CDM regulations: why it matters
CDM is the framework that decides who is responsible for health and safety on a project, from the client down to the worker. The Managers and Professionals test in particular leans heavily on it.
The law is the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It applies to every construction project, however small, and sets out duty holders, the documents they must produce and when the work must be notified to the HSE.
CDM regulations revision notes
The points below are the core of what the CITB test wants you to know on this topic. Learn these and most questions answer themselves.
The duty holders
Client, Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, Designers, Contractors and Workers. The client sets the standard, the Principal Designer manages safety in design, and the Principal Contractor manages it on site.
Applies to all projects
CDM applies to every construction project, not just large ones. The roles still exist on small jobs, even if one person fills several of them.
Client duties are real
The client is not a bystander. They must make suitable arrangements, provide information, allow enough time and resource, and check welfare is in place before work starts.
When to notify the HSE
A project is notifiable (form F10) if it lasts longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers at any point, or exceeds 500 person-days. Notification does not change the duties, the duties always apply.
Key documents
Pre-construction information, a construction phase plan (required on every project before work starts) and a health and safety file handed to the client at the end for future work on the structure.
Welfare from day one
Suitable welfare, toilets, washing, drinking water and rest facilities, must be provided from the start, not added later.
Hear a question in Polish
The questions stay in English, exactly like the real CITB test, but you can listen to each one read aloud in native Polish. Press Play in Polish below to try it.
Who is primarily responsible for ensuring a construction project complies with the CDM Regulations 2015?
The contractor
The client
The designer
The construction worker
Every wrong answer can also come with an AI explanation that points to the specific rule behind the correct answer, so you learn from each mistake instead of just memorising. Native Polish audio and AI explanations are two things you will not find on other CSCS practice sites.
CDM regulations practice questions
Five questions in the real CITB format: one stem, four lettered options, one correct answer. Select Reveal explanation to check your answer and read why it is right.
Q1. What is one of the duties of a principal contractor under the CDM Regulations 2015?
- A.To prepare the construction phase plan
- B.To approve the final design
- C.To ensure workers have appropriate PPE
- D.To carry out regular site audits
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: A. To prepare the construction phase plan
The principal contractor must ensure a suitable construction phase plan is prepared before setting up the site.
Q2. Which document must be prepared by the principal contractor before construction begins?
- A.Site safety policy
- B.Health and Safety File
- C.Construction Phase Plan
- D.Risk Assessment Matrix
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. Construction Phase Plan
The principal contractor must prepare a Construction Phase Plan before construction starts.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a duty of the principal designer according to the CDM Regulations 2015?
- A.Managing health and safety risks in designs
- B.Liaising with the principal contractor
- C.Providing welfare facilities
- D.Ensuring cooperation between project team members
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. Providing welfare facilities
Providing welfare facilities is the duty of the principal contractor, not the principal designer.
Q4. What must the client ensure regarding health and safety before the construction phase commences?
- A.A risk assessment is completed
- B.The project is registered with the local council
- C.A Construction Phase Plan is in place
- D.A temporary works coordinator is appointed
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. A Construction Phase Plan is in place
The client must ensure that a Construction Phase Plan is prepared by the principal contractor before work begins.
Q5. Which duty holder is responsible for preparing the Health and Safety File under the CDM Regulations 2015?
- A.The client
- B.The principal contractor
- C.The contractor
- D.The principal designer
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: D. The principal designer
The principal designer is responsible for preparing the Health and Safety File for the project.
Common mistakes
These misconceptions catch people out in the test and on site. Unlearn them before you sit the real exam.
Mistake 1: “CDM only applies to big projects.”
Correct: CDM applies to every construction project, including domestic and one-day jobs. Only the notification threshold depends on size, the duties themselves always apply.
Mistake 2: “The client has no health and safety duties.”
Correct: The client has central duties under CDM: making suitable arrangements, providing information, allowing adequate time and resource, and ensuring welfare. They cannot simply pass everything to the contractor.
Mistake 3: “The Principal Designer and Principal Contractor are the same role.”
Correct: They are different. The Principal Designer manages health and safety during the design and planning phase. The Principal Contractor manages it during the construction phase on site.
Related CSCS topics
Build a complete picture by practising these related syllabus areas too: