Specialist Test - Book Online

The CITB Specialist Test is a version of the HS&E Test aimed at trades that carry additional or higher-risk responsibilities. It covers the same core health and safety knowledge as the Operatives Test, plus a dedicated section of trade-specific questions that reflect the real hazards in your discipline. It is required by CSCS partner card schemes such as JIB, ECS, CPCS and others.

As well as the core HS&E topics, the Specialist Test focuses on the risks unique to your trade. Depending on the specialism you sit, this can include confined spaces, temporary works, hot works, excavation, lifting operations, working near live services, working with hazardous materials, or work at height in complex environments. You must show you understand safe systems of work for your specific discipline.

Specialist trades face hazards that go beyond general site risks. The Specialist Test exists so that workers in higher-risk disciplines can prove they understand the additional controls, permits and procedures their work demands. Main contractors and specialist sub-contractors must see this qualification before allowing you to carry out specialist work on their sites.

You must sit the Specialist Test if you work in demolition, plumbing (JIB), highways, tunnelling, HVAC, refractory, heating and ventilation, or any other trade that requires a Specialist CSCS-partner card. If your trade body issues its own affiliated card, the Specialist Test is usually the required HS&E assessment.

The Specialist Test is 45 minutes long with 50 questions. It uses the same touchscreen format as the Operatives Test and is delivered at any CITB approved test centre. The pass mark is 45 out of 50. When you book, you must select the correct specialism so that the trade-specific section matches your role.

The Specialist Test is required for CSCS-affiliated cards issued by partner schemes such as JIB (plumbers and electricians), CPCS (plant operators), and specialist demolition or highways schemes. Once you have passed, you can apply for the relevant specialist card. If you are unsure which card fits your role, compare every CSCS Card type before booking.