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New entrants to construction
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Labourers and operatives
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Apprentices and trainees
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Anyone applying for a Green CSCS Card
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Whether you're just starting your career or want to refresh your knowledge, this course is your first step towards working safely and legally in the construction sector.
CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course (HSA)
Kickstart your construction career with the 1-day CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course, available nationwide or online via tutor-led virtual classroom. This CITB-approved training is a mandatory step toward gaining your Green CSCS Labourer Card, proving you're safe, ready, and qualified to work on site.
What is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course and Who Needs It?
The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is a 1-day introductory training designed for anyone entering the construction or civil engineering industry. It is a key requirement to apply for the CSCS Card Green Card, helping you to legally access UK construction sites.
If you're looking for a quick and effective way to gain the skills and qualification you need, this CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course provides a practical overview of health, safety, and environmental risks you may face on site, and how to manage them safely.
This course is part of the CITB Site Safety Plus scheme and is endorsed by Build UK. It is suitable for:
What Is Covered in the Health and Safety Awareness Course?
The Health and Safety Awareness course provides learners with a strong foundation in workplace safety. It focuses on the essential skills needed to recognise, report and reduce risks on site.
Course Topics Include:
- Your legal duties and responsibilities on site
- Common hazards and how to avoid them
- Accident reporting and prevention
- Safe lifting, handling, and working at height
- Environmental awareness and site welfare
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and signage
- Health risks such as noise, vibration and asbestos
Key Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand the need to prevent accidents
- Recognise how your actions impact site safety
- Know how to report unsafe behaviour
- Understand risk assessments and method statements
- Be confident in performing your role responsibly
1 Day Health and Safety Awareness Course Online or In Person
Virtual (Online) Training – Live Tutor-Led Classroom
Take your 1 day Health and Safety Awareness course online with a real-time tutor in a fully interactive virtual classroom.
You’ll need a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection. You must attend the full course to be eligible for certification.
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Delivered via Zoom
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Live tutor-led sessions
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Exam completed online
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Course material provided digitally (GE707 handbook)
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In-Person Training Across the UK
Prefer face-to-face learning? We offer regular public courses at training centres nationwide. We also provide in-house training for employers who wish to book group sessions.
Course Details
Accreditation: CITB (Site Safety Plus)
Duration: 1 Day
Valid For: 5 Years
Assessment: 25-question multiple choice exam (pass mark: 25/30)
Certification: Digital CITB Certificate
Entry Requirements: Must be able to read, write, and understand English
Delegates must provide photographic ID (passport or driving licence). Under 18s will need parental consent.
What Is the Health and Safety Awareness Test?
At the end of the course, learners sit a multiple-choice test covering the key principles taught. It includes:
- 25 questions (5 worth 2 marks each)
- Pass mark: 83% (25/30)
- 30-minute time limit
Those who score below 60% must retake the full course. A resit option is available for borderline fails.
If your company is registered with CITB and eligible for the CITB Grant Scheme, you can claim £60 for each delegate who successfully completes the Health and Safety Awareness course.
You don’t need to apply separately, we’ll ensure the course is delivered in line with Site Safety Plus scheme rules so your business qualifies for the grant.
Get Your CSCS Card Green Card
To work legally on most UK construction sites, you’ll need a valid Green CSCS Labourer Card. Here’s how to get yours:
- Complete the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course (HSA)
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Operatives Test – within the last 2 years
- Apply for your CSCS Card online at www.cscs.uk.com or by calling 0344 994 4777
We can support you through every step, from booking your 1-day Health and Safety Awareness course to arranging your CITB HS&E Operatives Test and guiding you through the CSCS card application process.
What Comes Next? Progression Opportunities
The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is your first step into the construction industry. If you're planning to develop your career beyond a general labourer role, here are your potential next steps:
Next Step | Best For | Find Out More |
SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) | Moving into site supervision | |
TWCTC (Temporary Works Coordinator) | Those responsible for temporary works on site | |
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) | Aspiring or current site managers |
Each of these builds on your foundation knowledge from the HSA course and leads to more responsibility, career advancement, and higher earning potential.
Don’t miss your chance to get qualified – book now and start your journey to earning your CSCS Green Card.
With the right training and support, you’re one step away from opening the door to a new career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To get a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, you’ll need to meet the specific requirements for your occupation and level of experience. This typically involves:
- Choosing the Right Card Type
Use the CSCS Card Finder to identify which card you need based on your job role and qualifications. - Completing a Recognised Qualification
You must hold the appropriate training or qualification for your role, such as an NVQ, SVQ, or an approved course like the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course (for entry-level labourers). - Passing the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test
You must pass the relevant HS&E test for your card type (Operatives, Specialists, Managers, etc.) within the last two years. We can help book this on your behalf. - Applying for Your Card
Apply online via CSCS Online or by phone on 0344 994 4777. You’ll need your test ID number, proof of qualification, and a debit or credit card to pay the £36 fee.
Tip: Have your CITB test pass certificate and qualification evidence ready before starting your application.
A CSCS Labourer Card currently costs £36. You must also pay for your training and the HS&E test, which costs £22.50.
To apply for a CSCS card, follow these simple steps to ensure your application is processed quickly and correctly:
Step 1: Choose the Right Card
Use the official CSCS Card Finder to check which card matches your occupation and level of experience. This is essential, as holding the wrong card could result in being refused access to site.
Step 2: Complete the Necessary Training
To apply for the CSCS Green Labourer Card, you must complete an approved qualification, such as the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course.
Step 3: Pass the CITB HS&E Test
You must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Operatives Test within the last two years.
Although CSCS does not run the test themselves, it must be booked through CITB. At Essential Site Skills, we can book the HS&E test on your behalf as part of our full support package – saving you time and ensuring everything is in place for your CSCS card application.
Tip: Have your CITB test ID number (found at the top of your pass certificate) ready when applying for your CSCS card. You’ll need this to complete the online application.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
Before you begin your CSCS card application, you will need:
- A scanned copy of your qualification certificate (or proof of registration if your qualification is in progress)
- Your CITB test pass details
- A credit or debit card to pay the £36 application fee (Apprentice cards are free)
Step 5: Apply Online via CSCS
Apply quickly, securely, and easily through CSCS Online.
Choose the correct account type:
- Individual Applicants
- Employers
- Training Providers or Third Parties
Once your application is submitted, processing typically takes 5–10 working days.
Watch: How to Apply for a CSCS Card (YouTube Video)
This short video from CSCS explains the online application process step-by-step.
To get a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, follow these three essential steps:
- Complete an Approved Qualification
For most entry-level roles, you’ll need to complete the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course. This one-day training is part of the Site Safety Plus suite and is a mandatory requirement for the Green CSCS Labourer Card. - Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test
You must pass the Operatives level HS&E test, which assesses your understanding of basic health, safety, and environmental practices. The test must have been passed within the last two years to be valid for your card application. - Apply for Your CSCS Card
Once you’ve passed both the course and the test, you can apply for your CSCS card through the official CSCS website or by calling 0344 994 4777. The current application fee is £36, and you’ll need to provide proof of your qualification and test result.
Need help? At Essential Site Skills, we can support you with every step from training and test booking to application advice, to make getting your CSCS card as simple as possible.
The CITB Health and Safety Awareness certificate is valid for 5 years. Once expired, you must retake the full course to remain compliant, there is no shorter refresher version available for this particular course.
If you're progressing into a supervisory or management role, this could be the right time to advance your training. You may benefit from moving on to one of the CITB Site Safety Plus courses such as SSSTS or SMSTS, depending on your responsibilities.
View all CITB Training Courses
Be sure to renew or progress your training before your certificate expires to avoid any disruption to your CSCS status or site access.
Health and Safety Awareness is the fundamental understanding of how to identify workplace hazards, follow site safety rules, and take responsibility for protecting yourself and others on a construction site. It’s about recognising potential risks before they become incidents and knowing the right actions to take to stay safe.
The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course provides a structured introduction to these principles, covering everything from accident prevention and legal duties to site welfare and environmental awareness. It lays the groundwork for a safer working environment and is essential for anyone applying for the CSCS Green Labourer Card.
This course helps build a safety-first mindset from day one, critical in reducing accidents and promoting a strong site safety culture.
Health and Safety Awareness is crucial in the construction industry because it helps prevent accidents, protects lives, and ensures that everyone on site understands their legal and moral responsibilities.
By completing a recognised course like the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course, workers gain the knowledge needed to identify hazards, follow safe systems of work, and act responsibly to reduce risk. This not only protects individuals but contributes to a safer, more productive working environment for the entire team.
It also supports compliance with UK health and safety laws, making it an essential part of any site induction and a mandatory step for gaining the CSCS Green Labourer Card.
Supervisors are legally responsible for ensuring that health and safety procedures are followed on site. Awareness training equips them with the essential knowledge to identify risks, enforce control measures, and lead by example to maintain a safe working environment.
For those taking on supervisory responsibilities, progressing to the CITB SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) course is recommended. SSSTS provides a deeper understanding of legislation, risk assessments, and how to effectively manage safety on site.
The CITB Health and Safety Awareness test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, with 5 of those questions carrying two marks each. To pass, candidates must achieve 25 out of 30 marks (83%). The test is closed book, lasts 30 minutes, and is completed at the end of the course.
Delegates must also participate throughout the course to be eligible for the exam. If the pass mark isn’t achieved, a resit may be offered depending on your score.
There is no official mock test for the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course itself. However, to get your Green CSCS Labourer Card, you’ll also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Operatives Test, and CITB provides a full range of trusted revision tools to help you prepare.
Official HS&E Test Revision Materials:
CITB recommends the following resources to improve your chances of passing:
- GT100 Question and Answer Book – Covers all topics for Operatives and Specialists (sections A–E).
- Smartphone/Tablet App – Offers interactive revision and realistic test simulations. Available on both iOS App and Android Google Play.
- Digital PC Download – Ideal for offline revision and practice on your computer.
- DVD version – Suitable for those who prefer DVD-based learning.
These are the only resources officially recommended by CITB. Unverified third-party mock tests are not endorsed and may not accurately reflect the real test content.
Learn more and access the official materials on the CITB website:
Preparing for the HS&E Test – CITB