CSCS cards are a reputable and trusted certification. All construction employers will be aware of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and will understand that by holding a black CSCS card, you are qualified and proficient in construction management. Having a black CSCS card can develop trust between yourself and employees and clients. Showing your CSCS card or using the CSCS card checker, proves you have the required knowledge and skills to undertake a job.
Black CSCS Card
What is a Black CSCS Card?
A Black CSCS Card is a physical card provided by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) that proves you have the necessary qualifications and health and safety knowledge to operate as a manager in the construction industry. This CSCS card is reserved for experienced professionals working in a management capacity in a construction environment. In order to obtain the black CSCS card, you must complete a relevant construction management NVQ. The cardholder must have NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6, or 7 within a Construction Management.
What is a Black CSCS Card?
A Black CSCS Card is a physical card provided by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) that proves you have the necessary qualifications and health and safety knowledge to operate as a manager in the construction industry. This CSCS card is reserved for experienced professionals working in a management capacity in a construction environment. In order to obtain the black CSCS card, you must complete a relevant construction management NVQ. The cardholder must have NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6, or 7 within a Construction Management.
How to Get a Black CSCS Card
A black CSCS card can only be given to those who have completed a relevant construction NVQ and passed the Managers CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test (HS&E test/Touchscreen test). However, in order to obtain a construction manager qualification such as an NVQ level 6 or NVQ level 7, you will need to be employed.
3 Things You Need to do to Get Your Black CSCS Card:
1. Construction Management NVQ
Complete a Construction Management NVQ such as a NVQ level 6 or NVQ level 7. You can learn more about construction manager qualifications in our guide.
2. Managers CITB HS&E Test
You will need to complete the Managers CITB HS&E Test. Commonly known as the touchscreen test, the HS&E exam must be passed before you can apply for your black CSCS card.
3. Employment
Ensure you are employed in a relevant role in the construction industry. You will need to be employed in a construction management role in order to obtain a construction management NVQ.
3 Things You Need to do to Get Your Black CSCS Card:
1. Construction Management NVQ
Complete a Construction Management NVQ such as a NVQ level 6 or NVQ level 7. You can learn more about construction manager qualifications in our guide.
2. Managers CITB HS&E Test
You will need to complete the Managers CITB HS&E Test. Commonly known as the touchscreen test, the HS&E exam must be passed before you can apply for your black CSCS card.
3. Employment
Ensure you are employed in a relevant role in the construction industry. You will need to be employed in a construction management role in order to obtain a construction management NVQ.
What are the Benefits of a Black CSCS Card?
The Black CSCS Card will likely be very beneficial for your career prospects in the construction Industry. The CSCS are largely considered as the most reputable certification provider in the construction industry in the UK. With this, CSCS cards are held as the industry standard for many employers and without one, your career may be affected.
Trust
Legal Coverage
Career Development
Trust
Legal Coverage
Whilst not a legal requirement, having a CSCS card can protect you in terms of proving that you are qualified. A CSCS card is supported by a relevant construction NVQ, so you can prove that you hold a legitimate qualification to prove your competency.
Career Development
Having a black CSCS card can significantly increase your career development; employers will likely acknowledge your CSCS card as a testament to your competency and know that you are qualified to do the job.
Trust
CSCS cards are a reputable and trusted certification. All construction employers will be aware of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and will understand that by holding a black CSCS card, you are qualified and proficient in construction management. Having a black CSCS card can develop trust between yourself and employees and clients. Showing your CSCS card or using the CSCS card checker, proves you have the required knowledge and skills to undertake a job.
Legal Coverage
Whilst not a legal requirement, having a CSCS card can protect you in terms of proving that you are qualified. A CSCS card is supported by a relevant construction NVQ, so you can prove that you hold a legitimate qualification to prove your competency.
Career Development
Having a black CSCS card can significantly increase your career development; employers will likely acknowledge your CSCS card as a testament to your competency and know that you are qualified to do the job.
How Much Does a Black CSCS Card Cost?
A black CSCS card costs £36. However, you will also need to complete a relevant and the Manager’s CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test. The HS&E test will cost you £22.50. Essentially, you’ll need to pay £58.50 in total to the CSCS and CITB when you’ve obtained your NVQ.
What are the CSCS Black Card Requirements?
In order to get your black CSCS card you’ll need to have:
- A Relevant Construction Management NVQ
- Passed the Managers CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test
- Generally, you will need to be employed to complete an NVQ so this may be regarded as a requirement for the Black CSCS card.
- Have the required knowledge, skills and experience to complete the qualification.
Can I get a Black CSCS Card with SMSTS?
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a valuable construction management qualification which can generally be regarded as a “nice to have” within the profession. This is because you do not officially need a SMSTS qualification to apply for your black CSCS card.
Some employers will encourage their site managers to obtain a SMSTS qualification to ensure that their health and safety knowledge is up to date and reinforced, so it is still a valuable qualification.
Please note, you are unable to apply for a black CSCS card with SMSTS alone, you must complete a NVQ in construction management.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Below is a list of approved training courses we provide to get you on your way to achieving your black managers CSCS card.
Get Your Black CSCS Card with Your NVQ Level 6
If you’re interested in getting your black CSCS card, we’d love to help you get the qualification you need. If you’re interested in getting your NVQ level 6 with us, we’re able to provide the qualification you need with our guarantee: no classrooms and no time away from work.
Our experienced assessors will work with you to get your qualification in just 6-8 weeks. We understand the importance of your time and work and that’s our assessors will observe you at your place of work so you can get on with your day-to-day work.
Get Your Black CSCS Card with Your NVQ Level 6
If you’re interested in getting your black CSCS card, we’d love to help you get the qualification you need. If you’re interested in getting your NVQ level 6 with us, we’re able to provide the qualification you need with our guarantee: no classrooms and no time away from work.
Our experienced assessors will work with you to get your qualification in just 6-8 weeks. We understand the importance of your time and work and that’s our assessors will observe you at your place of work so you can get on with your day-to-day work.
Senior Site Management: NVQ Level 7
If you’re currently working in a senior site management position, you may be interested in completing the NVQ level 7 in construction senior site management. This is the highest obtainable construction NVQ, reserved for those in charge of large-scale operations and projects. Having this qualification will also allow you to obtain your black CSCS card.
Senior Site Management: NVQ Level 7
If you’re currently working in a senior site management position, you may be interested in completing the NVQ level 7 in construction senior site management. This is the highest obtainable construction NVQ, reserved for those in charge of large-scale operations and projects. Having this qualification will also allow you to obtain your black CSCS card.