Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS Card)
Are you ready to take your construction career to the next level? A CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) is your ticket to success on construction sites, and it's essential to have the necessary qualifications and training. Different types of CSCS cards are available based on the specific occupation. To determine the appropriate card for your occupation, you can use the cardfinder tool on the official CSCS website or contact ESS for guidance and information on the application process.
How to get your CSCS Card
CSCS cards require applicants to demonstrate their proficiency by passing the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test. This test assesses an individual's knowledge of health and safety awareness in a construction setting.
Applicants must also show proof of holding a recognised construction-related qualification. If you lack a recognised qualification, CSCS can provide you with a temporary card, but this can only be issued after you have been registered for the relevant qualification that matches your occupation. It's important to note that CSCS is not responsible for delivering courses, qualifications, or examinations. Individuals must make arrangements for their qualifications and training through a college or training provider.
Why a CSCS skills card?
A CSCS card is more than just a formality; it demonstrates your competence and commitment to maintaining health, safety, and environmental standards on construction sites. It is the responsibility of site managers to conduct routine checks on cards, verifying their authenticity, validity, and confirming that the cardholder possesses the necessary training and qualifications for their specific occupation.
Apply for a CSCS card
When it comes to the application process and the various types of cards available, don't hesitate to reach out to the CSCS website or call 0344 994 4777. They can provide comprehensive information and guidance to help you select the right card for your specific construction journey.
Get ready to showcase your construction skills and enhance your career prospects with a CSCS card. Remember, holding a CSCS card, along with the necessary qualifications, is the key to accessing construction sites and ensuring a safe working environment.
ESS offer a variety of qualifications to support your application, please contact us for information and advice on how to apply for the correct card.
Types of CSCS Card
Labourer Green Card
Launched in July 2014 this new entry-level card is available for those working within the construction industry as a labourer.
Apprentice
This card is available to people who have commenced on a recognised apprenticeship framework.
Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
This card is available to Supervisors and Managers with on the job experience (normally at least one year in the last three) who have not achieved a...
Experienced Worker
This card is available to workers with on the job experience (normally at least one year in the last three).
Trainee
This card is available if you are a trainee and are registered for a qualification that leads to a skilled CSCS card (in the majority of cases an NVQ/SVQ).
Industry Placement
This temporary card is only applicable to those undergoing a construction-related qualification or training programme which requires the completion...
Blue Skilled Worker
You can apply for this card if you have either achieved a construction related NVQ or SVQ level 2 or completed an employer sponsored apprenticeship...
Gold Skilled Worker
This card is available if you have either achieved a Construction Related NVQ or SVQ level 3, completed an approved indentured apprenticeship (e.g.with..
Supervisory
This card is available for supervisor occupations subject to the achievement of a Construction Related Supervisory NVQ or SVQ...
Manager
This card is available for manager occupations on the achievement of a Construction related NVQ/SVQ levels 5, 6 or 7 in the relevant construction
Academically Qualified Person
This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas.
Professionally Qualified Person
This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies.
Provisional
This card is for people who are working through probationary periods while employers assess their suitability for employment undergoing supervised...
Construction Site Visitor
CSCS stopped issuing this card at the end of February 2020. Construction Site Visitor cards will remain valid until the expiry date listed on the card.
How do I renew my CSCS card?
Renewal
When your CSCS card nears expiration, the renewal process is straightforward. Simply access your CSCS Online account and submit your card renewal application. Please note that CSCS cards can be renewed only within a six-month window, starting six months prior to the card's expiry date and ending six months after.
Replacement
For Labourer, Academically Qualified Person (AQP), and Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) cards, renewal is not an option. When these cards reach their expiration date, cardholders must apply for a new card instead of renewing the existing one. It's important to notify CSCS of any changes in your occupation since the issuance of your current card, regardless of the scenario.
Quick ways to renew your CSCS card
The quickest way to renew your card is via the CSCS online application service, if you don't already have an account login and apply for your renewal.
If you do not have an account, then please call the CSCS Contact Centre on 0344 994 4777. Please ensure you have a credit or debit card to pay £36 for the CSCS card and any details of your current or previous employer’s.
Please note that CSCS cards can only be renewed 6 months prior to the expiry date and up to 6 months after the expiry date printed on the card. The expiry date of a renewed CSCS card will be the expiry date of the original card plus the lifespan of the card. Full Terms can be found here.
For employers looking to renew multiple cards, please see the CSCS Employer applications page.
HS&E Test
The CSCS card you apply for requires you to pass a specific Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test and present certain qualifications. The exact requirements vary depending on the CSCS card you need, which is determined by factors such as your current qualifications, job role, and memberships in professional bodies. If you change your job role, you might need to update your CSCS card, so it's important to get the right advice.To find out which CSCS card you should apply for and whether you need the operatives test, specialists or the test for managers and professionals, use the CSCS cardfinder tool.
Find out more about the the CITB HS&E Test.
To find your nearest HS&E Test Centre or to book your test, visit the CITB website, or you can directly call 0344 994 4488 to make a booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About CSCS
CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It is a certification scheme in the United Kingdom that aims to improve the skills and competence of workers in the construction industry. The CSCS card serves as proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for their specific roles, promoting a safer and more skilled workforce in the construction sector.
A CSCS card, or Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, is a certification that verifies an individual's skills and qualifications for working in the construction industry in the United Kingdom. The card serves as proof that the cardholder has the required training and competence for their specific role on a construction site.
Key points about the CSCS card:
Skills and Competence: The CSCS card indicates that the holder has undergone the necessary training and possesses the required skills and competence for their job within the construction sector.
Industry Recognition: Widely recognised within the construction industry, the CSCS card is a standard for showcasing an individual's commitment to safety and professionalism.
Safety: The scheme aims to improve safety on construction sites by ensuring that workers have the appropriate skills and knowledge to carry out their tasks safely.
Various Card Types: There are different types of CSCS cards, each corresponding to specific job roles and levels of qualification. The card type reflects the individual's expertise and proficiency.
Employment Requirement: Many construction employers require workers to hold a valid CSCS card as a condition for employment on their sites.
Obtaining a CSCS card involves demonstrating the necessary qualifications, often through completing relevant NVQs or other approved training programs. The card is renewable and serves as a valuable asset for construction professionals.
The easiest way to obtain a CSCS card is to apply for cards designed for entry level positions, such as the green labourer card. To apply for a green card, learners do not have to have completed a full NVQ (do not apply for this card if you work in a skilled position). However, they will have to have completed one of the following:
- CITB Health and Safety Awareness
- The Level 1 (Scotland Level 4) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
- An SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate.
- The NOCN/CSkills Awards Construction Health and Safety (F/618/0738) unit
- A CSCS approved alternative qualification. Alternative qualifications with an expiry date can only be used once, so you will need to retake these qualifications in the future when you apply for a new or renewed Labourer card.
All applicants must pass the CITB health, safety and environment test for operatives and hold one of the following:
Of these courses, the most popular is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness. This course can be conducted online or face-to-face. Once completed, the qualification is valid for five years.
You can also apply for the red trainee or apprentice card. These are temporary CSCS cards which require you to have either enrolled on a relevant apprenticeship or NVQ, but do not require you to have completed your training.
There are variety of different CSCS cards available for different levels of experience, seniority, and job role. The simplest way to look at the different options available is break them down into their different colours:
- Green Card: Also known as the labourer card, this is the entry level card for people starting out in the construction industry.
- Red Card: Red cards are temporary cards for workers who have some level experience but do not yet have the necessary qualifications to become a skilled worker. Red cards are broken down into five separate categories:
- Apprentice - for workers who have started an apprenticeship for their role
- Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager – for supervisors or managers with job experience but have not completed a relevant NVQ and are not part of an approved professional body
- Experienced Worker – Workers with relevant job experience but without a Level 2 NVQ/ SVQ
- Trainee – For trainees who are registered for a relevant qualification in order to gain a skilled CSCS card
- Industry Placement Card – For those undergoing a construction-related qualification or training programme requiring a minimum of a 30 day work placement, such as T-Levels for e.g.
- Provisional – A temporary card issued to those who are working through a probationary period
- Blue Card: Also known as the skilled worker card, this is given to workers who have completed their Level 2 NVQ/ SVQ or completed their relevant apprenticeship.
- Gold Card: These cards are for those who have more advanced knowledge of their field of work and have completed a relevant Level 3 NVQ or SVQ. These cards are found two variants:
- Skilled Worker - for workers who have a high level of skill in their occupation
- Supervisor - for those working in a supervisory role overseeing personnel on construction sites
- Black Card: Also known as the managers card, this card is for those who are looking to take a managerial position on constructions sites. Applicants needs to have completed a relevant managerial Level 5, 6 or 7 NVQ or SVQ.
- White Card: Shows the highest level of expertise in their field. There are two types of white card:
- Academically Qualified Person – For those who have completed construction-related degrees or equivalent
- Professional Qualified Person - Competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies
Once all the necessary training and qualifications have been acquired, the standard fee for CSCS cards is £36. This does not include the CITB HS&E test, which will cost an additional £22.50.
At the time of writing, you can only complete the Health, Safety and Environment tests at CITB-approved testing centres.
CITB Health Safety & Environment tests cost £22.50. You can book you test by visiting the CITB website.
For those preparing for the CSCS test and looking for mock test options, here are the resources available to you:
For the Operatives tests:
- CITB Revision App: Updated with the latest content, this app allows candidates to undertake mock tests as part of their preparation. It's available for both iOS and Android devices. If you've previously purchased the app, you won't need to buy it again; an automatic update will provide you with the latest content. Download it from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
- GT100 Revision Book: The GT100 revision book is purchasable through the CITB shop via paperback, download, DVD or app.
- CITB Health and Safety Awareness: This Site Safety Plus short course will help adequately prepare you for the CSCS test, book your training here.
For the Managers and Professionals tests:
- CITB MAP Revision App: It's available for both iOS and Android devices, including a Welsh version, and is priced at £6.99.
- GT200 Revision Book: The GT200 revision book remains an option and is purchasable through the CITB shop. A revised edition will be available soon.
- Streamlined PC Download: For candidates preferring to revise on a computer, a streamlined PC version available for £12.25. This too allows for mock test practice ahead of your scheduled test and can be downloaded from the CITB shop. Like the app, if you've already bought this download, it will update automatically with no additional purchase necessary.
- Sample Test: There is a free sample test online, consisting of 14 questions to help familiarise you with the question format and subject areas of the MAP test. While beneficial, this sample should be used alongside other revision materials for comprehensive preparation.
Each of these resources is designed to support your test preparation effectively. Choose the one that best fits your study preferences.
After submitting your CSCS card application, your CSCS card is typically dispatched within 5 working days following the approval of your application. However, it's noted that delivery can take up to 10 days for some applicants.
If you haven't received your card within 5 weeks of your application date, it's important to get in touch with CSCS directly for assistance. Should 90 days pass without your card being issued and no contact made to CSCS, your application will be deemed closed. To reopen or reprocess your application at this stage, an additional fee of £36 will be required.
It's advisable to monitor the delivery timeline and keep in touch with CSCS if any delays occur to ensure you receive your card promptly.
Yes, in most cases, you can work on a construction site while waiting for your CSCS card.
However, site policy ultimately dictates whether you can work without the physical card. Some sites might require the card in hand for health and safety compliance, while others may accept proof of a passed CSCS test and a card application in progress.
Communication with your employer or site manager is key, as they will inform you of specific requirements and any temporary measures you can take while waiting for your CSCS card.
Most construction sites permit workers to start under these conditions, provided they have evidence that their card is being processed.