Workers to resit CSCS test after analysis finds suspect “patterns”

After an investigation prompted by the Newsnight fraud last month, at least 6,000 workers will have to resit the CITB’s Health, Safety and Environmental test.

The HS&E test is part of the process in gaining various Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards (CSCS).

The individuals will have their CSCS cards valid until they book the resit test which must happen within one month. They are given a three month period in which they need to pass the test or their CSCS cards will be cancelled.

The test centres that revealed the pattern are under investigation by the CITB, as it is not yet known if they implicated the result. Tests are carried out at a string of 544 centres authorised by the CITB and a pass is needed to hold any kind of CSCS skills card.

The measures that CITB are taking have already resulted in three of the centres that appeared in the Newsnight report, being shut down before the programme was broadcast. Carl Rhymer, CITB Director of Delivery and Customer engagement in aware that fraud is a serious problem for the UK construction Industry but assures others that he is “tackling it head on”.

He continued:“Whilst it is impossible to eliminate fraud completely, we are working hard with CSCS and the Police to crack down on fraud and we are accelerating existing plans to install mandatory CCTV in all testing centres.

“We’ve also increased the number of spot checks on centres, to act as a deterrent.

“We have reviewed all test results and evidence indicates that the vast majority of the tests are legitimate.

“Following analysis of how the test was answered, using known testing patterns and geographical factors, we will require 6,000 individuals to be retested. Many of these are expected to be legitimate, but this is to eliminate any doubt”.

A statement issued by the CITB said that the rebooked tests would be taken at test centres run by Pearson Vue and are bookable through the CITB website. They will issue vouchers for the cost of retesting.

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