HSA Course: Exam Questions and Answers

The HSA Course is designed to give people working in construction the essential knowledge they need to recognise hazards, understand their responsibilities and work safely on site. As part of the training, candidates complete an assessment covering the key principles discussed.

There’s no way to know exactly which questions are going to appear, but in the following blog, we’ll explain how the exam works, the topics most likely to appear, and how best to prepare for the assessment.

What is the HSA Course?

The Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) training is designed to introduce candidates to fundamental health and safety principles within the construction industry. It’s particularly relevant to people who are new to construction, workers who require a recognised health and safety qualification, and those who need to demonstrate an awareness of safe working practices before working on site.

The training covers a broad range of subjects, rather than focusing on one specific trade or occupation. Candidates learn about the legal duties of employers and employees, how risks are identified and controlled, how accidents can be prevented and reported, and how to recognise common hazards found in construction environments.

The course also introduces important considerations like personal protective equipment, welfare facilities, occupational health, and safe systems of work.

Rather than just memorising information for an assessment, candidates should aim to understand why particular safety procedures are necessary. This makes it easier to apply what’s been learned when faced with actual situations on-site.

How Does the HSA Course Exam Work?

At the end of the training, there’s an exam. It consists of 25 multiple choice questions. The total time allowed for the exam is 30 minutes- this is true whether you take the course online or in person.

The pass mark for the course is 83% (25 out of 30). For candidates who score 61% – 82%, a resit can be conducted on the same day.

Should the candidates gain a score of 60% or less, a candidate will be required to sit the full 1-day course again and conduct another exam.

Which Topics are Covered in the HSA Course?

The assessment is based on the subjects covered during the training, meaning candidates should concentrate on understanding the syllabus rather than trying to predict individual questions.

Legal Responsibilities

Construction health and safety involves responsibilities for employers, employees, contractors and other people working on or visiting a site.

Candidates should understand the general responsibilities placed on different parties and why following site rules is important. 

A useful approach when revising is to consider what could happen when a legal or site requirement is ignored. Understanding the reason behind a rule can make the information much easier to remember.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessment is a fundamental part of managing health and safety.

The training introduces candidates to the process of identifying hazards, considering who could be harmed, and determining what measures should be introduced to control the risk.

It’s important to understand the difference between a hazard and a risk. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, while risk concerns the likelihood of that harm occurring and the potential severity of the consequences.

Candidates should also understand that controls should be appropriate to the risks identified, and that workplace conditions can change, meaning assessments may need to be reviewed.

Accident Prevention & Reporting

Accidents on construction sites can have serious consequences, which is why prevention is an important part of the training.

Candidates learn about the importance of following safe working procedures, reporting hazards and near misses, and communicating concerns to the appropriate person.

The purpose of reporting is not just to record what has already happened; information about accidents, incidents and near misses can help organisations identify underlying problems and prevent similar events from happening again.

Safe Working Practices

Safe working practices cover many aspects of everyday construction work.

Candidates should understand that shortcuts can introduce unnecessary risks. Even relatively straightforward tasks can become hazardous if workers fail to follow appropriate procedures or use equipment incorrectly.

Good communication is also important. Workers should know who to speak to when they have concerns, and should not be afraid to raise issues relating to safety.

Site Hazards

Construction sites can contain numerous hazards, from working at height and moving vehicles to excavations, electrical equipment, hazardous substances and poor housekeeping.

The training helps candidates recognise these hazards and understand the general principles used to control them.

When revising, it can be useful to think about a typical construction site and identify potential hazards in different areas. Consider what could cause harm, who might be exposed, and what measures could reduce the risk.

Health, Welfare & PPE

Construction health and safety is not only concerned with preventing immediate accidents. Protecting workers’ health is equally important.

Candidates are introduced to issues like exposure to dust, noise, vibration and other occupational health risks. The importance of welfare facilities, hygiene and suitable working conditions is also covered.

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as PPE, can provide an important layer of protection when appropriate. However, candidates should understand that PPE should not be viewed as the solution to every hazard. Risks should first be assessed and controlled via appropriate measures.

What is the Pass Mark for the Exam?

The pass mark is 83% (25 out of 30).

Candidates should make sure they have a good understanding of the material before sitting the assessment. Because the questions are based on the syllabus and learning covered during the training, paying full attention throughout the day is the best way to prepare.

The assessment is designed to establish whether candidates have understood the core health and safety principles introduced during the training.

Types of Questions in the HSA Course Exam

The assessment uses multiple choice questions, so candidates are presented with a question and a selection of possible answers.

Questions can test knowledge of concepts covered during the day, but they may also require candidates to apply their understanding to a workplace situation. For example, a question could describe a potential hazard and ask which action would be the most appropriate.

This means that trying to memorise isolated facts may not be the most effective preparation strategy.

Instead, candidates should understand the principles behind the information they’ve been taught. If you understand why a particular control measure is required, you’re more likely to identify the correct answer when the question is presented in a different way.

Candidates should also read every question carefully. Multiple choice assessments can include answers that appear plausible at first glance, so it’s important to consider exactly what the question is asking before selecting an answer.

The 30-minute time allowance provides a reasonable amount of time to work through the assessment. Candidates should avoid spending too long on one question; if necessary, they can move on and return to a difficult question later.

How to Prepare for the HSA Course Exam

The most effective preparation starts during the training itself. Candidates should pay full attention to the tutor, participate where appropriate, and ask questions about anything they don’t understand.

Because the assessment is based on the course syllabus and learning from the day, candidates don’t need to know the exact questions in advance. Instead, focus on the key concepts. Make sure you understand why risk assessments are carried out, what different people are responsible for, how hazards can be controlled, and why accidents and near misses should be reported. It can also help to think about practical examples. 

Candidates completing remote training should also make sure their tech is ready before the assessment. This can include checking their internet connection, accessing the relevant meeting platform, and ensuring they understand how they’ll receive the assessment link.

For remote candidates, it’s particularly important to understand the requirements of online proctoring, as an active camera and microphone are required for invigilation.

Conclusion (HSA Course: Exam Questions and Answers)

There’s no surefire way to know the exact questions that will appear in the assessment, so candidates should avoid relying on supposed question-and-answer lists.

Instead, focus on the subjects covered during the one-day training, including legal responsibilities, risk assessments, accident prevention, safe working practices, site hazards, welfare and PPE.

The assessment consists of multiple choice questions and is designed around the course syllabus and learning covered during the training. Candidates who engage with the material and understand how the principles apply to real construction situations should be well placed to approach the assessment with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If I Fail the Exam?

The pass mark for the course is 83%. If you score 61% – 82%, you’re entitled to a resit on the same day.

If your score is 60% or lower, you’ll need to sit the full 1-day course again and take another exam.

Is the HSA Course Worth It?

For people who need recognised health and safety awareness training for construction work, completing the programme can be extremely valuable.

It provides an introduction to important subjects including risk assessment, accident prevention, site hazards, safe working practices, PPE and workplace responsibilities.

It’s also one of the key requirements for acquiring a CSCS Green Card.

How Much Does the HSA Course Cost?

At CST Training the training costs £115 + VAT as of August 2026.

The price can vary between training providers, so candidates should check exactly what’s included when comparing course options. Delivery method, assessment arrangements and any additional support can all be relevant when selecting training.

 

If you still have any questions regarding the training, then do not hesitate to get in touch. 

Phone – 020 3488 4472

Email [email protected]