How to get a CSCS card

If you’ve been working in construction for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of CSCS cards. Enhancing your employability in the industry, having a CSCS card will enable you to work directly on construction sites.

This makes it important to know how to get a CSCS card.

Never heard of CSCS cards? Well, what are they? And how do you go about getting one?

Keep reading to learn how to apply for a CSCS card. Not only that, but we’ll explain the different tiers of cards as well.

What is a CSCS card?

A CSCS card is a card given to construction workers able to prove their competency when working on work sites.

They’re issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, hence the name. And they’re often a contractual requirement for anyone who wants to operate in this environment.

These cards prove that you have:

• Relevant training
• Experience
• Skills to do your job on-site safely and effectively

CSCS don’t train, offer courses, qualifications or exams, but do check and provide proof that a tradesperson is eligible to work on construction sites.

This is to help promote a culture of safety when working. But they also help to make sure your job opportunities aren’t limited.

How to apply for a CSCS card

The requirements for a CSCS card will be based on your job qualifications. For example, that could be certification through any of the following:

• NVQs
• Apprenticeships
• National Diploma
• National Certificate
• Degree
• Postgraduate Diploma
• Professional Body Membership
• Historical Qualification (i.e. valid but no longer available)

However, you’re also required to have passed an appropriate CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the previous two years. It is designed to show the basics of keeping yourself and others safe on a construction site.

Once you’ve completed the necessary CITB training, you can then apply for your card via CSCS online.

To do this, you’ll need:

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

How much does a CSCS card cost?

At the time of writing, all cards were priced at the following:

• A CSCS card (regardless of type) – £36
• The CITB HS&E test – £22.50

However, there is a chance that these prices could change at any point, so it is always best to double-check.

(Costs accurate as of last access date: 30th October 2024)

How long does a CSCS card last?

Once you’ve passed your tests and paid for your card, it will be valid for up to five years.

The only exception to this is a red CSCS card, which can’t be renewed after expiration. Red cards apply to tradespeople who are training at different levels, and so the cards are designed for a set period.

Instead, once a red card expires, you’ll need to apply for another appropriate colour afterwards in line with your new qualifications.

What are the different CSCS card colours?

There are several different tiers of cards that you can apply for.

These are defined by different colours, which represent different levels of:

• Experience
• Qualifications
• Seniority
• Industry

There are currently 13 different types of CSCS card, so it is important to apply for the right one. Attempting to apply for the wrong card may result in refusal.

We’ve highlighted what each card type represents below:

Red CSCS cards

One of the most common of all CSCS cards, red cards can represent any of the following:

• An apprentice
• An experienced Technical, Supervisor, or Manager
• An experienced Worker (temporary card)
• A trainee
• An industry Placement
• A provisional card (temporary card)

As we’ve already mentioned, red cards cannot be renewed upon expiration. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a different colour.

Green CSCS cards

Green cards are designed for workers entering the industry at an entry-level position. Despite what red cards might suggest, green cards are actually the most common type of CSCS card available.

In order to get a green CSCS card, you need to do the following:

• 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

Blue CSCS cards

A step above green cards, a Blue card is for skilled workers with plenty of industry experience. A blue CSCS card can be gained in the same manner as a green CSCS card.

However, if you lack an NVQ qualification, you won’t be able to get a blue CSCS card. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a red card.

Gold CSCS cards

Gold CSCS cards show that you’re highly skilled within your field and hold advanced qualifications. It also acts as a supervisory card which shows you have experience supervising others within construction.

You can apply for a gold CSCS card in the same manner as a green card. There are two types to choose from:

• An advanced Craft card
• A Supervisory card

Black CSCS cards

Black cards are the highest type available and are for those holding managerial positions and technical operators.

They can apply for this type of card, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Construction Management or Technical related NVQ or SVQ at levels 5, 6, or 7
• SVQ level 4 in Construction Management or a Technical related qualification
• Holding a pre-existing NVQ level 4 in construction management

White CSCS cards

White cards are for people who have qualifications other than NVQs but need to work on construction sites. For example, someone in an architectural role who doesn’t need to work on-site day-to-day.

There are two types of white cards you can apply for:

• An Academically Qualified Person card
• A Professionally Qualified Person card

How to renew a CSCS card

Depending on the type of card you carry, there are different rules around renewal.

Most CSCS cards can be renewed from six months before, to six months after, the date of expiry that shows on the card.

However, there are some exceptions to renewal. For example:

• Red cards – These last for different amounts of time, but can’t be renewed
• Labourer cards – Due to complexity of applications, they must all be new
• Academically qualified person – Every qualification leads to a new application
• Professionally qualified person – New evidence needs submitting for renewal

When you want to renew a CSCS card, online is your best bet. If you already have a card, accessing your account online will give you the option to renew during the 12 month window.

In all cases of renewal, it is important to notify the people at Construction Skills Certification Scheme if you have changed occupation since the last card was issued.

Changing occupation might sound extreme, but if you have been through more training to learn additional skills, the team at CSCS will need to know. Developing new skills is one way to grow your trade business, especially within the construction industry.

Get more from your business with Checkatrade

So why bother? You’ll need more than just a CSCS card if you want to get the most from your business. And that’s where Checkatrade can help.

Depending on your membership type, we’ll provide you with a free space online to advertise your business to new customers. Developing your profile means you can get the most interest back, and show up for the right customer searches.

There are a range of benefits to membership that can make running your construction business that bit easier. For example:

• Savings on a range of business essentials (like tools and materials)
• Access to our iconic bi-monthly home directories
• Guarantee for your work (if booked through us) (T&Cs apply)
• Up to 20% off the cost of public liability insurance
• Fantastic money off key software such as Quickbooks
• And of course, more work coming your way!

Fixed membership from Checkatrade means you can expect a certain number of leads throughout the year.

Get in touch today to find out more about how a Checkatrade membership can bolster your trade business.

FAQs

Can I get a CSCS card with no qualifications?

You can get a Green card with no NVQ qualifications, provided you meet the stated requirements. However, you won’t be able to apply for a blue card unless you become qualified.

Can I get a CSCS card online?

Applications for CSCS cards must be done through the correct channels. Most people will choose to do this via the official Construction Skills Certification Scheme website.

How long does it take to get a CSCS card?

Once your application has been approved, your card will be posted directly to you. This will normally take between 3-5 days to arrive, depending on postage delays and distance.

How much is a CSCS card and test?

A mandatory CITB test will cost £22.50 and CSCS cost is £36, so the price for both will be £58.50 to get a CSCS card and pass the test.

Can you get a CSCS card for free?

In some cases, there is no cost to get a card. For example, a CSCS Apprentice card is free, and there are other pathways that will pay the cost for you, such as pre-employment programs and local enterprise partnerships.

Is it illegal to work on site without a CSCS card?

No, membership of CSCS is not a legal requirement. However, through choice, many contractors and house builders will only allow workers on site if they have a valid card.

Can you get a temporary card?

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

However, you need to be aware of the following when applying:

• You cannot have applied for a Provisional card if you’ve previously held CSCS
• A Provisional card can only be applied for once
• You must still have passed the CITB test
• It cannot be renewed
• It is only valid for six months