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.

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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.

construction worker and cscs card

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

Labourer Green Card

Launched in July 2014 this new entry-level card is available for those working within the construction industry as a labourer.

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CSCS Apprentice card

Apprentice

This card is available to people who have commenced on a recognised apprenticeship framework.

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CSCS Experienced

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...

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Experienced worker card

Experienced Worker

This card is available to workers with on the job experience (normally at least one year in the last three).

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Trainee card

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).

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Industry Placement Card

Industry Placement

This temporary card is only applicable to those undergoing a construction-related qualification or training programme which requires the completion...

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Blue Skilled Worker Card

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...

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Gold skilled worker

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..

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Gold supervisor card

Supervisory

This card is available for supervisor occupations subject to the achievement of a Construction Related Supervisory NVQ or SVQ...

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Black Managers card

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

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Academically qualified person card

Academically Qualified Person

This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas.

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Professionally Qualified Person Card

Professionally Qualified Person

This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies.

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Provisional Card

Provisional

This card is for people who are working through probationary periods while employers assess their suitability for employment undergoing supervised...

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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