Recommended Books & Tools
CITB revision books, construction PPE and site safety essentials — chosen for the exact topics, regulations and standards the CSCS HS&E test covers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, CSCS Mastery earns from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products that genuinely help you prepare for the CITB HS&E test and work safely on UK construction sites.
CITB Official Revision Books
The official CITB revision books are the closest material to the real CITB HS&E test questions. Each maps directly onto the topics covered in our Operatives, Specialists, and Managers & Professionals exam prep.
CITB GT100-V14.1 — Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives and Specialists
The official CITB revision book for the Operatives and Specialists HS&E test, aligned to the current V14.1 question bank. Covers all core topics: fire safety, working at height, manual handling, PPE, welfare, and relevant legislation.
Why we recommend it: Every question in our Operatives and Specialists exam prep is drawn from the same topic areas this book covers — use it alongside our practice quizzes to understand the reasoning behind each answer.
CITB GT200-V10 — Health, Safety and Environment Test for Managers and Professionals
The official CITB revision book for the Managers and Professionals (MAP) HS&E test. Covers the same core topics as the Operatives book but at greater depth, including CDM 2015 duties, risk assessment management, and site welfare responsibilities.
Why we recommend it: Paired with our Managers & Professionals exam prep section, this book gives you the legislative context behind each question — essential for the 52-question MAP test with its higher pass mark.
CITB GE700 V10 — Construction Site Safety: The Comprehensive Guide
The CITB's flagship 1,000+ page construction health and safety reference, covering legislation, risk assessment, plant, working at height, services and welfare. The authoritative text for the Site Managers Safety Training Scheme.
Why we recommend it: A deep reference for the legislation-heavy topics in our quick reference cards — particularly HASAWA 1974, CDM 2015, COSHH, RIDDOR, and the Manual Handling Regulations that appear across all test tiers.
PPE: Head, Eyes & Hi-Vis
The minimum head-to-eye PPE required on any UK construction site — matched to the PPE questions in all three CSCS test tiers and the Personal Protective Equipment section of the CITB revision books.
JSP EVO3 Safety Helmet — EN 397, Vented, White
JSP's best-selling UK site helmet — ABS shell, 6-point ratchet harness, ventilation slots, and EN 397 certification. The white variant is the most widely accepted contractor colour for general operatives.
Why we recommend it: Head protection is a mandatory PPE topic in all three CSCS test tiers — and EN 397 is the standard cited in our quick reference cards. The correct helmet for the site induction scenarios in the Operatives exam prep.
Portwest C375 Hi-Vis Band & Brace Vest — EN ISO 20471 Class 2
Class 2 hi-vis vest meeting EN ISO 20471 — the minimum conspicuity standard for working near moving plant or vehicles on UK construction sites. Lightweight mesh design for all-season wear.
Why we recommend it: Hi-vis requirements appear in the PPE and Site Safety sections of all CSCS test tiers. Class 2 is the entry-level requirement our practice questions refer to when covering people-plant interface scenarios.
voltX GRAFTER Safety Glasses — EN166F (Pack of 3)
Impact-rated safety spectacles certified to EN166:2002 F-grade impact standard. Three-pack with clear, smoke and yellow lenses for different light conditions. Wraparound design for debris protection.
Why we recommend it: Eye protection against dust and flying particles is tested across the Operatives and Specialists tiers — this EN166F-rated pack covers the standard our quick reference cards cite for general construction work.
PPE: Noise, Vibration & Dust
Respiratory, hearing and vibration protection tied to the Health & Wellbeing topics in the CSCS HS&E test — HAVS, noise exposure limits, and respirable dust including silica.
3M Peltor X5A Headband Ear Defenders — SNR 37 dB
The highest-attenuation passive ear defender in 3M's Peltor range — SNR 37 dB, twin-cup design, low-profile headband. Suitable for the loudest construction environments including breaker and demolition work.
Why we recommend it: The 85 dB(A) upper exposure action value appears in Health & Wellbeing questions across all CSCS tiers. SNR 37 dB provides the margin needed for high-noise plant operations covered in our exam prep.
Portwest A790 Anti-Vibration Gloves — EN ISO 10819
Anti-vibration gloves certified to EN ISO 10819 with measured vibration reduction in the palm. Cut and abrasion rated to EN 388. Reduces hand-arm vibration exposure from power tools, breakers and plate compactors.
Why we recommend it: HAVS and the 2.5 m/s² action value appear in the Health & Wellbeing section of all test tiers and in our quick reference cards on vibration — these gloves are the PPE half of the controls the test asks about.
3M Aura 9332+ Valved FFP3 Respirator (Pack of 10)
FFP3 fold-flat disposable respirator with cool-flow exhalation valve. Tested to EN 149:2001+A1:2009, rated for particles up to 20× the workplace exposure limit — including respirable crystalline silica from concrete, brick and stone.
Why we recommend it: FFP3 is the level required for RCS exposure in our Health & Wellbeing exam prep section. The CITB test asks which mask grade is needed for silica dust — FFP3 is the correct answer our practice questions reinforce.
Site Safety Essentials
Safety footwear, knee protection and a workplace first-aid kit — the remaining items every operative should have before stepping on site, and topics that appear across all CSCS test tiers.
Black Hammer Safety Boots — S3 Steel Toe
Black Hammer's full range of S3 steel-toe safety boots, available in multiple widths and styles. S3 rated (steel toe, penetration-resistant midsole, water resistance) — the specification required on most UK construction sites.
Why we recommend it: Foot protection with the S3 standard is tested in the PPE sections of all CSCS tiers. The storefront link lets you pick the right last and width — a common mistake that leads to PPE non-compliance on site.
Portwest KP40 Gel Knee Pads — EN 14404 Type 2
Gel-insert knee pads certified to EN 14404 Type 2 for floor-level work. Velcro-adjustable straps, robust outer shell, and gel padding that conforms under load. Fits over most work trousers.
Why we recommend it: Manual handling and musculoskeletal injury prevention appear in the Health & Wellbeing questions for all CSCS tiers — knee protection is the correct PPE for ground-level and kneeling work scenarios.
EVAQ8 First Aid Kit — BS 8599-1 Workplace Compliant
Workplace first-aid kit compliant with BS 8599-1 — the British Standard referenced in the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Includes burn dressings, triangular bandages, and the contents required for a medium-risk construction environment.
Why we recommend it: First-aid provision requirements under the First Aid Regulations appear in the Site Welfare and Legal questions across all CSCS tiers. BS 8599-1 is the standard our quick reference cards reference for site kit requirements.
Pair Them With Our App
Practise 2,000+ CSCS-style questions across Operatives, Specialists, and Managers & Professionals — and reach for the books, PPE and tools above when you need them on site.
