About the CSCS Managers and Professionals (MAP) Test
The CSCS Managers and Professionals test, commonly known as the MAP test, is the Health, Safety and Environment test required for construction managers, supervisors, project managers, site agents, contracts managers, and other professionals who hold management or supervisory positions on construction sites. It is significantly more advanced than the Operatives test and reflects the greater health and safety responsibilities that come with management roles.
The MAP test is administered by CITB and taken at Pearson VUE test centres across the United Kingdom. The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 46 out of 50 (92%). The questions are scenario-based and require a deeper understanding of health and safety management principles, legislation and regulatory frameworks than the Operatives test.
Who Needs the MAP Test?
The MAP test is required for anyone applying for a CSCS card at a management or professional level. This includes:
- Site managers and site agents responsible for the day-to-day management of construction work
- Project managers overseeing construction projects from planning through to completion
- Contracts managers managing multiple sites and subcontractor relationships
- Construction directors and senior managers with strategic health and safety responsibilities
- Health and safety advisors and managers working in the construction sector
- Quantity surveyors, planners and designers who regularly visit construction sites
- Clerk of works and building inspectors who need site access
What the MAP Test Covers
The MAP test covers a broader and deeper range of topics than the Operatives test, reflecting the management and legal responsibilities of those in supervisory and professional roles:
- CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations) — duties of clients, principal designers, principal contractors, designers and contractors; the construction phase plan; pre-construction information; the health and safety file; F10 notifications
- Risk assessment and management — the five steps of risk assessment, the hierarchy of control, reasonably practicable, dynamic risk assessment, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Method statements and safe systems of work — how to prepare, implement and monitor method statements for high-risk activities
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 — employer duties, employee duties, enforcement powers, improvement and prohibition notices, prosecution and sentencing
- Environmental management — waste management duties, pollution prevention, noise and dust control affecting neighbours, ISO 14001
- Building Regulations 2010 — the role of Building Control Bodies, approved documents, compliance requirements
- Worker consultation — the legal requirement to consult with workers on health and safety matters
- Occupational health — health surveillance, occupational exposure limits, managing occupational diseases
- Subcontractor management — pre-qualification, monitoring, performance management and enforcement
MAP Test vs Operatives Test: Key Differences
| Feature | Operatives Test | MAP Test |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 50 | 50 |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 45/50 (90%) | 46/50 (92%) |
| Focus | Practical site safety | Management, legislation, leadership |
| CDM 2015 | Basic awareness | Detailed knowledge of duties and procedures |
| Legislation | Recognition of key regulations | Detailed understanding and application |
| Cost | £22.50 | £22.50 |
| Card types | Green/Blue | Black (Manager)/White (Professionally Qualified) |
Preparing for the MAP Test
The MAP test requires more thorough preparation than the Operatives test. Here is a recommended study approach:
- Study CDM 2015 thoroughly — understand the duties of every duty holder (client, principal designer, principal contractor, designer, contractor) and the key documents (construction phase plan, pre-construction information, health and safety file)
- Know the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 — understand employer duties (Section 2), employee duties (Section 7), enforcement powers (Sections 20-25), and the penalties for non-compliance
- Understand risk assessment in depth — the five steps, the hierarchy of control, the concept of reasonably practicable, and when risk assessments must be reviewed
- Learn about enforcement — understand improvement notices, prohibition notices, prosecution, sentencing guidelines, and the role of the HSE
- Practise scenario-based questions — the MAP test uses scenarios that require you to apply your knowledge to management decisions, not just recall facts
The MAP test has a higher pass mark (92%) than the Operatives test (90%). This means you can only get 4 questions wrong out of 50. Thorough preparation is essential. Use this practice test to identify weak areas, then study those topics in detail.