If you are going to be applying for a CSCS card in London, the Health, Safety & Environment Test is a mandatory prerequisite save for a few very rare instances. The London CSCS tests are not standard, the test you go for will depend on your current career in relation to the construction industry, your level of experience and of course, the type of card you intend to apply for.

Of all London CSCS Tests, the Operative Health, Safety & Environment Test is considered the lowest entry level test for a construction professional seeking a CSCS card in London.

Must you possess an NVQ to be eligible for the Operative Health, Safety & Environment Test?

Candidates for the Operative Health, Safety & Environment Test in London would ordinarily have a level 1 NVQ in any construction-related vocation. A level 1 NVQ demonstrates basic competence in at least one construction vocation – and hence the reason for the CSCS card awarded after the Operative CSCS test in London sometimes being called the Basic Skills Card.

In the absence of a level 1 NVQ, a recommendation from a credible employer may be considered instead. On successful completion of the London CSCS test and on condition that the basic skills requirement has been satisfied, you will be issued with a green CSCS card.

Test areas for the Operative Health, Safety & Environment Test

Candidates for the Operative London Health, Safety & Environment Test will broadly be assessed in the areas of law, consultation, enforcement, methodology, general construction site risk areas and areas that are specific to one’s vocation. Each Operative Health, Safety & Environment Test in London comprises of 50 multiple choice questions.

Renewal of your Green CSCS Construction Site Operative Card

Once you receive it, the Green CSCS Construction Site Operative Card is valid for 5 years after which you can apply for renewal. For your renewal application to be successful, you must have sat for and passed the London CSCS test on Health and Safety no more than 2 years before you applied for card renewal.

If your card expires before you apply for renewal, you will have 6 months after which you will no longer be considered a member of the scheme and will therefore have to start the process from scratch.

The exemption to this rule is if you have a compelling reason why you were not in a position to file for your card’s renewal in which case the CSCS Appeals Section can hear you out and accept your application outside the defined timelines.