How to get a CSCS card

A CSCS card makes you more employable when looking for work in the construction industry. It proves that you have the relevant training and experience to do your job on-site safely and effectively.

CSCS cards not only help to promote a culture of safety on-site, but they help to make sure your job opportunities are not limited.

Having a CSCS card is not a legislative requirement. However, most major house builders and principal contractors make it a contractual requirement for construction workers on their sites to have a valid CSCS card.

What is a CSCS card?

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. This is the body that issues construction workers with the certification (the CSCS card) needed to prove their competency to work on-site.

How to get a CSCS card

The requirements for a CSCS card are based on having the appropriate construction-related qualifications and training for the particular job you do.

This means that you must pass the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the previous two years.

The aim of this test is to teach you the basics of keeping yourself and others safe on a construction site. It takes 45 minutes to complete and is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions.

How to apply for a CSCS card

Once you’ve completed the necessary CITB training, you can apply for your CSCS card on the CSCS website.

You will need:

• Scanned copies of your valid construction certificates, or proof that you are registered on a relevant construction course.
• Your HS&E test ID number.
• A credit or debit card to pay the £36 application fee.

How long does it take to get a CSCS card?

Once your application has been approved, your CSCS card will be posted directly to you. It normally takes between 3-5 days to arrive.

How much is a CSCS card?

• All CSCS cards cost £36.
• All CITB HS&E tests cost £22.50.

There is a chance that these prices could have risen since publishing this blog.

Once you’ve paid for your CSCS card, you might be wondering how long it lasts. Most CSCS cards are valid for five years.

The exception to this is the Red CSCS cards, which cannot be renewed once they’ve expired. You will need to apply for a different colour card once your training is complete.

What are the CSCS card colours?

Within the CSCS, there are various CSCS card colours. These represent the experience, qualifications, and seniority of the cardholder.

The Red CSCS cards

There are a number of Red CSCS cards:

• Apprentice
• Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
• Experienced Worker (temporary card)
• Trainee
• Industry Placement 
• Provisional (temporary card)

The Green CSCS card

This is for workers entering the industry as a Labourer or in a similar entry-level position. This is the most common type of card.

How to get a Green CSCS card

• Complete the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course.
• Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within the past two years.
• Apply for the Green CSCS card via the CSCS website.

The Blue CSCS card

The Blue CSCS card is for Skilled Workers.

How to get a Blue CSCS card without an NVQ

If you’re experienced in your construction role, but don’t have a construction-related NVQ or SVQ level 2, or an apprenticeship, you cannot apply for a Blue CSCS card.

You can apply for a Red CSCS Experienced Worker card instead. This shows that you’re in the process of completing a construction-related qualification.

The Gold CSCS cards

The Gold CSCS cards show that you’re highly skilled within your field, with advanced qualifications. The Supervisory card shows you have experience supervising others within construction.

There are two types of Gold CSCS cards available:

• Advanced Craft
• Supervisory

The Black CSCS card

The Black CSCS card ‘Manager‘ is the highest available. It is for managers and technical operators subject to:

• Achieving a relevant Construction Management/Technical related NVQ/SVQ level 5, 6, or 7.
• An SVQ level 4 in Construction Management/Technical related qualification.
• Holding a pre-existing NVQ level 4 in construction management.

The White CSCS card

The White CSCS cards are for people who have qualifications other than NVQs. For example, you might be an architect and your role requires you to visit construction sites, but you don’t work on-site day-to-day.

There are two types of White CSCS card:

• Academically Qualified Person
• Professionally Qualified Person

For more information on the requirements for each of the CSCS card colours, visit the CSCS website.

Can you get a temporary CSCS card?

Yes, you can get a temporary CSCS card. This ‘Provisional’ card is for workers who are on a probationary period with an employer.

To apply for a Provisional CSCS card you must have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the past two years.

• You cannot apply for a Provisional CSCS card if you’ve previously held a CSCS card.
• A Provisional CSCS card can only be applied for once.
• It cannot be renewed.
• It is only valid for six months.

Quick summary

• A CSCS card is a certification within the construction industry that makes sure you have the relevant training and experience to do your job safely.
• CSCS cards are not a legal requirement, but many employers choose to make them a contractual requirement.
• There are a number of different colour CSCS cards, which indicate the cardholder’s experience, qualifications, and seniority.
• To get a CSCS card, you must complete the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the past two years.

FAQs

Can I get a CSCS card with no qualifications?

You can get a Green CSCS card with no NVQ qualifications, however, you must have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the previous two years.

How much does the CSCS exam cost?

To apply for any CSCS card you must complete the CITB Health Safety and Environment Test, which costs £22.50. The application cost for a CSCS card is £36.