19 November 2015
Thousands to Retake HS&E Test after CSCS Card Fraud Report
CITB has reviewed all Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test results following a recent BBC Newsnight investigation into CSCS card fraud with the result that 6,000 individuals are being required to re-sit the test. Passing the HS&E Test is a key requirement for obtaining most CSCS cards and, whilst the vast majority of test results are considered legitimate, CITB and CSCS have agreed this approach to ensure that the industry continues to have confidence in the CSCS card scheme.
The Newsnight report last month featured fraudulent activity during HS&E Tests at a small number of CITB centres. CITB takes fraud very seriously and a number of centres, including those highlighted in the programme, have been shut down. The introduction of CCTV monitoring is being brought forward and spot checks on testing centres have been increased.
CITB is writing to all those individuals who will need to re-sit their HS&E Test and they will also be contacted by CSCS which will warn them that their card is at risk of cancellation.
Individuals who are required to re-sit the test will need to:
• Register with CITB on the phone number provided within a month of receiving notification that a retest is required
• Successfully complete the test within three months of receiving notification.
Failure to complete these steps will result in the immediate and permanent cancellation of the relevant CSCS card.
All retests will be taken at Pearson VUE centres and, in order to minimise the impact on employers and individuals that have to re-sit, facilities will be available in the evening and on Saturdays and CITB will issue vouchers to cover the cost of retesting.
CITB has established a dedicated helpline on 0344 994 4053 for those that may have been affected. The team can also be reached via email on fraud.help@citb.co.uk.
Employers are advised not to take any action to prevent individuals from going on site unless a card has been revoked. Employers can check the validity of CSCS cards by using either the Smart technology contained within the card or the Online Card Checker.