Overview
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test is run by the Construction Industry Training Board. It is a way for construction workers to show they can work safely, and it forms a key part of the requirement to obtain a construction industry scheme card (the CSCS card finder on the CITB site tells you which test you need).
Levels or stages
There are three types of HS&E test:
Operatives
Specialists
Managers and Professionals
CITB's public pages describe the Operatives test in detail; use the CSCS card finder to check which type applies to your card.
Exam pattern
Each type of test lasts 45 minutes and has 50 questions. The Operatives test covers five core knowledge areas: working environment, occupational health, safety, high risk activities and specialist. Its pass mark is 90%, so at least 45 of the 50 questions must be correct.
Fees
As listed on the official site in 2026, the test costs £23.50. Vouchers of this value can be bought in advance, but they can only be redeemed at Pearson Professional Centres.
How to apply
Book online or by phone, or through an Internet Test Centre. Tests are taken at a Pearson Professional Centre, where CITB offers reasonable adjustments for candidates who need them. Bookings can be rescheduled free of charge online up to 72 hours before the test, and cancelling online at least 72 hours before gives a full refund.
Preparation tips
CITB publishes the GT100 guide, which holds the content covered by the Operatives test as questions and answers, a smartphone app with timed practice in 14 voiceover languages, and a demo test showing the question styles.
FAQs
What pass mark does the CITB HS&E test require?
For the Operatives test it is 90%, which means at least 45 out of 50 questions correct.
How long is the HS&E test?
Each type of HS&E test lasts 45 minutes and contains 50 questions.