Overview

The CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test for Specialists is designed for skilled workers in the construction industry who carry out specific high-risk or technical roles.

This test assesses your knowledge of advanced safety practices relevant to your trade, ensuring you can work confidently and safely in specialist environments. Passing this test is a key requirement for obtaining a CSCS Skilled Worker Card or other advanced CSCS cards.

Why Choose the Specialist HS&E Test?

Unlike the Operatives test, the Specialist version is tailored to your trade and includes questions specific to your job role. It ensures that you not only understand general site safety but also the risks and responsibilities unique to your profession.

✔ Demonstrates trade-specific competence
✔ Improves workplace safety and compliance
✔ Essential for career progression in construction
✔ Required for skilled CSCS card applications

Test Details

• Test Format: Multiple-choice questions

• Total Questions: 50

• Duration: 45 minutes

• Pass Mark: 45 out of 50 (90%)

• Delivery: Computer-based test at approved centres

The test combines general health and safety knowledge with specialist trade-related questions.

Specialist Categories

You can choose from different specialist options based on your trade, including:

• Supervisory roles

• Plumbing & Gas

• Electrical work

• Highway works

• Demolition

• Tunnelling

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)

• Lift & Escalator industry

Each category includes questions specifically relevant to that trade.

Key Topics Covered

The test is divided into core and specialist sections:

Core Topics

• General Health & Safety

• Working Environment

• Occupational Health

• Risk Assessment

• Manual Handling

Specialist Topics

• Trade-specific hazards

• Tools and equipment safety

• High-risk activities

• Industry regulations

• Emergency procedures

Who Should Take This Test?

This test is ideal for:

• Skilled construction workers

• Tradespeople with NVQ Level 2 or above

• Individuals applying for a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card

• Workers moving into specialist or technical roles