Taking the test
Before the test
On the day of the test you will need to:
- arrive at least 15 minutes before your test is due to start
- take your confirmation letter or email
- take proof of your identity which includes your photo and your signature (full list of acceptable documentation). If you do not have suitable ID, you may use your waiver form (instructions included in document).
Staff at the test centre will check your documents. You will not be able to sit your test if you do not have the relevant documents and you will lose your fee.
During the test
The tests are all delivered on a computer screen and all you need to do is click on the relevant answers by touching the screen or using a mouse.
A tutorial is available before the test which explains how everything works and lets you test out the buttons and computer functions.
You will have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions once the test starts, which include:
- 12 behavioural case study questions
- 38 knowledge questions
What are the behavioural case study questions?
The behavioural case studies are designed to test how you respond to health and safety situations on a construction site. They are based on the principles established in the Setting out film.
Every test includes three case studies, each of which has four linked multiple choice questions. These progress through a fictional situation faced by an individual working in the construction industry.
What are the knowledge questions?
The knowledge questions cover 16 core areas that are included in all the tests. For example, you might be asked to identify different fire extinguishers and signs.
The questions are based on British legislation. Legislation in Northern Ireland differs from the rest of the UK, but for practical reasons all test candidates will answer questions based on UK legislation only.
What is a specialist test?
A specialist test includes six questions from a specialist knowledge question bank plus a selection of 32 core knowledge questions, making a total of 38 knowledge questions overall.
There are currently 12 specialist tests available including: supervisors, demolition, plumbing or gas, highway works, specialist working at height, lifts and escalators, tunnelling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR). If you are unsure which test to take, go to our card schemes page.