions. Once you have passed your test, the qualification doesn’t expire; however, when applying for a new skills card, you must have passed your HS&E test within the last two years.
READ ALSO: What is SSSTS? | Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme explained
Types of HS&E test
There are three different types of HS&E tests, the Operatives test, the Specialists test, and the Managers and Professionals test. You can learn more about these different tests below.
Operatives
The Operatives test ensures that all workers meet minimum health, safety, and environmental awareness standards. Based on five core knowledge areas - legal and management, health and welfare, general safety, high-risk activities and the environment – the test comprises behavioural case studies and knowledge questions about HS&E issues.
Specialists
In addition to the questions based around the five core knowledge areas, the Specialists test includes questions that are relevant to specialist areas, including:
- 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)
Managers and Professionals
The Managers and Professionals test has all the same requirements as the Operatives test as well as materials on the following topics:
- Construction (design and management) regulations
- Demolition
- Plumbing or gas
- Highway works
Which HS&E test do I need to take?
The HS&E test qualifies you to receive the relevant CSCS Card for your role. The test you need to take depends on your qualifications and position. If you don’t know which HS&E test to take, you can use the CSCS Card Finder tool. Search for your occupation, and the tool will tell you which test to take.
READ ALSO: Construction safety signs and their meaning
How to prepare for the HS&E test
With the importance of passing the HS&E test for those in the construction industry, those taking the exam must prepare as best they can. Learn more about CITB health and safety test revision below.
Revision materials
Several revision materials are available to take advantage of when revising for the CITB HS&E test. First, there is a video that the CITB highly recommends you watch before taking the test and as part of your revision. The video explains how you can promote a safe work environment and the safety measures employers expect of you.
You can also purchase several revision materials from the CITB online shop. Items include:
- A question-and-answer book containing all the content covered in the HS&E test. There is a version for Operatives and Specialists and a separate one for Managers and Professionals.
- There is a DVD that contains everything you need to know about preparing for and sitting the test.
- A digital version of the question-and-answer book for Operatives and Specialists and one for Managers and Professionals.
- You can also take a short Site Safety Plus course to help your preparations.
Can you take an HS&E mock test?
There is an HS&E mock test available, giving participants a preview of what the test looks like and the kind of questions to expect. The demo test doesn’t provide a score, but it is a great way to familiarise yourself with the test and practise answering the different types of questions.
CITB test app
There is also a CITB HS&E test app, which aims to offer a complete revision experience. As well as information on booking, preparing for and sitting the test, the app includes a realistic test simulation. So, it’s well worth downloading to help you with your revision.
Operatives and Specialists app: Android, iOS
Managers and Professionals: Android, iOS
How much does the HS&E test cost?
It costs £22.50 to take the HS&E test. There are vouchers available that can be used to pay for the test, but these are only redeemable at Pearson Professional Centres.
Where do you take the HS&E test?
The HS&E test is taken at a test centre. There are two types of test centres that offer the test – the Pearson VUE Test Centre and the Internet Test Centre. You can use the CITB’S ‘find an HS&E test centre’ tool to find your nearest test centre.
Can you take an HS&E test online?
No, you cannot take an HS&E test online. The test must be taken at one of the certified test centres located around the country.
How to book an HS&E test
There are multiple ways to book your HS&E test. You can book online and compare the availability of test centres in your local area. You can book over the phone by calling 0344 994 4488, or you can book directly with your local Internet Test Centre.
In order to make your booking, you will need the following information:
- The type of HS&E test you want to take.
- Which test centre you want to take the test at.
- Your full address.
- Your CITB number if you have taken a test previously.
- Your chosen method of payment.
Applying for CSCS cards
Passing the HS&E test qualifies you for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and allows you to apply for a CSCS card. These cards provide proof that those working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications to do their job. To apply for a card, you will need:
- A scanned copy of your qualification certificate.
- Your HS&E test ID number.
- A credit or debit card to make the £36 application payment.
Temporary protection materials for construction workers
The HS&E test proves that construction workers can do their job properly and operate in a safe and effective manner. One of the best ways to create a safe working environment is by utilising temporary protection materials.
You can reduce the risk of slips and falls and provide protection for surfaces by using the correct floor protection. Whether it’s Correx floor protection or carpet protection film, finding the right product for your surface is an important part of the safety process.
There are also products like dirt trap mats that can keep high-traffic areas free from wet mud and debris.
READ ALSO: What is the best way to protect wooden floors?
Here at Proguard, we are the experts when it comes to temporary production products, so browse our website or get in touch to learn more about our stock.
For more tips, guides, and advice, visit our news page.
