CSCS/CPCS HEALTH & sAFETY tESTS
Construction Skills Certification & Construction Plant Competence
This is a card scheme that more and more construction personnel are being asked for in order to work on any site. The new CSCS/CPSC cards are now a ‘smart card’ containing a micro chip with the owners details, picture, qualifications and training stored on it. It is quickly becoming used by more and more clients and major contractors.
In order to apply for a CSCS/CPCS card an applicant must first pass a Health and Safety Test.
This test is multiple choice, done online and takes approx 45 minutes to complete.
Dumfries and Galloway College in Dumfries is a registered test centre and in the Scottish Borders there is a mobile bus testing unit that visits Melrose approximately twice a month.
( The test bus can be hired for a large number of people on a company basis.)
Q. How do I book a test?
For Dumfries and Galloway call Dumfries and Galloway College on 01387 734199 (Testing on a Monday or by arrangement)
For the Scottish Borders or any other region call the CSCS helpline to book your test on 0844 576 8777 or book your test online at www.cscs.uk.com.
Test centres are located around the country.
Photographic identification is required on the day.
Revision Books are highly recommended and available to buy online on www.cscs.uk.com or can be ordered through W.H. Smith or Amazon.
Q. How much will the test cost?
The test will cost a minimum of £17.50.
The CSCS/CPCS card application is a separate process and is an additional £30 payable direct to Construction Skills rather than the test centre.
Q. What format does the test take?
Depending on the level of test you will have 45 minutes to answer 40 multiple choice questions. (Higher level tests can be longer). This is done online on a computer screen. No set computer skills are required and full instructions are given. If you feel you have any special needs or problems using a computer then let your test centre know when booking. Tests are also available in several foreign languages – again request this before booking.
Q. How difficult is the test?
The test will cover questions relating to your everyday work on a construction site. You may however be expected to know specific health and safety procedures and basic legislation depending on which test is taken. There are several levels of health and safety tests and up to 10 different cards. It is recommended that you check which are applicable to you before booking your test.
Preparation through revision books is recommended.
These can be ordered on www.whsmith.co.uk or www.amazon.co.uk or www.healthandsafetytest.co.uk
When do I get my result?
You will receive a Pass or Fail certificate as soon as your online test is completed. The result does not tell you your score only whether you passed or not. If you passed you can now download an application form from www.cscs.uk.com and apply for your card.
CONSTRUCTION
SKILLS
CERTIFICATION
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is the industry's
largest scheme and, at present, covers 220 occupations including trades,
technical, supervisory and management.
CSCS cards list the holder’s qualifications and are valid for either
three or five years. It also shows they have health and safety awareness
as all cardholders have to pass the appropriate CITB Construction Skills
Health and Safety Test.
Most contractors and clients now demand proof of competence, before
allowing workers onto their sites, which is provided by a CSCS card.
Not having a CSCS card may affect your ability to work on certain sites.
CONSTRUCTION PLANT COMPETENCE
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) was launched in 2003 with the aim of becoming the card scheme for the plant industry.
Replacing the CTA scheme, CPCS is now the main standard for plant operators, proving that they have the necessary qualifications and experience, and have passed the Health and Safety Test to operate plant safely.
The scheme is managed by a board of employers and members of industry bodies such as the Construction Confederation, the Construction Plant-Hire Association (CPA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
ELECTROTECHNICAL CERTIFICATION
For the electrical trades in Scotland, the appropriate card to have is the ECS managed by the Joint Industry Board. This is affiliated to the CSCS scheme, and more information can be found at ECS Health & Safety - Scottish Joint Industry Board.
Other Schemes
There are a number of other card schemes covering specific occupations including scaffolders, electricians and plumbers.
For more information on these
schemes click here.
