CSS Exam Info

CSCS Specialists Test

The CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Specialists Test is designed to assess the competency and knowledge of individuals working in specialized roles within the construction industry. This test is specific to the UK construction sector and is aimed at ensuring that workers have the necessary skills and understanding to carry out their roles safely and effectively.

The pass mark for each of the Specialist test is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly.

The CSCS Specialists Test covers various topics depending on the specific specialization of the individual. There are currently 12 specialist tests available:

  • Supervisory (SUP)
  • Demolition (DEM)
  • Highway works (HIW)
  • Specialist Work at Height (WAH)
  • Lifts and Escalators (LAEE)
  • Tunnelling (TUNN)
  • Plumbing (JIB) (PLUM)
  • HVACR – Heating and Plumbing Services (HAPS)
  • HVACR – Pipefitting and Welding (PFW)
  • HVACR – Ductwork (DUCT)
  • HVACR – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAAC)
  • HVACE – Services and Facilities Maintenance (SAF)

These tests include questions from the four core knowledge areas contained in the Operatives test as well as relevant questions in the chosen specialist areas.  

  • Working Environment
  • Occupational Health
  • Safety
  • High Risk Activities
  • Specialist

The pass mark for each of the Specialist test is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly.

  • 1. Supervisory

    Supervisory

    Topics covered in the test typically include risk assessment, hazard identification, health and safety legislation, and best practices for maintaining a safe working environment. It's essential for individuals working in supervisory positions within the construction industry to have a good understanding of health and safety principles to ensure the safety of themselves and others on site.

  • 2. demolition

    Demolition

    The CSCS Demolition Test is an exam for individuals working in the demolition sector within the UK construction industry, assessing their knowledge of health, safety, and environmental issues specific to demolition work. Topics covered include safe demolition practices, hazard identification and control, relevant legislation and regulations, and emergency procedures. Passing the test is often a requirement for obtaining a CSCS card, demonstrating competence in health and safety within the demolition sector.

  • 3. Highway Works

    Highway Works

    The CSCS Highway Works Test is an assessment tailored for individuals working in highway maintenance, repair, and construction within the UK. It evaluates their knowledge of health, safety, and environmental issues pertinent to highway works. Topics covered typically include safe working practices on highways, traffic management, understanding relevant legislation and regulations such as the Highways Act, and emergency procedures. Passing this test is often necessary for obtaining a CSCS card specific to highway works, demonstrating competency in health and safety within this sector.

  • 4. Specialists working at height

    Specialist Work at Height

    The CSCS Specialist Work at Height Test is designed for individuals working in roles where working at height is a significant aspect of their job, such as scaffolders, roofers, or tower crane operators, within the UK construction industry. The exam assesses their understanding of health, safety, and environmental issues specific to working at height. Topics covered typically include proper use of equipment like harnesses and ladders, risk assessment, relevant legislation and regulations like the Work at Height Regulations, and emergency procedures. Passing this test is often necessary for obtaining a CSCS card specific to work at height, demonstrating competency in health and safety within this specialized area.

  • 5. Lifts and Escalators

    Lift and Escalators

    The CSCS Lifts and Escalators Test is designed for individuals who work with lifts, escalators, and related equipment in the construction industry within the UK. This exam assesses their knowledge of health, safety, and environmental issues specific to these specialized areas. Topics typically include safe operation and maintenance of lifts and escalators, understanding relevant legislation and regulations such as the Lifts Regulations and Machinery Directive, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. Passing this test is often a requirement for obtaining a CSCS card specific to lifts and escalators, demonstrating competency in health and safety within this specialized field.

  • 6. Tunneling

    Tunneling

    The CSCS Tunneling Test is tailored for individuals working in tunneling and underground construction within the UK construction industry. It evaluates their knowledge of health, safety, and environmental issues specific to tunneling work. Topics covered typically include safe excavation and ground support techniques, hazard identification in confined spaces, understanding relevant legislation and regulations such as the Confined Spaces Regulations and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, and emergency procedures. Passing this test is often necessary for obtaining a CSCS card specific to tunneling, demonstrating competency in health and safety within this specialized area.

  • 7. Plumbing

    Plumbing

    CSCS Pluming Test assesses knowledge of plumbing safety regulations, installation techniques, troubleshooting skills, and environmental considerations. Test takers may be evaluated on their understanding of health and safety regulations, proficiency in installation and repair techniques, awareness of water quality issues, and ability to assess and mitigate risks in plumbing work environments.

  • 8.1 Heating and Plumbing services

    Heating and Plumbing Services

    How to work safely, protecting yourself and those around you from exposure to respiratory hazards. What health conditions may arise from exposure to dust and fumes.

  • 9. Pipefitting and Welding

    Pipefitting and Welding

    This test evaluates expertise in pipefitting techniques, welding procedures, safety regulations, and environmental concerns. Test takers may be assessed on their knowledge of pipefitting materials and methods, proficiency in welding various types of joints, understanding of relevant health and safety regulations, and awareness of environmental impacts associated with pipefitting and welding activities.

  • 10. Duct Work

    Ductwork

    An HSE Ductwork Test typically examines proficiency in ductwork installation techniques, knowledge of relevant safety regulations, understanding of duct materials and fittings, and awareness of environmental considerations. Test takers may be evaluated on their ability to install ductwork systems effectively, adhere to safety standards, identify appropriate duct materials and fittings for different applications, and consider environmental impacts such as air quality and energy efficiency.

  • 11. Refrigiration

    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

    In an HSE Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Test, candidates are often assessed on their understanding of refrigeration principles, air conditioning systems, safety protocols, and environmental considerations. This may include knowledge of refrigerants and their handling, proficiency in installing and maintaining HVAC systems, adherence to safety regulations, and awareness of environmental impacts such as ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • 12. Services and Facilities Maintenance

CSCS Mock Test