A New CSCS Test

Wester

I saw on a newspaper a few days ago that there is now/will be a new CSCS test for construction workers if there is a new test how is if going to differ from the present test

saintjammyswine

There is a case study that you answer questions about and some new sections on environment etc. Not that much different but you would be better getting new revision materials to cover the new sections.

Hiccups_2

CITB to launch new Health, Safety and Environment Test

The construction industry is set to benefit from an improved level of health and safety awareness in April 2012 when CITB-ConstructionSkills launches its new Health, Safety and Environment Test.

The CITB-ConstructionSkills’ Health, Safety and Environment Test will replace the current Health and Safety Test and will introduce a host of new updates to help raise standards in an ever changing industry, while retaining traditional health and safety elements.

New features of the test include:

A fully refreshed and updated question bank including the new universal hazard symbols

Questions on respiratory risks and the hazards they can pose

Knowledge questions on the environment

Behavioural case studies which tests how a candidate would respond to health and safety situations to highlight safe working practices on site


In addition to the changes being made to the test itself, there are also updates being made to improve the level of security. From 2 April 2012, all tests will be delivered electronically in exactly the same format regardless of where the candidate chooses to take the test.

First introduced in 2001, this test has been a key example of how CITB-ConstructionSkills has been adding value to federations and employers. In that time, it has become a standard setter for the industry, ensuring that everyone working in Construction and the Built Environment has a minimum level of health and safety knowledge and awareness.

The Health, Safety and Environment Test will be delivered by Pearson VUE who have test centre’s located across the UK and can be booked online at https://www.cskills.org/hsandetest or by calling 0344 994 4488 from 3 January 2012 for tests after 2 April 2012..

Revision materials for the new test can be purchased from 3 January 2012 at https://www.cskills.org/hsanderevision.

The cost of the test remains at £17.50.

HTH, suspect it will be in the same multiple choice format.

saintjammyswine

Hiccups wrote: »

HTH, suspect it will be in the same multiple choice format.

It is exactly the same format, same price as well. The online booking process is more of a pain though, you have to create your own online account first, then book the test. Not a major problem on its own but you have to do this before you can even find the next available test slot. I book a lot of these and it has made the process about 5 times as long per booking!

Wester

Are CSCS cards that were issued before the new test still accepted until the expiry date on them ?

SueC_2

saintjammyswine wrote: »

I book a lot of these and it has made the process about 5 times as long per booking!

I'm in exactly the same situation - it's ridiculous - really ill thought through. I can't imagine many site workers are arranging and booking their own tests, the vast majority are probably organised by office staff who are now having to create multiple user accounts, each with their own log-in and security details. You wouldn't have thought it beyond the wit of man to allow corporate accounts to be set up, would you???

SueC_2

Wester wrote: »

Are CSCS cards that were issued before the new test still accepted until the expiry date on them ?

Yes they are.

patman99

It does pay to update these tests. After all, a lot has changed since the test was first introduced.
Luckily for me, there are 2 companies offering the test in my area and all you need to do to book is phone.
They arrange the computer access and learning materials. Was thinking of getting a card myself.

One thing I have noticed though, the majority of small builders round my way (the sort that do extensions and roof conversions) don't bother asking for a CSCS card. I thought CSCS cards were a mandatory requirement.

Russe11

"The cost of the test remains at £17.50"

this is misleading, in fact the price has trebled, since the previous version, the card would be valid for 3 years, now its only 1 year... when the scheme was first intoduced it was valid for 5 years.

withabix

A cynic might say that they have changed the test due to the number of bootleg copies of the revision CD in circulation....

saintjammyswine

patman99 wrote: »

It does pay to update these tests. After all, a lot has changed since the test was first introduced.
Luckily for me, there are 2 companies offering the test in my area and all you need to do to book is phone.
They arrange the computer access and learning materials. Was thinking of getting a card myself.

One thing I have noticed though, the majority of small builders round my way (the sort that do extensions and roof conversions) don't bother asking for a CSCS card. I thought CSCS cards were a mandatory requirement.

They were brought in by industry to regulate health & safety in the construction trade. If the site is an approved one then workers are required to hold the card. Not all sites are approved within the scheme though. Construction Skills who campaigned for and started the scheme have actually given their 5 year notice to pull out of the scheme and start their own as CSCS has become a bit of a monster!