Owning a CSCS card can verify your skills, training, and qualifications in the field of construction, hence, it is much of an advantage once you have one. One of the criteria to get a CSCS card is to pass the CSCS test, or CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. This article, therefore, will give you a deeper insight into the CSCS test pass mark and how to successfully pass the CSCS test.

1. CSCS test overview

The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, or CSCS test consists of 50 questions with a time limit of 45 minutes. The knowledge contained in a CSCS test will contain five key sections covering 16 categories:

  • A – Legal and management:
    – Accident reporting and recording
    – General responsibilities
  • B – Health and welfare:
    – Dust and fumes (Respiratory hazards)
    – First aid and emergency procedures
    – Hazardous substances
    – Health and welfare
    – Manual handling
    – Noise and vibration
    – Personal protective equipment
  • C – General safety:
    – Electrical safety, tools and equipment
    – Fire prevention and control
    – Safety signs
    – Site transport safety and lifting operations
  • D – High risk activities:
    – Excavations and confined spaces
    – Working at height
  • E – Environment:
    – Environmental awareness and waste control

Example of a failed scorecard. The candidate didn’t answer any questions correctly in the Dust and fumes (respiratory hazards) section.

2. CSCS test pass mark

In order to successfully pass the test, you need to meet the following CSCS test pass marks:

  • 45/50: CSCS test for Operatives
    This CSCS test contains basic knowledge related to construction industry. However, in order to meet the pass mark requirement, you need to reach a specific number of correct answers for each section:
    – Case studies: 3 correct answers ⇒ 10/12 correct questions in total
    – Each core section: 1 correct answer ⇒ 32/38 correct questions in total
  • 45/50: CSCS test for Specialists
    This CSCS test is designed with both basic and specialized knowledge of construction industry. The pass mark requirement of this test is the same as that of the CSCS test for Operatives:
    – Case studies: 3 correct answers ⇒ 10/12 correct questions in total
    – Each core section: 1 correct answer ⇒ 32/38 correct questions in total
  • 46/50: CSCS test for Managers and Professionals
    Notwithstanding the same number of 50 multiple choice questions, the pass mark for this test is 46 correct questions out of 50 total ones. Here is the requirements to pass CSCS test for Managers and Professionals:
    – Case studies: 3 correct answers ⇒ 10/12 correct questions in total
    – Each core section: 1 correct answer ⇒ 32/38 correct questions in total
    – Additional sections of Construction Design and Management, Demolition, and Highway Works.

>> Read more: How Hard Is The CSCS Test?

3. Tips to pass the cscs test

If you want to get CSCS test pass mark, these powerful tips can help you out:

  • Practice as much as possible with CSCS online test 
  • Prepare a well-rounded knowledge of construction
  • Take a look setting out videos
  • Plan a detailed schedule for your goal
  • Consult from experts, tutors, or those who have passed the CSCS test