Which CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test Do I Need for CPCS or NPORS?

What is the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test?

The CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test, often called the CITB touch-screen test, is a computer-based multiple-choice test used throughout the construction industry.

It checks that you understand the health, safety and environmental knowledge needed to work safely on construction sites.

If you are applying for a CPCS or NPORS card (Red or Blue) you will need to have passed the correct CITB HS&E test before your card can be issued.

Which CITB HS&E test do I need?

The correct test depends on the role you carry out. For the plant and lifting operations routes supported by CADUK Skills Academy, the usual test routes are:

Plant Operators

Required test: Operatives Test

This applies to most plant categories, including excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers, dozers, cranes and similar construction plant.

Slinger Signallers

Required test: Operatives Test

Slinger signallers need the Operatives Test for their CPCS or NPORS card route.

Crane Supervisors

Required test: Specialist Supervisory Test (SPEC-SUP)

Crane supervisors need the Specialist Supervisory Test.

Lift Planners / Appointed Persons

Required test: Managers & Professionals Test (MAP)

Lift Planners, also known as Appointed Persons, need the Managers & Professionals (MAP) Test.

When should I take the test?

You will need to show that you have passed the correct CITB HS&E test with the last 2 years before you can apply for your Red or Blue CPCS/NPORS card.

Once you complete your NVQ and apply to upgrade to the Blue CPCS or NPORS card, you will also need to show that you have passed the HSE test within the last 2 years.

Requirements can change, so always check the current guidance before booking a test or applying for your card.

How do I book the CITB HS&E test?

You can book the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test through CITB’s official booking system.

Before booking, make sure you know which test type you need. The Operatives Test, Specialist Supervisory Test and Managers & Professionals Test are different routes.

How should I revise?

Use official CITB revision materials wherever possible.

These may include the CITB revision app, revision books and online practice questions.

Make sure you revise for the correct test type. The Operatives Test, Specialist Supervisory Test and Managers & Professionals Test do not all contain the same question sets.

Does CADUK Skills Academy provide the HS&E test?

No. CADUK Skills Academy does not deliver the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test, CPCS training courses or NPORS training courses.

We only provide the NVQ assessment needed to help experienced plant operators and lifting operations personnel upgrade from a Red Trained Operator Card to a Blue Competent Operator Card.

If you already hold the correct Red CPCS or NPORS card and have gained site experience, we can help you complete the NVQ stage of the process.

We provide the NVQ for the Blue Card

For most candidates, the usual route is simple:

1. You pass the relevant training, testing and CITB HS&E test.
2. You receive your Red CPCS or NPORS Trained Operator Card.
3. You gain real site experience in that category.
4. You complete the matching NVQ.
5. You use the NVQ certificate to support your Blue Card application.

CADUK Skills Academy supports experienced operators with the NVQ stage. Assessments can be completed remotely using workplace evidence, or on site where required or preferred.

There are no classroom sessions, no written assignments and no exams. Your assessor will review your evidence and complete a recorded discussion with you about your normal day-to-day work.

Need help choosing the right NVQ?

If you already hold a Red CPCS or NPORS card and need the NVQ to upgrade to Blue, choose the plant or lifting category that matches your card and complete the short application form.

One of our assessors will contact you to discuss your experience, current role and suitability before enrolment.

The suitability check is free and there is no obligation to proceed.