The "CITB test" (or "touch screen test") is the gateway to every CSCS card. It's not hard if you prepare — and it's expensive to keep failing at £23.50 a go. Here's exactly what to expect.
Checked August 2026 (CITB prices from 1 April 2026). Results are given at the test centre the same day.
For Labourer and most skilled cards. Covers general site health and safety: PPE, working at height, manual handling, fire, first aid, signs, environment. Valid 3 years since February 2025.
Operatives content plus questions for your specialism (e.g. plumbing/JIB, demolition, highways, HVAC). Your card scheme tells you if you need it. Valid 2 years.
For Supervisor (Gold) and Manager (Black) cards — deeper questions on responsibilities, CDM and risk management. Valid 2 years.
The pass mark leaves room for roughly 5 wrong answers out of 50. Our free CSCS mock test uses the real format and works in 7 languages — practise in your language first to learn the concepts, then switch to English for the wording.
Case-study questions describe a situation and ask what you should do. The logic is always the same: stop, make it safe, report it — never "carry on and mention it later", never "sort it yourself" when it's not your job to.
Only on citb.co.uk — £23.50, slots usually within days, centres everywhere. Ask about language support when booking. Bring photo ID on the day; arrive early; you get the result before you leave.
The test alone doesn't get you on site — it's one part of the card application. First card? You also need the Level 1 Award — full route in our first CSCS card guide. Renewing? See the renewal guide.
Real-format questions, instant scoring, no signup. English, Română, Polski, Български, Українська, Español, Português.
Start the free mock test →Yes — the CITB HS&E test is what everyone on site calls the touch screen test (or "the CITB test", or "the health and safety test"). Same 50 questions, same £23.50, same test centres. Different names, one test.
Strictly: CITB runs the test, CSCS runs the card that requires it. You pass the CITB test first, then apply to CSCS for your card with your qualification — two organisations, one route to site.
You can rebook straight away — another £23.50. There's no limit on attempts, but there's also no refund, which is why the free practice above pays for itself.
No — the test (CITB, £23.50) proves you know site safety; the card (CSCS, £36) is the separate application that uses your test pass plus your qualification.
Only if it's out of date at the time you apply: Operatives lasts 3 years, the other types 2 years.
Walk away. Tests are sat in person with ID checks; "guaranteed passes" are either scams or fraud that can cost you every card you'll ever hold.
Log your worked days, see what you're owed, keep your CSCS cards with expiry alerts, your CIS money and a dated proof when someone doesn't pay. Free forever, in 7 languages.
Open Graftum Pocket — free →