Can you take the CSCS test in another language?
The CSCS card test, officially the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test, is written in English only. The questions and answers on screen are always in English. What changes by language is the audio voice-over: for the Operatives test you can choose to have every question and answer read aloud in your own language while you read the English on screen.
The Operatives test can be booked with an audio voice-over in 12 languages, plus English and Welsh voice-overs. The 12 languages are:
Because the written questions stay in English, the voice-over is a listening aid, not a translation of the test. You still need to recognise the English wording to answer, which is why practising in English matters even if you book a voice-over.
How to book a voice-over, and the rules
- You must request the voice-over when you book the test. It is set up in advance, not chosen at the centre.
- It cannot be changed on the day, so pick the right language when you book.
- The voice-over does not reduce your test time. The Operatives test stays at 45 minutes whether or not you use audio.
Interpreters and British Sign Language
If your language is not one of the voice-over options, you can request an interpreter for the Operatives test. British Sign Language is also available on-screen for the Operatives test, so deaf and hard-of-hearing candidates can take it with on-screen BSL.
Language options by test type
The language support depends on which CITB test your CSCS card needs:
- Operatives test: audio voice-over in 12 languages plus English and Welsh, an interpreter on request, and on-screen British Sign Language.
- Specialist tests: an interpreter is allowed, but there are no pre-recorded foreign-language voice-overs.
- Managers and Professionals (MAP) test: no alternative language options.
Practise free with a native Polish audio voiceover
Our standout feature for Polish speakers: a free CSCS mock test with a native Polish audio voiceover. The questions stay in English, exactly like the real CITB test, and you tap to hear each question and its answers read aloud in Polish, in a male or female voice. It is the closest free way to rehearse the Operatives test the way you will sit it.
Try the Polish audio mock testPolish is live today. More languages are planned, starting with Romanian. You can see the full roadmap on our CSCS mock test with audio page.
Practical advice: study in English
Whatever language you book, study in English wherever possible. The on-screen questions remain in English even with a voice-over, so the words you need to recognise on test day are English. The fastest way to build that exam vocabulary is to practise the real questions.
Use our free CSCS mock tests to learn the English phrasing of common safety questions, then take a full 50-question mock test to check you are ready. If you are going for the Green Labourer Card, the CSCS Green Card mock test guide walks you through the Operatives test step by step.