Site cards and how electricians get one — CSCS Card HS&E Test Practice

Sample questions

1. 01A client’s contract for an office refit says every operative must show a valid site card. Where does that card requirement come from?

   • AA rule the client has chosen to set for the job
   • BRegulation 15(7) of CDM 2015 for every site
   • CAn HSE approved code of practice for sites
   • DSection 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act

   Why: CSCS says holding a card is not a legislative requirement and that it is up to the principal contractor or client whether workers need one (SCHEME RULE, CSCS, as at 29 Oct 2026). CDM regulation 15(7) is the law, and it asks for competence for the tasks given without naming any card. HSWA section 7 sets the employee’s duty of care and co-operation, not a card rule.

2. 02A main contractor appoints an electrical subcontractor, who sends two electricians to site. Under CDM regulation 15(7), whose duty is it that they can do their tasks safely?

   • AThe contractor that employs or appoints each worker
   • BThe card scheme that issued each electrician’s card
   • CEach electrician alone, by carrying a valid card
   • DHSE, which approves the workers on each new site

   Why: CDM regulation 15(7) bars a contractor from employing or appointing anyone to work on a construction site unless that person has, or is gaining, the skills, knowledge, training and experience for the tasks allocated (LAW). The duty sits with the contractor, and no card scheme takes it over. HSE does not approve individual workers.

3. 03An electrician’s own employer phones ahead and tells the gate team the electrician is “fine to start”. The gate team still refuses entry. Who has the final say on access?

   • AThe card scheme, once the card has been scanned
   • BThe electrician, as long as the card is still in date
   • CThe principal contractor, which controls the site
   • DThe employer, because it knows the worker best

   Why: CSCS says it is the principal contractor’s responsibility to control access to the site, and that a card does not automatically grant entry (SCHEME RULE, CSCS, as at 29 Oct 2026). CDM regulation 13(4) also requires the principal contractor to make sure the necessary steps are taken to prevent unauthorised access (LAW). An employer’s word does not override that.