Failing the CITB HS&E test feels like a bigger deal than it is. It happens more often than people expect — mostly because the pass mark is genuinely high — and it's completely fixable. Here's exactly what happens next.
Why the pass mark catches people out
The Operatives and Specialist HS&E tests both require a 90% pass mark — 45 correct answers out of 50. That's a high bar for a multiple-choice test, and it's set that high deliberately: this isn't general knowledge, it's safety-critical information that keeps people safe on live construction sites, so CITB doesn't leave much room for guesswork. Most people who fail aren't failing because the material is obscure — they're failing because they treated it like a casual test rather than the pass/fail gate it actually is.
What actually happens if you don't pass
You'll get your result at the test centre on the day — there's no waiting for results to come through later. If you haven't passed, there's no penalty beyond needing to rebook and resit, but our Refund Policy is upfront about the cost: no refund is due on the original course fee, and the test centre or awarding body may charge an additional fee for the resit itself. We'll always tell you the actual resit cost before you rebook, not after, so there's no surprise second bill.
Common reasons people don't pass first time
A few patterns show up repeatedly: rushing through questions rather than reading them fully, not revising the specific topic areas at all (rather than assuming general site experience is enough), and underestimating the time pressure of a timed, computer-based format. None of these are about intelligence or aptitude — they're about preparation and pacing, both of which are entirely within your control the second time round.
Getting ready for your resit
Most people who fail first time pass comfortably on the second attempt once they've properly worked through CITB's own revision material — the official GT100 publication is the authoritative source the real test questions are drawn from, and it's worth going through it question by question rather than skimming. Give yourself a proper run at practice questions under timed conditions, since the test itself is timed and that pressure catches people out as much as the content does. If you're combining the test with your Level 1 Award, revisit the health and safety fundamentals covered there too — the two are designed to reinforce each other, and gaps in one tend to show up as gaps in the other.
Don't let one fail derail your whole application
A failed attempt doesn't affect anything else in your card application — it's simply a hurdle to clear before CSCS will process your application, not a mark against your record. Once you've passed, everything else in your Green Card or other card pathway continues exactly as normal.
Booking your resit with us
If you booked your original test through us, get in touch and we'll sort your resit directly rather than making you start the booking process from scratch — we already have your details and know which test centre and test version you need. We'll confirm the resit fee upfront, the earliest available date, and answer any questions about what to focus on before you go back in, based on what we know tends to trip people up on that specific test version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait before resitting?
This is set by the test centre, not by us — when you rebook with us, we'll confirm the earliest available slot for your specific test centre.
Does a fail affect my CSCS card application?
No — a failed test attempt has no bearing on any future card application. You simply need a pass on file before CSCS will process your card.
Is the resit the same test, or different questions?
You'll get a fresh set of questions drawn from the same official CITB question bank, not a repeat of your exact first attempt.
Can I fail more than once?
There's no fixed limit on the number of attempts, though each resit carries its own fee. If you've failed more than once, it's worth taking a step back and properly reworking through the GT100 material rather than resitting again straight away on the same preparation.