Free Practice Questions for CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC)

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Sample CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary role of a Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) under BS 5975?

A.To assist the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) by directly supervising the day-to-day erection, maintenance, inspection, and dismantling of temporary works on site

B.To carry out Category 3 structural calculations for major bridge falsework

C.To sign off the client's corporate financial audit

D.To act as the Principal Designer under CDM 2015

Explanation: BS 5975 defines the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) as a competent person appointed to assist the TWC in supervising specific temporary works operations on site, ensuring compliance with approved drawings, method statements, and safety procedures.

2What are 'The 4 Cs' emphasized in CITB Site Safety Plus courses for effective temporary works supervision?

A.Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, and Competency

B.Cost, Speed, Quantity, and Profit

C.Concrete, Crabs, Cranes, and Cladding

D.Compliance, Calculations, Certificates, and Computers

Explanation: CITB safety management frameworks focus on 'The 4 Cs': Communication (clear information flow), Coordination (organizing site activities), Cooperation (collaborating between trades), and Competency (ensuring trained, skilled personnel).

3If a site supervisor notices an operative removing a diagonal brace from a falsework prop tower without authorization, what should the TWS do immediately?

A.Stop work in the area, inform operatives to stay clear, and report the unauthorized modification to the TWC

B.Wait until the end of the shift to mention it in the site diary

C.Replace the brace with a piece of timber without checking the design

D.Ignore it if only one brace was removed

Explanation: Removing diagonal bracing compromises falsework stability. The TWS must stop work immediately, secure the area against loading, and report to the TWC so the structure can be inspected and reinstated safely.

4What document must a TWS refer to when checking if a temporary access scaffold has been built correctly?

A.The approved scaffold design drawing or TG20:21 compliance sheet and RAMS

B.The site canteen menu

C.The general building architectural floor plan only

D.The scaffold contractor's invoice

Explanation: The TWS must verify scaffold construction against the approved design drawing (for bespoke scaffolds) or TG20:21 compliance sheet (for standard scaffolds), alongside the Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS).

5Can a Temporary Works Supervisor issue a formal 'Permit to Load' for a Category 2 falsework structure?

A.Only if specifically authorized in writing by the TWC and delegated within the company temporary works procedure

B.Yes, any supervisor can sign Permits to Load without TWC involvement

C.No, only the HSE can sign Permits to Load

D.Yes, provided verbal permission is given by the crane driver

Explanation: Under BS 5975, the TWC holds ultimate authority for issuing Permits to Load. A TWS may only issue a permit if explicitly delegated that authority in writing by the TWC for specific items and within their demonstrated competence.

6What is the main purpose of placing sole boards (sole plates) under scaffolding standards or prop feet on unpaved ground?

A.To distribute the concentrated leg load over a wider area to prevent ground bearing failure and settlement

B.To keep the bottom of the steel standards clean

C.To raise the scaffold height by 2 metres

D.To prevent timber boards from rotting

Explanation: Sole boards spread point loads from scaffold standards or props across a larger soil surface area, lowering ground pressure to below the allowable bearing capacity and preventing settlement or tipping.

7Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the maximum interval between statutory inspections for a scaffold used as a working platform?

A.Every 7 days

B.Every 14 days

C.Every 30 days

D.Every 6 months

Explanation: Schedule 3 of WAH 2005 requires working platform scaffolding to be inspected by a competent person before first use, after any event likely to affect stability, and at least every 7 days.

8What is the primary danger when excavating a trench near an existing masonry wall without installing shoring?

A.Removal of lateral soil support can trigger foundation failure and collapse of the masonry wall into the trench

B.The wall will absorb groundwater from the trench

C.The trench will automatically fill with concrete

D.The wall will change color due to exposure to air

Explanation: Excavating close to existing footings removes lateral soil restraint and undermines foundation pressure bulbs. Without engineered shoring, the wall foundation can slide or settle, causing wall collapse.

9Who has the legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others on site?

A.All employees and self-employed workers on site

B.Only the main contractor's managing director

C.Only local council inspectors

D.Only certified crane operators

Explanation: Section 7 of HSWA 1974 places a statutory duty on every employee while at work to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

10What check must a TWS perform on adjustable steel props (Acrows) before allowing them to be installed in a falsework system?

A.Check that props are straight, undamaged, free from severe corrosion, equipped with correct high-tensile steel pins, and have functional threads

B.Check that props are painted bright yellow only

C.Check that props have a manufacturer date stamp from the current year

D.Check that props are wrapped in plastic film

Explanation: Props must be inspected for physical defects: tube straightness, pin integrity (never use rebar or improvised bolts), pin hole elongation, collar thread condition, and wall corrosion.

About the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) Exam

The CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) is a 1-day Site Safety Plus qualification for site supervisors assisting the Temporary Works Coordinator. The assessment evaluates understanding of BS 5975-1:2024 supervision duties, the 4 Cs, site inspections, hold points, and permit-to-load compliance.

Exam sponsor: Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

20 questions

Time Limit

45 minutes

Passing Score

76% (19/25 marks)

Exam / Certification Fees

£200 - £250

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB): official exam information

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Temporary Works Overview and Law

Definition of temporary works vs permanent works, statutory duties under HASWA 1974, CDM 2015 background, and consequences of failures.

35%

BS 5975 Supervisor Duties and The 4 Cs

Role of the Temporary Works Supervisor under BS 5975, The 4 Cs (Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, Competency), interface with TWC.

25%

Site Supervision and Inspections

Pre-use inspections, monitoring falsework and formwork erection, scaffolding stability, excavation shoring checks, managing hold points.

20%

Permits to Load and Site Safety

Understanding Permits to Load and Unload, RAMS compliance on site, stopping unsafe work, and emergency procedures.

Preparing for the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 76% (19/25 marks)
Exam length: 20 questions
Time limit: 45 minutes
Exam / certification fees: £200 - £250 Official sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass mark for the CITB TWSTC exam?

The TWSTC exam pass mark is 76% (19 out of 25 marks). The exam consists of 20 questions (17 multiple-choice and 3 short free-text questions).

How long is the CITB TWSTC assessment?

The assessment takes 45 minutes and is conducted at the end of the 1-day course.