CSCS Card – Construction Skills
Certification Scheme
A CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
is a mandatory requirement. Without a CSCS card,
you’re unable to work on a building site.
Follow our guide from choosing correct card to applying.
By - Last updated December 31st, 2024How to get your CSCS Card
CSCS Cards are obtainable by applicants demonstrating they have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test. To apply for most CSCS cards, you need to show that you’ve passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test in the last two years.
The test is designed to make sure everyone has a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going on site. The test has different levels which fit the various jobs and roles on site. For example, labourers and bricklayers need to pass the Operative Level Test, while quantity surveyors or architects need the Managerial and Professional Level Test.
Quick links
- Why you need a CSCS card
- Apply for a CSCS card
- Types of CSCS cards
- CSCS card renewal
- HS&E Test
- CSCS Card Checker
- CSCS FAQS
Why do you need a CSCS card?
There are several reasons why someone working in the construction industry in the UK might need a CSCS card:
- To demonstrate to an employer or potential employer that they have the necessary training and qualifications to work safely on a construction site.
- To gain access to certain construction sites, which may require workers to have a CSCS card in order to enter.
- To be eligible for certain roles or tasks on a construction site, which may require a CSCS card as a minimum requirement.
- To meet the requirements of certain accreditation schemes or industry standards, which may require workers to hold a CSCS card.
How to Renew a CSCS Card?
It is advised you replace your card withing 6 months of it expiring. For card renewals please visit our CSCS card renewal page with all the details.
Apply for a CSCS card
STEP ONE: You need to find exactly what card and what level test you need, go to CSCS card finder and look up your job title or role.
STEP TWO: You then need to book your test at CITB test with a choice of times and locations which costs £21 pounds. Remember to note what ID you need to take with you when you go.
STEP THREE: Don’t forget to prepare for the test. There’s lots of support and revision guides available at CITB.co.uk/revision. You need to one, find exactly what card and what level of test you need at CSCS.uk.com/cardfinder. Two, book your test at a cost of £21 from CITB website. Three, prepare for your test. The test is multiple choice and lasts 45 minutes. Find your nearest CSCS test centres.
Types of CSCS Card
The scheme has 15 card types to cover different occupations within the construction industry. Below is a list with short description and a link to more information.
Labourer
The CSCS Green Card for labourers was launched in 2014 allowing operatives to work on construction sites in lower level job positions. The card demonstrates that they have the training and qualifications.
Find out More
Apprentice
The Red Apprentice card is for operatives who are on their first steps towards a career in the construction industry. They must have registered on an apprenticeship scheme.
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Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
This card is for Supervisors, Managers and Technical Workers with on the job experience (normally at least one year in the last three) And registered to a complete an approved construction related qualification.
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Experienced Worker
This card is for works with on site experience and completing an approved construction related NVQ/SVQ level 2, SVQ at SCQF level 5 or higher. Valid for only 1 year.
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Trainee
This card is avaliable to applicants who are registered to complete a construction qualification. And lead to a skilled CSCS card. It’s vaild for 5 years and not renewable.
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Industry Placement
Card for applicants undergoing a construction related qualification which require a min 30 day work placement, such as T-Levels or Trainee Skills Development Programmes.
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Skilled Worker
This card is for applicants who have completed a construction related NVQ/SVQ level 2 or SVQ at SCQF level 5 or an apprenticeship.
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Gold Skilled Worker
This card is available to those who have completed a related NVQ/SVQ level 3 or SVQ at SCQF level 6, or and apprenticeship.
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Gold Skilled Worker
This card is available to those who have completed a related NVQ/SVQ level 3 or SVQ at SCQF level 6, or and apprenticeship.
Find out More
HS&E Test
The CITB Health and Safety test is required to be passed in order to obtain a CSCS card. You will need to revise for the test and you can use our free CSCS Mock Test.
CITB Card Checker
You can check any CSCS card using the CITB card checker. You will need the relevant details at hand to check the card. Please visit our CITB CSCS Card checker article.
Frequently Asked CSCS Questions
CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It is a card that shows that the holder has the training and qualifications required to work safely on a construction site in the UK.
The card is issued by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and is widely recognized by construction companies in the UK as evidence of an individual’s competency.
There are several reasons why someone working in the construction industry in the UK might need a CSCS card:
- To demonstrate to an employer or potential employer that they have the necessary training and qualifications to work safely on a construction site.
- To gain access to certain construction sites, which may require workers to have a CSCS card in order to enter.
- To be eligible for certain roles or tasks on a construction site, which may require a CSCS card as a minimum requirement.
- To meet the requirements of certain accreditation schemes or industry standards, which may require workers to hold a CSCS card.
What do I do if I lose my card or if its stolen?
If lost or stolen please contact CITB on 0344 994 4777 to get a replacement card. You will have to pay £30 for a new card.
CSCS Card How Much? – The standard fee for a CSCS card is £36 and the Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test costs £21 *PLEASE NOTE – Some companies card a administration fee to manage your test and course.
How long is the card valid for?
Expiry lengths depend on what card you have, ranging from 1 year to 5 years.
How long is the card valid for?
How long is the card valid for?
Expiry lengths depend on what card you have, ranging from 1 year to 5 years.
How long will it take to receive it?
Once you have paid for your card it will be posted out to you the next day – The average turn around after application is 20 days.
If it has not arrived call CITB help desk on 0344 994 4777.
What do I do if I lose my card or if its stolen?
If lost or stolen please contact CITB on 0344 994 4777 to get a replacement card. You will have to pay £30 for a new card.