CSCS Mock Test for Operatives (2024)

The CSCS mock test for Operatives, also known as the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives, is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete the test. The pass mark is 45/50. Once you’re ready to start the test, click Begin Test.

Mock Test for Operatives


You have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice Mock Test questions for Operatives and Specialists. You need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly to pass. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!

Your Progress

Tests Taken

Last Score

Average Score

1452 votes - average 4.5 out of 5

CSCS Test for Operatives and Specialists

Below are several free CSCS mock tests for operatives and specialists.

There are more than 1000 practice questions for Operatives and Specialists in these mock tests. All tests last for 45 minutes and have 50 questions which have been randomly selected from 16 categories.

Operatives Tests by Category

Specialist Activities

Below are several free mock tests for specialists.

If you are preparing for a specialist test, you also need to study the appropriate specialist activity, from those listed below. There are more than 500 specialists questions.

CSCS Mock Test for Operatives Practice Questions (Printer-Friendly)

List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. Which ONE of the following must you be aware of after Brexit? Give ONE answer
A ALL UK health and safety regulations WILL be changed
B All accreditation will be void
C UK health and safety regulations MAY be reviewed and changed
D You WILL be asked to learn new safety signage
Correct Answer: C UK health and safety regulations MAY be reviewed and changed
Explanation: UK regulations do not change by default following Brexit - however, some regulations may be taken into review.
2. What is the purpose of a toolbox talk? Give ONE answer
A To discuss activity-specific health and safety matters
B To ensure all participants understand how to use activity-specific equipment
C To informally check in on employee wellbeing without escalation
D To regularly assess the quality of operating equipment
Correct Answer: A To discuss activity-specific health and safety matters
Explanation: A toolbox talk is a session briefing workers on health and safety aspects of a particular task.
3. What is the nature of an improvement notice? Give ONE answer
A It provides specific details of laws broken by an employer or employee, and a date by which improvements must be made
B It provides specific details of laws broken by an employer, and a date by which improvements must be made
C It suggests general improvements on how an employer or employee can improve safety standards
D It suggests general recommendations on how an employer can improve safety standards in the workplace
Correct Answer: A It provides specific details of laws broken by an employer or employee, and a date by which improvements must be made
Explanation: Improvement notices can be issued against an employer or individual employee, and detail both legally required improvements, along with the date by which such improvements must be made.
4. The Health and Safety Executive can charge by the hour for additional time spent by inspectors in resolution and administration of issues raised. True or false? Give ONE answer
A FALSE - they are not permitted to bill additional charges
B TRUE - they can bill hourly charges for this additional time
Correct Answer: B TRUE - they can bill hourly charges for this additional time
Explanation: The Health and Safety Executive is permitted to bill for additional hours required in an investigation.
5. Your injury has been reported in the accident book. Are you entitled to a copy of this entry? Give ONE answer
A No, it is confidential
B No, unless you have a written request from your doctor
C Yes
D Yes, if a lawyer acting on your behalf files a formal request
Correct Answer: C Yes
Explanation: Individuals are entitled to a copy of information held about them in the accident book.
6. Which type of dust is generally more hazardous? Give ONE answer
A Fine dust particles
B Larger dust particles
Correct Answer: A Fine dust particles
Explanation: Smaller dust particles can lodge themselves more deeply in your body, and are more hazardous.
7. Which of the following types of wood dust is known to provoke sensitisation? Give ONE answer
A Hardwood dust
B Mahogany dust
C Medium density fibreboard
D Softwood dust
Correct Answer: D Softwood dust
Explanation: Softwood dust can cause sensitisation.
8. You are working on a job at a short distance from the transformer, but your tool cable does not quite reach. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Find a different kind of tool with a longer cable, and see if you can still do the task
B Get more distance by joining up a number of leads
C Talk to your supervisor about moving the transformer
D Try to move the transformer yourself
Correct Answer: C Talk to your supervisor about moving the transformer
Explanation: Do not link up several extension leads if your cable does not reach the transformer. Talk to your supervisor about moving the transformer nearer to you.
9. Where should you store petrol for refuelling tools? Give ONE answer
A At the site office
B At the welfare services
C Away from where the work is being done
D Where the work is being done
Correct Answer: C Away from where the work is being done
Explanation: Petrol must not be stored at the work location.
10. What dangerous health condition does this diagram illustrate? Give ONE answer
A Arthritis
B Carpal tunnel syndrome
C Dermatitis
D HAVS
Correct Answer: D HAVS
Explanation: This diagram illustrates symptoms of HAVS.
11. What kind of gloves might you wear to reduce the risk of developing HAVS? Give ONE answer
A Anti-vibration gloves - they lessen the effect vibrations have on your hands
B Slippery gloves - they reduce the transmission of vibrations to your body
C Warm gloves - cold hands are more susceptible to vibration damage
D You should never wear gloves whilst operating tools
Correct Answer: C Warm gloves - cold hands are more susceptible to vibration damage
Explanation: "Anti-vibration" gloves are not recommended. They usually have minimal or no effect, and may increase damage; keeping hands warm provides better protection.
12. What are TWO factors that contribute to constructing a sustainable building? Give TWO answers
A Using low-cost materials
B Using materials from natural sources
C Using materials that blend in with natural surroundings
D Using materials that have a low impact on the environment
E Using materials with good resource efficiency
Correct Answer: D Using materials that have a low impact on the environment, E Using materials with good resource efficiency
Explanation: Resource-efficient materials with low environmental impact will help to make a building sustainable.
13. Which THREE of the following are examples of pollution? Check ALL that apply
A Disposing of cardboard boxes in the recycling bin
B Disposing of plasterboard in the biodegradable waste bin
C Excessive noise
D Playing music in the canteen
E Sandwich wrappers blowing off-site
Correct Answer: B Disposing of plasterboard in the biodegradable waste bin, C Excessive noise, E Sandwich wrappers blowing off-site
Explanation: Pollution includes accidental spreading of waste, incorrect waste disposal, and things like excessive noise, light, and vibration.
14. What TWO pieces of equipment can help prevent spills and over-filling? Give TWO answers
A Automatic cut-off nozzle
B Bucket
C Drip tray
D Funnel
E Plant nappy
Correct Answer: A Automatic cut-off nozzle, D Funnel
Explanation: To help prevent over-filling, you can use special nozzles and funnels where necessary.
15. What are the three colour codings you may see on drains? Give ONE answer
A Red, Blue, Green
B Red, Red 'C', Blue
C Red, Red 'C', yellow
D Red, Yellow, White
Correct Answer: B Red, Red 'C', Blue
Explanation: Red, red 'C', and blue are the three drain colours.
16. Which of the following is NOT an example of hazardous waste? Give ONE answer
A Contaminated spill kits
B Mastics
C Silty water
D Tubing from fluorescent lights
Correct Answer: C Silty water
Explanation: Silty water is not a hazardous substance - it is a pollutant.
17. What are TWO ways of ensuring members of the public are not put at risk by an excavation? Give TWO answers
A Ensure the excavation is lit at night or in low light conditions
B Ensure the excavation is manned at all times
C Erect barriers around the excavation
D Install a motion-sensor alarm system around the perimeter
Correct Answer: A Ensure the excavation is lit at night or in low light conditions, C Erect barriers around the excavation
Explanation: Lighting and barriers are both recommended ways to ensure the public are not put at risk by excavations.
18. What will happen if an underground service cannot be disconnected prior to work beginning? Give ONE answer
A This will not affect your system of work
B Work will not begin until the service is disconnected
C You will be able to tell it is live when you look at it
D You will be informed, and safety measures will be put in place
Correct Answer: D You will be informed, and safety measures will be put in place
Explanation: Work may continue if a service cannot be disconnected - but safety measures must be put in place.
19. Which of the following rooves is LEAST likely to be fragile? Give ONE answer
A A concrete roof
B A tiled roof
C A wired glass roof
D An asbestos sheet roof
Correct Answer: A A concrete roof
Explanation: Many sorts of roofing can create fragile surfaces.
20. When working on a mobile elevating work platform, what is ONE thing that must be ensured? Give ONE answer
A That the area is quiet
B That the platform is clean
C That the wheels are locked
D That the wheels are properly oiled
Correct Answer: C That the wheels are locked
Explanation: The wheels must be locked before work can safely begin.
21. If a ladder has a wobbly rung, what should you do? Give ONE answer
A Do not step on the faulty rung
B Do not use it and report the fault to your supervisor
C Report it in the accident book
D Secure the rung and continue work if it is safe to do so
Correct Answer: B Do not use it and report the fault to your supervisor
Explanation: Equipment defects must always be reported.
22. What are TWO reasons you must designate a safety zone around a mobile access tower? Give TWO answers
A So members of the public do not enter the area
B So other workers do not enter the area
C To ensure nothing is nearby to block light
D To reduce distractions to workers on the tower
E To reduce the harm to workers in case they fall
Correct Answer: A So members of the public do not enter the area, B So other workers do not enter the area
Explanation: A safety zone ensures nobody enters the hazardous work area around the tower.
23. What are TWO key purposes of an exclusion zone around a power line? Give TWO answers
A To avoid legal liability
B To keep members of the public out
C To stop machinery, equipment, and other items going in
D To stop people going in
Correct Answer: C To stop machinery, equipment, and other items going in, D To stop people going in
Explanation: Exclusion zones stop on-site workers, and anything else, entering the dangerous area around a power line.
24. What is personal protective equipment (PPE)? Give ONE answer
A Clothing and equipment designed to protect you from the elements
B Clothing and equipment designed to serve as hazard protection
C Ear protectors used for noisy areas
D Protective casings designed for hand-held tools
Correct Answer: B Clothing and equipment designed to serve as hazard protection
Explanation: PPE is a cover-all term applied to any clothing or equipment designed to shield you from hazards.
25. What is good practice when it comes to looking after your PPE? Give ONE answer
A Ensure it remains clean, and inspect it regularly
B Nothing specific - its condition is the responsibility of site management
C Repair it when necessary
D Take it with you at the end of shift to ensure it does not get lost
Correct Answer: A Ensure it remains clean, and inspect it regularly
Explanation: You should ensure you check your PPE regularly for faults, and keep it clean and hygienic.
26. What is best practice when wearing a safety helmet in cold weather? Give ONE answer
A Ensure it has a cold weather lining
B Fit it over the hood of a jumper
C Fit it snugly around a warm hat
D The helmet must not be adapted - so ensure you are wearing warm clothes
Correct Answer: A Ensure it has a cold weather lining
Explanation: Proprietary cold-weather linings can be obtained for safety helmets. Do not wear them over hats or hoods, as this will affect their efficacy.
27. What is a good way of confirming that your helmet has been properly fitted? Give ONE answer
A It does not shift when gently knocked
B It sits snugly on your head
C It stays in place when you bow your head to the floor
D There is room to insert one finger between your head and the helmet
Correct Answer: B It sits snugly on your head
Explanation: A properly fitted helmet will sit snugly on your head.
28. What is an on-site risk posed by halogen lights? Give ONE answer
A They consume a lot of energy, putting the generator at risk of overload
B They do not light well in smoky rooms, creating an evacuation risk
C They may overheat, creating an ignition risk
D They will explode in case of fire, creating an injury risk
Correct Answer: C They may overheat, creating an ignition risk
Explanation: Lights, especially halogen lights, may become ignition risks if they overheat.
29. Your supervisor decides to set up a bonfire on site. Is this permissible? Give ONE answer
A No, under no circumstances are bonfires permitted on site
B Yes, if it is used only for burning welfare waste
C Yes, only if it has been cleared with the site management
D Yes, only if the site has a permit to do so
Correct Answer: D Yes, only if the site has a permit to do so
Explanation: Bonfires are only allowed if the site has a permit.
30. You notice that the valve of some LPG cylinders are developing frost. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A The gas is going stale
B The valve is rusting
C They are being stored at too low a temperature
D They are leaking
Correct Answer: D They are leaking
Explanation: Frost around the valve indicates that an LPG cylinder is leaking.
31. Which regulations specifically cover your employer's legal obligations to you regarding hazardous substances? Give ONE answer
A COSHH
B HSE regulations
C Hazardous Substances Act
D Health and Safety at Work Act
Correct Answer: A COSHH
Explanation: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations cover your employer's legal obligations.
32. How can you find out emergency contacts for your site? Give ONE answer
A They are to be used only by authorised parties in case of emergency - you do not need to know these
B They will be available on request at welfare facilities
C They will be displayed on site along with emergency information
D You will be asked to add them to your phone contacts during your induction
Correct Answer: C They will be displayed on site along with emergency information
Explanation: Emergency contacts must be displayed along with emergency information and numbers on-site.
33. It is your responsibility to undergo basic first-aid training before attending induction Give ONE answer
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: A FALSE
Explanation: It is your employer's responsibility to provide first aiders.
34. Which of the following is TRUE about health problems developed over time through exposure to dust? Give ONE answer
A Dust is unlikely to cause long-term health problems
B The damage can be treated, but it may take weeks
C The damage may be untreatable
D Your employer will be responsible for treating this condition with on-site medical staff
Correct Answer: C The damage may be untreatable
Explanation: Where health problems develop as a result of exposure over a long period of time, the damage may be irreversible.
35. What else should you watch out for when working with wet cement? Give ONE answer
A Buildup under the fingernails
B Chemical burns
C Fume inhalation
D Neurological damage
Correct Answer: B Chemical burns
Explanation: Wet cement can cause chemical burns.
36. Why does allergic dermatitis pose a particular threat to construction workers? Give ONE answer
A Because construction workers are obliged to wear PPE, which exacerbates the condition
B Construction workers are at close quarters with one another, so allergic dermatitis will spread quickly between colleagues
C It is usually not covered by work health insurance policies, meaning costly treatment will have to be funded by individuals
D You may develop extreme sensitivities to particular substances, rendering you unable to work with them. This could be career-ending
Correct Answer: D You may develop extreme sensitivities to particular substances, rendering you unable to work with them. This could be career-ending
Explanation: Allergic dermatitis can cause the sufferer to develop acute sensitivity to particular substances. If you are unable to work with this substance, you may have to change careers.
37. Your colleague reports they have 'pizza knee'. What does this mean? Give ONE answer
A Pizza knee describes a build-up of fatty tissue around the knee
B Pizza knee describes irritant contact dermatitis on the knee
C Pizza knee describes patchy discolouration on the knee from kneeling too long
D Pizza knee is when a knee has been heavily bruised
Correct Answer: B Pizza knee describes irritant contact dermatitis on the knee
Explanation: Pizza knee is an informal term for irritant contact dermatitis
38. Which of the following statements is TRUE about mental health? Give ONE answer
A If you have mental health problems, you will be obliged to see a doctor
B Mental health problems are treated with medication
C There will be clear precursors to mental health problems
D You can have mental health problems even if there is no clear cause
Correct Answer: D You can have mental health problems even if there is no clear cause
Explanation: Mental health problems often come up without any clear cause; there are many ways they can be resolved or treated.
39. You have used absorption granules to treat an oil spill. How should you proceed? Give ONE answer
A Leave the granules out for an hour, then hose the surface down
B Leave the granules out for up to 72 hours, then sweep them into the waste bin
C Once finished, put the granules in the waste bin in a sealed special waste bag
D Once finished, seal the granules in a waste bag to be disposed of by specialists
Correct Answer: D Once finished, seal the granules in a waste bag to be disposed of by specialists
Explanation: Absorption granules must be safely disposed of by a specialist.
40. What might your employer additionally do to help manage mental health on site? Give ONE answer
A They may appoint a Mental Health First Aider
B They might appoint a First Aider
C They might insist on longer shifts to improve morale
D They might share mental health records with colleagues
Correct Answer: A They may appoint a Mental Health First Aider
Explanation: Your employer might appoint a Mental Health First Aider.
41. Materials are being unloaded from a truck on one side of the site for use on the other side. What TWO questions should be asked first? Give TWO answers
A Can more workers be assigned to this task?
B Can the truck be moved closer?
C Can workers avoid moving this material manually?
D Is this the most cost-efficient strategy?
E Will this create insurance liability issues?
Correct Answer: B Can the truck be moved closer?, C Can workers avoid moving this material manually?
Explanation: Where possible, reduce the distance a load must be moved - or eliminate the need for manual handling entirely.
42. Which TWO of the following factors must be taken into account when choosing workers for manual handling? Give TWO answers
A Their age
B Their availability
C Their pay grade
D Their race
E Their stature
Correct Answer: A Their age, E Their stature
Explanation: The correct workers must be chosen for manual handling. This must take into account their physical suitability for the task.
43. Who should lead during team lifting? Give ONE answer
A Everybody collectively
B Just one person
C Someone who is not lifting
D Whoever is tallest
Correct Answer: B Just one person
Explanation: One person should lead and clearly instruct during a team lift.
44. What does it mean if you see this sign on site? Give ONE answer
A No access without PPE
B No entry
C No public access
D You must not use the area as a thoroughfare
Correct Answer: D You must not use the area as a thoroughfare
Explanation: This sign indicates areas which are not thoroughfares.
45. What else must take place in addition to regular inspections of lifting equipment and accessories? Give ONE answer
A A compliance examination, annually
B A damage examination, at the end of the operation
C A functional examination, annually
D A thorough examination, periodically
Correct Answer: D A thorough examination, periodically
Explanation: Thorough, periodic examinations must take place as well as regular inspections.
46. Regarding lifting equipment and accessories, what is ONE key difference between an inspection and an examination? Give ONE answer
A An examination will produce a written report, an inspection will not
B An inspection is thorough, an examination is not
C An inspection will produce a report, an examination will not
D They are the same thing
Correct Answer: A An examination will produce a written report, an inspection will not
Explanation: Examinations, unlike inspections, must produce a written report.
47. Which signal directs an operator LEFT?
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This sign signals a left turn.
48. What are TWO indications that a signaller is in the CORRECT position? Give TWO answers
A They are in zone 1
B They are in zone 2
C They can be seen by passers by
D They can be seen by the operator
E They can see the load
Correct Answer: D They can be seen by the operator, E They can see the load
Explanation: A signaller must be able to see the load, and be seen by the operator.
49. You have been asked by your supervisor to use a forklift truck on shift, but you have not been trained on it. What should you do? Give ONE answer
A Ask a competent colleague to teach you how to use it
B Inform your supervisor that you are not trained to use the truck
C Report your supervisor to the site manager
D Use the truck to the best of our abilities
Correct Answer: B Inform your supervisor that you are not trained to use the truck
Explanation: Always inform your supervisor if you are not trained for a task you have been assigned.
50. Which type of accident is common when using dumpers? Give ONE answer
A The vehicle falls into an excavation
B The vehicle is overloaded and overheats
C The vehicle overturns
D The vehicle reverses into a pedestrian
Correct Answer: C The vehicle overturns
Explanation: Overturning is a common accident when using dumpers.