CSCS MAP Test: Managers and Professionals Guide 2026

Q: What is the pass mark for the MAP test?

The pass mark for the MAP test is 90%. You need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly to pass.

Q: How do I book the MAP test?

Book online or by phone through CITB on 0344 994 4488, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 12pm, or directly with a local Internet Test Centre. You will need your email address, CITB registration number if you have one, and payment details.

Q: Can I retake the MAP test if I fail?

Yes. There is no limit on attempts and no mandatory waiting period. You can rebook as soon as you are ready. Review your score report to identify weak subject areas before rebooking and focus your revision on those specifically.

Q: What is the difference between the MAP test and the operatives test?

The operatives test is for construction workers in trade and operative roles. The MAP test is for managers, professionals and technical workers. They cover different subject areas and you cannot substitute one for the other. Use the CSCS Card Finder to confirm which test you need for your specific role.

When You Book Multiple Courses.

If you are working towards a Manager or Professionally Qualified Person CSCS card, you will need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals. This is widely known in the industry as the MAP test, and it is one of the most searched construction qualifications in the UK for a reason: it is the gateway to the cards that let senior professionals and site managers get on site legally.

This guide covers exactly what the MAP test involves, who needs it, how to book it, how much it costs in 2026, how to revise effectively, and what to do if you do not pass first time.

What is the CITB MAP test?
Who needs to take the MAP test?
Which CSCS cards does it support?
What does the MAP test involve?
Pass mark and scoring
How much does the MAP test cost in 2026?
How to book the MAP test
How to revise for the MAP test
What to expect on test day
What if you do not pass?
How long is the MAP test result valid?
Frequently asked questions

What is the CITB MAP test?

The MAP test is the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals. It is one of three HS&E test types offered by CITB, alongside the test for Operatives and the test for Specialists.

The MAP test is specifically designed for people working in management, professional or technical roles in the construction industry. It tests your understanding of health, safety and environmental responsibilities at a management and leadership level, going significantly deeper than the operatives test.

CITB updated the MAP test in June 2023 following a review that included feedback from over 10,000 managers and professionals. The updated test now covers a broader range of subjects, including new areas added to reflect changes in legislation, working practices, technology and industry needs. Six new subject areas were introduced as part of the update. The breadth of content in the current test is wider than any previous version, and it is not role-specific.

Who needs to take the MAP test?

You need to take the MAP test if you are applying for a CSCS card that requires the Managers and Professionals level of HS&E certification. This includes people in the following types of roles:

Site managers and senior site managers
Construction project managers
Quantity surveyors and commercial managers
Design managers and technical managers
Health, safety and environment professionals
Construction directors and principals
Academically qualified construction professionals (engineers, architects, surveyors)
Members of CSCS-approved professional bodies

If you are unsure whether the MAP test is the right test for your role, use the CSCS Card Finder tool on the official CSCS website. It will confirm both the card type and the HS&E test level required for your specific occupation.

Which CSCS cards does the MAP test support?

Passing the MAP test is a requirement for several CSCS card types. The key cards that require a valid MAP test pass are:

Manager card (often referred to as the Black CSCS card): for site managers, project managers and those in construction management roles. Also requires a relevant construction management NVQ at Level 6 or above, or a current SMSTS certificate.
Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card (White card): for construction professionals holding a relevant degree, HND or HNC.
Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card (Yellow card): for members of CSCS-approved professional bodies such as CIOB, ICE, RICS and CIBSE.

The MAP test result is also used for some other card types in the Supervisory and Technical categories. Check the CSCS Card Finder for the specific requirements of your card.

If you are a site manager working towards the Manager card and need the underlying NVQ qualification, Target Zero Training offers the NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management and NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management as fully remote, work-based qualifications.

What does the MAP test involve?

The MAP test is a computer-based, touchscreen test taken at an approved test centre. Here is what to expect:

50 questions in total
45 minutes to complete the test
Multiple choice format throughout
Covers health, safety and environmental knowledge at management level
No role-specific section: the test applies across all management and professional roles

The subject areas covered by the MAP test include, but are not limited to: health and safety law and responsibilities, risk assessment and method statements, CDM Regulations 2015, environmental legislation and responsibilities, welfare and site conditions, fire safety, working at height, excavations, lifting operations, and occupational health. The 2023 update added six new subjects, meaning the current test is broader than what candidates who took the test several years ago will have experienced. CITB strongly recommends allowing sufficient time to revise and familiarise yourself with areas that may be new to you.

Pass mark and scoring

The pass mark for the MAP test is 90%. You need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly to pass.

This is a high bar, and it was set deliberately to ensure that managers and professionals demonstrate a strong and consistent level of health, safety and environmental knowledge. The 90% pass mark applies consistently across all versions of the MAP test.

If you do not reach 45 correct answers, you will not pass. There is no partial pass or borderline result. You either pass or you do not, and you will receive your result immediately on screen at the end of the test. Your score report will be printed for you after the test and should be kept safely, as you will need the test ID number when applying for your CSCS card.

How much does the MAP test cost in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the cost of taking the CITB HS&E test, including the MAP test, is £23.50. This is an increase from the previous fee of £22.50.

If you take the test through the CITB mobile testing service (where a temporary test centre is set up at your workplace or site), the cost is from £32.75 per candidate from 1 April 2026. This can be useful for employers who need to put multiple staff through the test at the same time and want to avoid travel costs.

Test vouchers can be purchased in advance from the CITB online shop and redeemed at Pearson Professional Centres.

How to book the MAP test

There are two ways to book the MAP test:

Option 1: Book online or by phone with Pearson VUE

The majority of MAP tests are taken at Pearson Professional Centres, which are located across the UK. You can book online at the CITB website or by calling 0344 994 4488. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 12pm.

When booking you will need your personal email address for the confirmation, your CITB registration number if you have taken an HS&E test or applied for a CSCS card before, and your payment details.

Option 2: Book at a local Internet Test Centre (ITC)

CITB also works with a network of local Internet Test Centres (ITCs) across the UK. These are often smaller, local test venues that may have availability when Pearson centres are busy. Search for your nearest ITC on the CITB website.

Rescheduling and cancellations

For Pearson VUE tests, you can reschedule for free online up to 72 hours before your test. Rescheduling by phone costs £5. Cancellations for a full refund must also be made at least 72 hours before the test. Within 72 hours, the test fee is non-refundable. For ITC bookings, contact the centre directly at least one week before your test to reschedule.

How to revise for the MAP test

Given the 90% pass mark, thorough preparation is essential. CITB recommends not treating the test lightly, particularly if it has been some time since you last sat it, as the 2023 update significantly broadened the subject matter.

Official revision materials

CITB produces official revision materials specifically for the MAP test, all referenced as GT200:

GT200 revision book: A5 full-colour printed book containing everything you need to know to prepare for the test. Covers all subject areas, booking information and test guidance. From 1 April 2026, this costs £12.50. Available from the CITB shop.
GT200 revision app: The official CITB MAP test revision app, available on iOS and Android. Costs £6.99 and allows you to take mock tests in preparation. If you have purchased the app within the last 12 months, the 2023 update was delivered automatically at no extra cost. Available in Welsh as well as English.
GT200 PC download: A digital version of the revision material for use on a computer.

CITB also provides a free sample test of 13 questions on its website. This gives you a feel for the question format and the types of subject areas covered. CITB is clear that the sample test should be used as part of your revision, not as your only preparation.

Practical revision tips

The most common reason candidates do not pass the MAP test first time is underestimating how broad the current test is. Here are the most effective preparation strategies:

Work through the full GT200 revision book from cover to cover, not just the areas you feel confident in. The 2023 update added new subject areas that experienced managers often overlook because they were not in earlier versions of the test.
Use the revision app to take mock tests under timed conditions. The 45-minute window is generous for most candidates, but practising under time pressure builds confidence.
Pay particular attention to CDM Regulations 2015 duty holder responsibilities, environmental legislation, and occupational health topics, as these tend to trip up candidates who have not revised specifically for them.
Do not rely solely on practical experience. The test asks about specific legal requirements and regulations, which require knowledge of the precise wording, not just general site familiarity.
Allow at least one to two weeks of regular revision before booking your test. Cramming the evening before is not a reliable strategy with a 90% pass mark.

What to expect on test day

Arrive at your test centre with time to spare. You will need to bring valid photo ID. At Pearson Professional Centres this is typically a passport or driving licence. Check the specific ID requirements when you book.

The test is taken on a touchscreen computer in a supervised centre. You will have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice questions. Results are displayed on screen immediately after you finish, and a printed score report is provided before you leave. Keep this report safe as the test ID number printed on it is required when you apply for your CSCS card.

If you require any additional support during the test (for example, a translator, BSL interpreter or support for reading difficulties), these can be arranged through CITB’s Special Assistance team. Contact them on 0344 994 4491 or at citb.additionalsupport@pearson.com. Some arrangements can be booked as part of the standard booking process, while others require advance notice and supporting evidence.

What if you do not pass?

If you do not reach the 45 correct answers needed to pass, you will need to rebook and resit the test. There is no limit on how many times you can take the MAP test, but each attempt costs the full test fee.

Before rebooking, review your score report carefully. It will indicate which subject areas you answered incorrectly. Focus your revision on those specific areas before your next attempt. Most candidates who do not pass first time do so because of gaps in a small number of subject areas rather than widespread knowledge gaps, so targeted revision is more effective than repeating all your preparation from scratch.

There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, so you can rebook as soon as you feel ready.

How long is the MAP test result valid?

Your MAP test pass is valid for two years from the date you passed. When you apply for or renew your CSCS card, the HS&E test pass must have been taken within the last two years.

If your card is coming up for renewal and your test pass is more than two years old, you will need to resit the MAP test before applying. This is a common reason for card renewal delays, so it is worth checking your test pass date well in advance of when you want to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSCS MAP test?

The CSCS MAP test is the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals. It is required to apply for several CSCS cards including the Manager card (Black card), the Academically Qualified Person card and the Professionally Qualified Person card. It consists of 50 questions taken in 45 minutes at a test centre, with a pass mark of 90%.

How hard is the MAP test?

The pass mark is 90%, which means you need to get 45 out of 50 questions right. This is a high standard, and the 2023 update to the test broadened the subject matter significantly. Candidates who revise thoroughly using the official GT200 materials and allow themselves one to two weeks of preparation typically pass without difficulty. Those who underestimate the breadth of the test or rely on experience alone are more likely to fall short.

How much does the CSCS MAP test cost?

From 1 April 2026, the MAP test costs £23.50 at a Pearson VUE or Internet Test Centre. The mobile testing service (where the test comes to your site) costs from £32.75 per candidate from the same date.

How do I book the MAP test?

Book online or by phone through CITB at 0344 994 4488 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm), or directly with a local Internet Test Centre. You will need your email address, CITB registration number if you have one, and payment details.

What revision materials should I use for the MAP test?

CITB produces the official GT200 revision book (£12.50 from April 2026), the GT200 revision app (£6.99 on iOS and Android) and a free 13-question sample test on the CITB website. All three are worth using. The revision book gives you comprehensive coverage of all subject areas. The app lets you practise under timed conditions. The sample test gives you a feel for the question format.

What CSCS card does the MAP test lead to?

The MAP test is required for the Manager card (Black CSCS card), the Academically Qualified Person card (White card) and the Professionally Qualified Person card (Yellow card). For the Manager card, you also need a relevant construction management NVQ at Level 6 or above, or a current SMSTS certificate, in addition to the MAP test pass.

How long is the MAP test valid for?

Your MAP test pass is valid for two years from the date you sat the test. When applying for or renewing your CSCS card, the test must have been taken within the last two years. If your pass is older than two years, you will need to resit before applying.

Can I retake the MAP test if I fail?

Yes, there is no limit on attempts and no mandatory waiting period. You can rebook as soon as you are ready. Review your score report to identify weak areas before rebooking, and focus your revision on those specific subjects rather than going through everything from scratch.

What is the difference between the MAP test and the operatives test?

The operatives test (sometimes called the GT100 test) is for construction workers in trade and operative roles. The MAP test is for managers, professionals and technical workers. They cover different subject areas and have different question structures. The MAP test does not have a specialist section, while the operatives test does. You cannot substitute one for the other. Use the CSCS Card Finder to confirm which test you need for your specific role.

Do I need the MAP test if I already have an SMSTS certificate?

The MAP test and the SMSTS certificate are separate requirements. For the Manager CSCS card, you need both a valid MAP test pass (within the last two years) and either a current SMSTS certificate or a Level 6+ construction management NVQ. Passing the SMSTS does not exempt you from the MAP test, and vice versa.