Prepare for the HS&E test
There is a range of revision materials to help you prepare for the Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test from printed booklets that you can purchase in a bookshop, to smartphone apps that help you revise on the go.
To increase your chances of passing the test, we recommend that you take a relevant training course, and work through all the sample questions in the revision materials. Make sure that you are confident with the topics and questions before you book your test.
Revision materials for the Operatives version of the HS&E test are available to buy from CITB's online shop or from high street or online book shops. Alternatively, you can phone 0344 994 4488; lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays 8am to 12pm, except during Bank Holidays.
Revision materials are available in the following formats:
- Question and answer book - this publication contains all of the content that is covered within the test in the form of questions and answers so that you can fully prepare for your test:
- DVDs:
- Digital version of the question and answer book for Windows:
- Smartphone/tablet apps - the app offers a complete revision experience. It contains everything you need to know to book, prepare for and sit the test including a realistic test simulation. The Operatives revision app also offers the languages listed here as a voiceover:
- The HS&E test mobile app for operatives and specialists (available in both Android Google Play and iOS App stores)
- Short courses:
Revision materials for the Specialist version of the HS&E test are available to buy from CITB's online shop or from high street or online book shops. Alternatively, you can phone 0344 994 4488; lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays 8am to 12pm, except during Bank Holidays.
Revision materials are available in the following formats:
- Question and answer books - this publication contains all of the content that is covered within the test in the form of questions and answers so that you can fully prepare for your test:
- DVDs:
- Digital version of the question and answer book for Windows:
- Smartphone/tablet apps - the app offers a complete revision experience. It contains everything you need to know to book, prepare for and sit the test including a realistic test simulation:
- HS&E test mobile app for operatives and specialists (available in both Android Google Play)
- Training courses:
- Contact your specialist trade association or industry body for guidance on which course to take
In June 2023 the Managers and Professionals test was updated to reflect changes to legislation, working practices and new technology.
The test structure has been designed to enable you to demonstrate knowledge across the following key areas.
- Section A: Legal and management
- Section B: Occupational health, wellbeing and welfare
- Section C: General safety
- Section D: High risk activities
- Section E: Environment
The pass mark for the Managers and Professionals test is 90%. To pass, you need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly.
Revision material
The breadth of content is now wider than any previous versions that you may have experienced, and is not role specific. We strongly recommend candidates allow sufficient time to revise and familiarise themselves with, what maybe for some, new subject matter.
The revision material options include an app, a PC download and a revision book.
The CITB MAP revision app can be used by candidates to revise for the test. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store (also available in Welsh), costs £6.99, and can be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. Candidates who have already purchased the app within the last 12 months will not need to buy it again when updates are released, because it will receive an automatic update as part of the changes.
Anyone preferring to revise using a PC can purchase a streamlined PC download, which costs £12.25, and can also be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. It can be downloaded from the CITB shop. Candidates who have already purchased the PC download within the last 12 months will not need to buy it again when updates are released, because it will receive an automatic update as part of the changes.
The GT200 revision book is available from the CITB shop.
A sample test is available. It will give you an indication of the types of questions and different subject areas included in the MAP test. There are 13 questions for you to try. The sample test should not be used in isolation, but as part of your revision.
Content and Wording
We reserve the right to update the wording used within the tests or revision materials from time to time, as part of our commitment to using plain English, to aid understanding or to improve customer experience. This may mean that questions in the test are worded differently to the questions in the revision materials, however the meaning will remain the same.
Up to date revision materials
Health, safety and environment legislation, regulations and best practice will change from time to time, but we make every effort to keep the test and the revision material up to date.
- You will not be tested on questions that are no longer deemed appropriate.
- You will be tested on knowledge presented in the most up-to-date edition of the revision materials - the current editions can be found here.
- HS&E test revision DVDs and downloads can be updated by downloading the latest patch.
- To check your DVD or download is up-to-date, click the web update option from the main menu of your DVD or downloaded document.