CITB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CITB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of a 'toe board' at the edge of an excavation? → To prevent tools and materials from falling into the excavation
2. What is the primary purpose of a vapor barrier in wall construction? → To prevent moisture migration into insulation and framing
3. What is the standard scale used on most US construction site layout drawings? → 1:500
4. What color is the grounding (earth) wire in a standard US three-wire electrical circuit? → Green or bare copper
5. What is the maximum weight a worker should manually lift without mechanical assistance under general ergonomic guidelines? → 50 lbs
6. What is the maximum pitch allowed for a staircase in a new dwelling under Approved Document K? → 42°
7. What are the main causes of fatal accidents in construction? → Falls from height, being struck by moving vehicles, and being struck by falling objects
8. Which of the following best describes 'fast tracking' as a schedule compression technique? → Performing activities in parallel that were originally planned sequentially
9. What is the hierarchy of controls in construction safety? → Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE
10. A worker notices a co-worker using a grinder without eye protection. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action? → Stop the task and ensure proper PPE is worn before resuming
11. Which of the following is exempt from requiring Building Regulations approval? → A detached garden shed under 15m² with no sleeping accommodation
12. Under CITB guidance, who is responsible for inspecting temporary electrical installations on a construction site? → A competent electrician
13. Under OSHA regulations, how soon must a fatality on a construction site be reported to the nearest OSHA office? → Within 8 hours
14. Which type of floor system is most commonly used to achieve long spans with minimal structural depth in commercial construction? → Composite steel deck with concrete topping
15. What is the primary purpose of a construction project brief? → To define the client's requirements, objectives, and constraints for the project
16. Who is primarily responsible for maintaining the accident book on a US construction site? → The site safety officer or designated responsible person
17. What is the primary purpose of a risk assessment on a construction site? → To identify hazards and determine appropriate control measures to protect workers
18. What is the purpose of a 'near miss' reporting system on a construction site? → To identify potential hazards before they cause actual injury or damage
19. Which refrigerant class has been phased out due to ozone depletion under the US Clean Air Act? → HCFCs (R-22)
20. In structural steel fabrication, what does 'camber' refer to? → A deliberate upward pre-bend in a beam to offset anticipated deflection under load
21. Which communication method is most appropriate for issuing a formal instruction to a subcontractor on site? → Written site instruction or formal letter
22. In tilt-up concrete construction, what is the purpose of the bond breaker applied to the slab-on-grade? → To prevent the wall panel from bonding to the floor so it can be tilted up
23. What is a common method used to identify and manage project risks? → Performing a risk assessment and developing a risk management plan
24. What distinguishes engineered lumber products like LVL from dimensional lumber? → LVL uses veneers bonded under heat and pressure for consistent strength
25. Who must sign off on a hot works permit before welding or cutting begins on a construction site? → An authorized supervisor or safety officer
26. What is the recommended safe approach distance from overhead power lines for construction equipment in the US? → 10 feet (minimum)
27. Which type of excavation support uses hydraulic or mechanical jacks to push steel or aluminum plates against trench walls? → Hydraulic trench strut system
28. Which type of construction hazard is created when workers are exposed to harmful substances such as silica dust or asbestos fibers? → Chemical/health hazard
29. What is a toolbox talk in the context of site supervision? → A daily safety briefing held before work begins
30. Which color identifies the ground (earth) wire in US construction site wiring? → Green or bare copper