A CSCS card is part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) – a construction-related qualification that allows individuals to work on a construction site legally and safely. The card shows that a person is a skilled worker in construction. It also means they have completed the necessary health, safety, and environment training.
CSCS is the leading construction skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry. Professionally qualified persons, from civil engineers and site managers to general labourers, use this credential. By verifying that workers hold the appropriate health safety and environment training, the card helps improve safety standards on UK construction sites.
Job roles like civil engineers, site managers, employer-sponsored apprenticeship candidates or academically qualified persons use the certification. You can use the CSCS card finder to see which construction skills certification scheme level or craft certificate you need to apply for.
Most employers require the certification, but it is not a legal requirement. A CSCS card stands as the construction industry’s most widely recognised proof of on-site proficiency and professionally qualified persons status.
How much is a CSCS card?
CSCS cards cost £36. In addition, you must also pay an application fee of £22.50 for a CITB Health course to be eligible for the CSCS card. Training centres and third parties may add extra costs, so please note this and be cautious of these standardised prices when you apply for a CSCS card.
How long does a CSCS card last?
Most CSCS cards are valid for five years, though several different types exist depending on a worker’s role, qualifications, and experience. Temporary card durations may vary based on the applicant’s qualification level.
CSCS card renewal is a straightforward process and can be done up to six months before expiry. Therefore, be sure to apply online in time to avoid complications.
How to apply for a CSCS card?
The CSCS card application process is simple. All applicants must complete and pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) test. This course demonstrates to employers that you can work safely on-site and meet the standards of a qualified worker.
Applicants can choose from three types of CITB training courses when applying for a CSCS card. You can apply online, and the specific course will depend on the card you need. Each CITB course covers a range of topics, including construction site safety and practical awareness.
The test lasts 45 minutes and includes 50 multiple-choice questions. Multiple CITB test centres operate across the UK, offering convenient locations to complete your course.
Types of CSCS Cards
Several types of construction-related qualification cards are available. To distinguish between CSCS card types, we need to understand the colour coding system. Some examples include:
- Green card – for entry-level and skilled worker roles
- Red card – a temporary card, often for apprentices on an employer-sponsored apprenticeship
- Gold card – for those with an advanced craft qualification or Level 3 NVQ/SVQ
- Black card – often known as the black card for experienced worker managers or supervisors
- White and yellow cards – for academically qualified persons
- Blue card – for skilled worker status once a Level 2 NVQ is completed
How to Get a Green CSCS Card
We are often asked how to get a CSCS green card, also known as the labourer card. The green card is the entry-level skilled worker ID required to safely work on a construction site.
To get the labourer card, you need to have completed a CITB Health and Safety test in the past two years. In addition, you must have one of the following:
- The NOCN/CSkills awards construction health and safety unit
- A CSCS-approved alternative
- A SCQF level 5 REHIS elementary health and safety certificate
- An RQF level 1 or SCQF level 4 award in health and safety in a construction environment
After completing our Construction course, students will get a free Green CSCS test. Once you pass, you will receive your Green CSCS card along with your other certificates.
