CSCS Shot Firing exam-day guide
CSCS Shot Firing · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the provider requires (commonly a current passport or photocard driving licence). Confirm the accepted ID types and validity with the provider before test day.
Appointment confirmation
Bring a printed or downloaded copy of your booking confirmation showing your name, test time and test centre address.
Test centre address and route
Check the exact address and plan your route and parking in advance. Confirm arrival time and any site access requirements with the provider.
Personal protective equipment
For a shot firing practical test, bring the PPE the provider specifies (commonly safety helmet, eye and hearing protection, and protective footwear). Confirm the required PPE list with the provider; mark as needs_review until confirmed.
Work clothing suitable for site conditions
Wear clothing appropriate for outdoor site work and weather. Check whether the provider specifies coveralls or other items.
Any required certification or pre-requisites
Bring evidence of any prerequisite training or certificates the provider requires to sit the practical test. Confirm the exact documents with the provider.
Refreshments and medication
Bring water and any personal medication you may need. Confirm the provider's policy on food, drink and breaks at the test site.
Read the provider's candidate instructions
Read the current candidate handbook or joining instructions for conduct, timings, cancellation and what is provided versus what you must bring.
Confirm the test format and scoring
Ask the provider how the practical is assessed (tasks, pass marks, retake policy) so you know what to expect. Record as needs_review until confirmed.
Travel and accommodation contingency
Allow extra travel time and, for early starts, consider staying nearby. Confirm any site-specific arrival windows with the provider.
Rest and readiness
Avoid late preparation the night before and arrive rested. Do not attend if unfit through drink, drugs, illness or fatigue; confirm the provider's fitness-to-test policy.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate instructions and confirm the test time, address, arrival window and ID requirements. Check the weather forecast and plan clothing and PPE accordingly.
Confirm your PPE and any required certificates are clean, serviceable and packed. Replace anything damaged.
Plan your route and parking, and confirm any site induction or access formalities with the provider.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, PPE, clothing and refreshments. Charge your phone and note the test centre contact number.
Get a good night's sleep and avoid heavy physical work or late study. Confirm your alarm and travel arrangements.
Eat a proper meal, dress for the conditions, and leave with enough margin to arrive within the provider's arrival window. Bring all packed items and your ID.
Report to reception as instructed, present your ID, and follow any site induction, sign-in and safety briefing. Ask where to wait and what to do with personal belongings.
Listen carefully to each instruction, confirm you understand, and work safely and methodically. Follow the site's safety rules at all times and ask the assessor to repeat an instruction if unclear.
Follow the provider's process for results, feedback and any retake booking. Confirm how and when results are issued.
Rules to check
Bring the identification the provider specifies; you may be refused entry without it. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider in advance.
Follow all site safety rules, signage and instructions from the assessor and site staff at all times; unsafe conduct can end the test.
Arrive within the provider's stated arrival window. Late arrival may mean you cannot be tested; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring or use unauthorised equipment, notes or communication devices during the test unless the provider permits it. Confirm the policy with the provider.
Breaks and rest periods are set by the provider; ask the assessor if you need to stop, and confirm the break policy beforehand.
Scoring and pass criteria are set by the provider; ask for the assessment method and pass marks in advance and confirm how results and feedback are issued.
Declare any illness, medication, injury or fatigue that could affect safe performance before the test starts; confirm the provider's fitness-to-test policy.
Treat assessors, staff and other candidates with respect, and follow the provider's complaints and appeals procedure if you are unhappy with the conduct or outcome of the test.