Book Your CITB HS&E Test for Operatives

The mandatory health, safety and environment test every operative needs before applying for a CSCS card. Choose your test centre, date and time — we’ll handle the rest.

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About the CITB HS&E Test for Operatives

The CITB Operatives Test is a mandatory assessment for anyone working on a UK construction site, designed to check your understanding of health, safety and environmental practice before you’re allowed to apply for a CSCS card.

You’ll have 45 minutes to work through 50 multiple-choice questions covering hazard spotting, emergency procedures, PPE and safe working practices — and you’ll need at least 45 correct answers to pass.

CITB Operative Test Contains

The test covers practical health, safety and environmental knowledge relevant to general construction roles.

Health and safety law

Employer and employee responsibilities, and why compliance matters.

Accident reporting & emergencies

Reporting incidents and near-misses, and responding to fire or first aid situations.

Hazardous substances

Spotting common site hazards and handling, labelling and storing chemicals correctly.

Personal Protective Equipment

When and how to use hard hats, safety glasses and hi-vis clothing.

Manual handling

Safe lifting and carrying technique, and recognising manual handling hazards.

Working at height

Guardrails, harnesses, scaffolding, and understanding the dangers involved.

Site transport safety

Safe operation of vehicles and plant, plus pedestrian and traffic awareness.

Fire safety

Prevention measures and what to do, including evacuation, if a fire breaks out.

Electrical safety

Basic safe practice, spotting electrical hazards and the precautions to take.

Noise and vibration

Recognising the risks of excessive exposure and using hearing protection.

Environmental awareness

Your responsibilities on site and proper disposal of waste and hazardous materials.

Health and welfare facilities

Why access to clean, safe welfare facilities matters for every worker.

How to Prepare for Your CITB Operatives Test

Give yourself the best chance of passing by focusing your revision on the areas that matter most.

Study the core topics

Review health and safety law, emergencies, PPE, manual handling, working at height and other key areas.

Practise with questions

Use practice questions to get familiar with the format and identify subjects that need more revision.

Know the test format

You have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions and need 45 correct answers to pass.

How to Book Your CITB Operatives Test

Send us your contact information, ID and photo, and confirm your specialisation. Once we have these details, our team will confirm your nearest CITB test centre and preferred date and time, then arrange the booking on your behalf. You’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need to know.

Share your details

Contact info, ID, photo and specialisation.

Choose centre, date & time

We confirm the nearest suitable test centre.

Booking confirmed

Receive your confirmation email.

Sit your test

Attend your chosen centre on the booked date.

Get booking confirmation

Receive your confirmation email with all the details.

Get free revision

Access free study material to prepare before test day.

Attempt exam

Sit your 45-minute, 50-question test at your chosen centre.

Get score report

Receive your results and next steps straight after the test.

Which CSCS Card Will You Get?

The card you’re issued depends on your role, qualifications and experience.

Related Roles

CSCS White Card

For construction-related occupations that don’t fit neatly into other card categories but still need site access.

Provisional

Red Provisional CSCS Card

A temporary card for candidates who have booked their NVQ but haven’t yet completed it, allowing supervised site access while training.

Labourers

CSCS Green Labourer Card

The standard entry-level card for general labourers, confirming you’ve passed the CITB Operatives Test and hold basic site safety knowledge.

Apprentices

Red CSCS Apprentice Card

Issued to candidates formally registered on a recognised construction apprenticeship, valid for the length of the apprenticeship programme.

Experienced Workers

Red CSCS Experienced Worker Card

For experienced workers without a formal qualification who are registered on the CSCS Experienced Worker Practical Assessment route.

Trainees

Red Trainee CSCS Card

For candidates registered on a recognised qualification who need temporary, supervised site access while their training is completed.

Skilled Workers

Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card

For skilled workers who hold an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification relevant to their occupation on site.

Advanced Skilled Workers

Gold Skilled Worker CSCS Card

For skilled workers who hold an NVQ/SVQ Level 3 qualification, or supervisors who have completed the relevant higher-level training.

What Happens If You Fail?

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the CITB HS&E Test for Operatives after 48 hours. Review your results, revisit the areas you found difficult and use more practice questions before your next attempt.

Other CITB Tests

Not sure the Operatives Test is right for your role? Explore the other CITB HS&E Tests we help candidates book.

Managers & Professionals Test

For site managers, supervisors and professionals who need a deeper understanding of health, safety and environmental responsibility.

Specialists Test

For candidates in specialist trades and technical roles requiring more focused industry-specific knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to take the CITB Operatives Test?

Anyone working in a general operative or labouring role on a UK construction site needs to pass this test before applying for a CSCS card. For most people it's the first step into the industry.

How many questions are in the test, and what's the pass mark?

There are 50 multiple-choice questions to answer in 45 minutes. You need at least 45 correct to pass, which works out at 90%.

How much does it cost to book?

The CITB HS&E Test booking fee is £47, which includes the CITB test fee (£23.50) along with our booking/processing service fee.

What topics does the test cover?

It sticks to practical site knowledge: health and safety law, accident reporting and emergencies, hazardous substances, PPE, manual handling, working at height, site transport, fire safety, electrical safety, noise and vibration, environmental awareness, and health and welfare facilities.

How do I book my test with Coteca?

Send us your contact details, ID and a photo using the booking form, or give us a call. We'll find the nearest suitable test centre, agree a date and time with you, make the booking and email your confirmation.

What ID do I need to bring?

Bring ID that meets CITB's ID policy, and check it against the policy before the day rather than on the morning. If your ID doesn't meet the policy, the centre won't let you sit the test and the fee is lost.

What time should I arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time. It gives you time to check in, show your ID and put your things away without feeling rushed.

Can I take my phone in, or bring someone with me?

No. Phones, keys, watches, wallets and bags all go in a locker before you start. You can't bring anyone in with you either, so a friend or colleague will need to wait elsewhere.

Any misconduct during the test means you forfeit the fee, so leave everything in the locker and keep to the centre's rules.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Yes, as long as you give at least 72 hours' notice. Get in touch with us as soon as you know your plans have changed and we'll help you sort it out.

What happens if I fail?

Don't worry, you can retake the test after 48 hours. Have a look at which topics tripped you up, spend a bit more time on those, and book again when you feel ready.

Which CSCS card can I get after passing?

That depends on your role. Labourers usually go for the CSCS Green Labourer Card, apprentices registered on a recognised construction apprenticeship can apply for the Red CSCS Apprentice Card, and some construction-related occupations that don't fit the other categories need the CSCS White Card.

How should I revise, and is there free study material?

Yes. When you book with us you get free study material to work through before test day. Cover every topic rather than just the ones you know from site, try practice questions to get used to the format, and time yourself so 45 minutes for 50 questions feels comfortable.