Course overview
| Course name | Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment |
|---|---|
| Outcome | Meets the training requirement for the CSCS Green Labourer Card |
| Delivery | Online e-learning or classroom |
| Typical duration | Around 2–4 hours online, or one day in a classroom |
| Entry requirements | None. Basic English and a minimum age of 14 |
| Assessment | 60-minute multiple-choice exam |
| Pass mark | 32 out of 40 questions (80%) |
| Certificate | Issued after you pass, valid for life |
| Price | From £XXX + VAT |
What is the Level 1 Health and Safety course?
This is a regulated, entry-level qualification for anyone who wants to start working on a UK construction site. It is often called the Level 1 health and safety awareness course, and it is a straightforward route into the industry for people with little or no site experience.
You learn the basics you need to spot common site hazards, follow safe working practices and keep yourself and others safe. Topics include risk assessment, accident prevention, manual handling, working at height and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Your route to the CSCS Green Card
Passing this qualification is the first step towards applying for the CSCS Green Labourer Card. The course is not the card itself. You will also need to pass the separate CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test and then apply through the official CSCS route.
Who is this course for?
It is aimed at people entering construction for the first time, and at workers who need to refresh their basic compliance to stay on site. No previous experience is needed.
- New starters beginning a career in construction and applying for a first Green Labourer Card
- Labourers and site workers who need to show managers and employers that they understand safe practices
- Non-construction staff on site such as cleaners, security guards, delivery drivers and facilities staff
- Workers renewing an expired card who want a qualification that never needs retaking
How to get your CSCS Green Card
Getting your card is a three-step process:
- Pass this Level 1 qualificationComplete the course online or in a classroom. The qualification is valid for life.
- Pass the CITB HS&E TestYou also need the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives, often called the touch-screen test, taken within the last two years.
- Apply for your cardWith both in place, apply through the official CSCS route. A first Green Labourer Card usually lasts two years, and can then be renewed for five years if you stay in a labouring role.
Want us to handle it for you?
If you would rather not book your own CITB test and manage the card application, ask us about our full CSCS Green Card package.
Online or classroom?
Taking time off work is not always possible, so you can choose the format that suits your schedule and budget.
Online e-learning
- Study anywhere: access the learning portal at any time from a phone, tablet or laptop
- Work at your pace: the course usually takes 2 to 4 hours and can be paused and resumed
- Remote exam: sit the multiple-choice assessment from home under online invigilation
Classroom training
- Done in one day: complete the training in a single focused session
- Face-to-face tutor: ask questions as you go and get answers straight away
- Exam on the day: sit the assessment right after the training, while everything is fresh
Entry requirements
You do not need any construction experience to start. You simply need to meet these basic requirements:
- Age: you must be at least 14 years old
- English: a basic understanding of spoken and written English, as the course and exam are in English
- Photo ID: a valid passport or driving licence to confirm your identity before the exam
Equipment for online learners
You can study the modules on any device, but the final exam has stricter rules. To meet invigilation standards it must be taken on a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam, a microphone and a stable internet connection. It cannot be taken on a mobile phone.
What will you learn?
The qualification is built around five core learning outcomes covering the fundamentals of site safety:
- Spotting hazards and why reporting accidents matters
- Method statements and basic risk assessment
- Correct lifting and manual handling techniques
- Ladders, scaffolds and fragile roofs
- Hazardous substances, including asbestos
- Choosing and using the right PPE
- Working safely around plant and equipment
- Understanding hazard warning signs
Assessment and certification
The qualification is assessed by a multiple-choice exam of 40 questions. You have 60 minutes and need at least 32 correct answers to pass.
What score do you need?
Each square is one question. Answer 32 or more correctly to pass.
If you are studying online, the exam is invigilated remotely and needs to be booked in advance, so allow a couple of working days between finishing the modules and sitting the test.
Once you pass, your certificate is issued and, together with a valid CITB HS&E test, you have what you need to apply for your CSCS Green Card.
Why train with CJTS?
- Regulated qualification sitting on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
- Recognised by employers and accepted for the CSCS Green Card training requirement
- Flexible study: online at your own pace or a single classroom day
- Experienced tutors with real construction health and safety backgrounds
- Support from start to certificate, including help with your next steps towards the card
- Group rates for employers putting several workers through at once
Not sure which course you need?
This Level 1 qualification is the most popular route because it never expires, but there are other options:
CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
A one-day course preferred by some tier-one contractors. Valid for five years.
Ask about this course →CSCS Green Card package
An all-in-one option covering your training, CITB test booking and card application.
Ask about the package →
