CSCS Mock Test 2026
Practise for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test with realistic multiple-choice questions. Get instant feedback, detailed explanations, and find out if you are ready to pass.
What this test covers
- Working at height
- Manual handling
- Personal protective equipment
- Fire safety and prevention
- Hazardous substances (COSHH)
- Electrical safety
- Excavations and confined spaces
- First aid and emergency procedures
What is the CSCS mock test?
The CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is required for anyone working on a UK construction site. Before you can apply for a CSCS card, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at an approved Pearson VUE test centre. The real test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 45 out of 50.
Our free CSCS mock test gives you a realistic preview of the types of questions you will face in the real exam. Each question covers a different topic area from the official CITB test specification, including working at height, manual handling, fire safety, hazardous substances, electrical safety, and first aid. Every answer comes with a detailed explanation referencing the relevant regulations, so you understand not just the correct answer but the reasoning behind it.
This practice test is updated for 2026 and covers the current CITB question format. Whether you are preparing for a green CSCS card, blue skilled worker card, gold supervisor card, or black manager card, the Health, Safety and Environment test is the same for all card types.
How to use this practice test
Enter your email below to unlock the free test. You will see 15 questions covering the core health and safety topics that appear in the real CITB exam. After selecting your answer, you get immediate feedback showing whether you got it right, along with a full explanation. At the end, you will see your overall score and a breakdown showing how you performed in each topic area.
The real CITB Health, Safety and Environment test has a pass mark of 45 out of 50 (90%). Our free test uses a 70% pass threshold as a benchmark, but we recommend aiming for 90% or above before booking your real test. If you are scoring below 80% on this practice test, you should spend more time revising before sitting the actual exam.
Questions and answer positions are randomised every time you take the test, so you cannot memorise patterns. You can retake the test as many times as you like. For full exam simulation with 50+ questions, a 45-minute countdown timer, and the official 90% pass mark, see our premium CSCS test.
Ready? Start your free test
15 questions covering the core health and safety topics from the real CITB exam. Instant feedback and detailed explanations after every question.
About the real CITB Health, Safety and Environment test
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test is the official examination required before you can apply for a CSCS card. It is administered by Pearson VUE at test centres across the United Kingdom, and you must book and pay for your test online before attending. As of 2026, the test costs around £21 and can be booked through the CITB website.
The test is a touch-screen, computer-based exam. You will be presented with 50 multiple-choice questions and given 45 minutes to complete them. Some questions include images or short video clips showing workplace scenarios, and you must identify the correct course of action. The pass mark is 45 out of 50, which means you can only get 5 questions wrong.
There are different versions of the test depending on which CSCS card you are applying for. The Operatives test is the most common and is taken by the majority of construction workers. There are also Specialists, Managers and Professionals, and Demolition versions. The core health and safety content is similar across all versions, but the specialist tests include additional questions specific to that role.
CSCS card types and which test you need
The CSCS scheme uses a colour-coded card system to identify a worker’s level of qualification and competence. Each card colour represents a different level of training and experience. Here are the main CSCS card types and the qualifications needed for each:
Green Card (Labourer)
For construction workers who have completed a basic health and safety course such as the CITB Health and Safety Awareness or equivalent. This is the entry-level card and is valid for 5 years. You need to pass the CITB Operatives test.
Blue Card (Skilled Worker)
For workers who have achieved an NVQ or SVQ Level 2 or above in their trade. This card proves you are a qualified, skilled worker and is valid for 5 years. You need to pass the CITB Operatives test and hold a relevant NVQ.
Gold Card (Supervisor)
For site supervisors who hold an NVQ Level 3 in their occupation. This card is for those who supervise and manage teams on site. You need to pass the CITB Managers and Professionals test and hold a relevant NVQ Level 3.
Black Card (Manager)
For construction managers who hold an NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Site Management or a degree-level qualification. This is the highest level of CSCS card. You need to pass the CITB Managers and Professionals test.
Regardless of which card you are applying for, passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test is the first step. The questions in our free mock test cover the core health and safety topics that appear across all test versions, making it a useful revision tool for any CSCS card application.
What topics are covered in the CSCS test?
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test covers a wide range of workplace health and safety topics. Understanding these topics is essential for passing the test and for working safely on construction sites. The main topic areas are:
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the construction industry. Questions in this area cover the Work at Height Regulations 2005, including the hierarchy of controls (avoid, prevent, minimise), safe use of ladders, scaffolding inspections, edge protection, and the correct use of harnesses and fall arrest systems.
Manual handling accounts for a significant proportion of construction injuries. The test includes questions on the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, risk assessment for lifting tasks, safe lifting techniques, and when to use mechanical aids instead of manual lifting.
Hazardous substances questions cover the COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), including how to read safety data sheets, understanding GHS hazard symbols, safe storage and handling of chemicals, and what to do in the event of a spillage or exposure. Specific substances commonly tested include silica dust, cement, solvents, and asbestos.
Asbestos awareness is a major component of the test. You need to know where asbestos is commonly found in buildings constructed before 2000, how to identify potential asbestos-containing materials, what to do if you discover or damage asbestos, and the legal duty to manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Electrical safety questions cover the use of 110-volt supply on construction sites, portable appliance testing (PAT), the colour coding of electrical connectors, safe isolation procedures, and what to do if someone receives an electric shock.
Fire safety and prevention includes identifying different types of fire extinguishers and their uses, emergency evacuation procedures, fire risk assessment basics, hot works permits, and the correct storage of flammable materials on site.
Excavation safety covers the risks of working in and around excavations, the requirement to locate underground services before digging, trench support and shoring, edge protection, and the dangers of working in confined spaces.
Health and welfare questions address occupational health risks such as noise-induced hearing loss, hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), dermatitis, respiratory conditions from dust exposure, and the importance of welfare facilities including clean drinking water, toilets, washing facilities, and rest areas.
First aid and emergency procedures cover the minimum first aid provision required on construction sites, what to do in an emergency, how to report accidents under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), and basic first aid actions for common construction site injuries.
Tips for passing the CSCS test first time
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test has a 90% pass mark, which means you cannot afford to get many questions wrong. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare effectively and pass first time:
Start with a practice test. Taking a mock test before you start revising helps you identify which topic areas you already know well and which ones need more work. Use the topic breakdown at the end of our test to focus your revision where it matters most.
Study the official CITB revision materials. The CITB publishes official revision resources for each test version, including the “Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives and Specialists” book (known informally as the “CSCS revision book”). These materials are updated regularly and contain the exact question format used in the real test.
Learn the regulations, not just the answers. Many CSCS questions test whether you understand the underlying regulations and their practical application. If you understand why 110-volt supply is used on construction sites (because the maximum shock voltage is 55V, greatly reducing the risk of fatal electrocution), you will be able to answer any question on the topic, regardless of how it is worded.
Pay attention to questions with images or video clips. The real CITB test includes scenario-based questions with photographs or short video clips. These require you to identify hazards, unsafe practices, or the correct course of action in a given situation. Practise looking at construction site photographs and identifying what is wrong.
Watch out for “trick” wording. Some questions use double negatives or ask for the “least likely” or “most important” answer. Read every question carefully and pay attention to words like “first”, “must”, “should”, “always”, and “never”. The difference between a right and wrong answer often comes down to a single word.
Book your test only when you are consistently scoring 90% or above on practice tests. Given the high pass mark, you should be confident in your knowledge before spending money on the real test. If you are scoring below 80% on mock tests, you are not ready.
How to book the CSCS test
To book your CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, visit the official CITB website and create an account. You will need to select the correct test version for the CSCS card you are applying for, choose a Pearson VUE test centre near you, and select an available date and time. The test fee is payable at the time of booking.
On the day of your test, bring a valid form of photo identification such as a passport or driving licence. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. You will not be allowed to bring phones, notes, or any other materials into the test room. The test is completed on a touchscreen computer, and you will receive your result immediately after finishing.
If you pass, you will receive a letter confirming your result, which you will need when applying for your CSCS card. If you fail, you can rebook and retake the test, although there may be a short waiting period before you can sit it again.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the real CSCS test?
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete them, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly to pass (90% pass mark).
How much does the CSCS test cost?
The CITB test costs approximately £21 as of 2026. This is paid online when you book your test through the CITB website. Applying for the CSCS card itself is a separate cost, typically around £36.
Is the CSCS mock test the same as the real test?
Our mock test uses the same question format and covers the same topics as the real CITB test, but it does not contain the actual test questions. The real test also includes some image-based and video-based questions, which our practice test does not currently feature. However, our questions are written to the same level of difficulty and cover the same knowledge areas.
Can I take the CSCS mock test on my phone?
Yes, our practice test works on all devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. The test is fully responsive and designed to work well on smaller screens, so you can practise on the go.
What happens if I fail the real CSCS test?
If you fail the CITB test, you can rebook and take it again. There is typically a waiting period of at least 2 days before you can resit the test, and you will need to pay the test fee again. We recommend using practice tests to ensure you are consistently scoring above 90% before rebooking.
How long is a CSCS card valid for?
Most CSCS cards are valid for 5 years. When your card expires, you will need to renew it. Depending on the card type, renewal may require passing the CITB test again and providing evidence of your current qualifications.
Do I need a CSCS card to work on a construction site?
While there is no law requiring workers to hold a CSCS card, the vast majority of UK construction sites require one as a condition of entry. Most main contractors and clients will not allow workers on site without a valid CSCS card, making it effectively essential for anyone working in the construction industry.
What is the difference between the free and premium CSCS mock test?
Our free test includes 15 questions with instant feedback and explanations. The premium test includes 50+ questions under timed exam conditions (45-minute countdown), uses the real 90% pass mark, provides detailed topic-by-topic performance analysis, and can be retaken unlimited times with randomised questions every attempt.
