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.
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.
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.
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.
Labourer
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...
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.
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 type of HS&E test you do and the qualifications you need to demonstrate will depend on which CSCS card you are applying for. This, in turn, will depend on your qualifications, job role, and any professional body membership you might have. If, therefore, you change job role, you will need to seek advice as you might need to change your CSCS card. Use the CSCS cardfinder to check which card and test are right for you.
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:
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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.