Guidance needed on CSCS card application & HS&E test booking process

Hi,

I’m planning to apply for a CSCS card and book the CITB HS&E test. Can anyone briefly explain the correct process? Is it better to apply directly or use a service?

Just want to avoid mistakes or extra costs.

Apply direct through the CSCS website, don't use a third party service. They just charge you extra for doing something you can do yourself in 10 minutes.
For the HS&E test, book it through the CITB website. Pick a local test centre and a date that works. It's multiple choice, not hard if you revise. There's a free revision app from CITB that covers everything.
Once you've passed the test, apply for the card on the CSCS site with your test result and whatever qualification you're using. Whole thing takes a couple of weeks from test to card arriving.
One tip: once you get the card, make a note of when it expires. The green labourer cards are only 2 years now instead of 5, so they come around fast. I use amberline.app to track mine and the lads' cards so I get an email before anything lapses. Beats finding out on site when it's too late.