CSCS/CPCS HEALTH & sAFETY tESTS
Construction Skills Certification & Construction Plant Competence
Test centres are available across the South of Scotland providing local access for individuals and businesses looking to complete their health and safety tests - the first stage in obtaining a CSCS or CPCS card.
The Building & Construction Industry Forum and Dumfries & Galloway Colege both provide independent test facilities, with Construction Skills providing tests using mobile units.
Q. How do I book a test?
To book a test contact your local CIF Team -
Scottish Borders Tel: 01750 724877
Monday to Friday - 9am - 4pm
Dumfries & Galloway Tel: 01387 734199 Monday to Friday - pam - 4pm
Q. How much does the test cost?
The test costs £17.50
Both BCIF and DGC charge an administration fee to cover the costs in running an independent test centre.
Q. Where do I take the test?
Scottish Borders:
The Weaving Shed, Ettrick Mill, Dunsdale Road, Selkirk, TD7 5EB
Dumfries & Galloway:
Dumfries & Galloway College, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4FD
Both centres require the canditate to have photo identification before sitting the test.
Q. How do I take the test?
The test will take up to 40 minutes. You will typically be given 40 questions delivered on a computer screen. Please note that you do not need computer skills to take the test, full instructions will be given before you start.
Q. How difficult is the test?
The test will cover questions related to your day to day job on a construction site. You will, however, be expected to have knowledge on specific health and safety procedures depending on the test to be taken.
Q. How can I prepare for the test?
The best way to prepare for the test is by obtaining the CSCS test revision book which covers all questions that the test may contain. Books can be ordered from www.healthandsafetytest.co.uk
Q. What if I do not pass?
The test can be taken any number of times, but candidates have to wait 3 days before taking the test again. Retests are charged at the full rate
Q. How do I get a CSCS/CPCS card after passing my test?
Once you have passed your test you need to register seperately for the relevant CSCS/CPCS card. The costs and registration process vary depending on the card, for more information on the schemes and the range of cards refer to the relevant site:
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)
Please note that CSCS / CPCS do not apply to all trades and professions. For more information on the other schemes operated please click here.
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.