What are CSCS Cards?
A CSCS card is a physical card that is issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to construction workers in the United Kingdom. Obtaining a CSCS card is subject to the worker completing a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and holding a relevant construction qualification.
There are many different types of CSCS card to reflect all of the occupations and positions within the construction industry. The type of CSCS card you have relies on your occupation and the qualifications you hold.
The main CSCS cards are:
- Green CSCS Card
- Blue CSCS Card
- Red CSCS Card
- Gold “Supervisor” CSCS Card
- Gold “Advanced Craft” CSCS Card
- Black CSCS Card
- White CSCS Card
In this article, we’ll go through the different types of CSCS card, what they are and how to get them. We’ll also go through some frequently asked questions about CSCS cards to guide you through the process.
Green CSCS Card
The first CSCS card is the Green “labourer” CSCS card. This card proves that you have the required construction health and safety knowledge to operate on a site. Most employers will require at least a green CSCS card when hiring people to work on their site.
Who is the Green CSCS Card For?
The green CSCS card is generally for labourers or those starting out in the construction industry. This type of CSCS card will allow you to undertake work on a construction site, as you have official certification that you are aware of health and safety protocol.
How to Get a Green CSCS Card
To get a green CSCS card, you’ll need to obtain a level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, and pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for operatives.
Get Your Green CSCS Card Free of Charge
If you’re currently a jobseeker interested in starting your career in construction, you may be eligible to get your green CSCS card completely free of charge.
At Portland Training, we offer Skills Bootcamps in Sheffield and Wakefield and Gateway to Construction courses nationally that allow you to get your green CSCS card and a NPORS forward Tipping Dumper licence- completely free of charge!
Learn more about our jobseeker courses.
Our courses/ Portland Training are in no way affiliated with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Through our access to funding, we fund the price of CSCS and NPORS cards and tests for our eligible learners.
Blue CSCS Card
The Blue CSCS “Skilled Worker” card is typically the second CSCS card a worker will obtain. This card evidences that you are qualified in a specific area of construction, and are able to capably undertake the requirements of your role. This Card is supported by a NVQ level 2 in construction.
Who is Blue CSCS Card for?
The Blue CSCS card is reserved for those with the required skills and experience in their specific area of construction. In order to complete an NVQ level 2 and obtain a blue CSCS card, we typically recommend that the operator has been in the role for at least 6 months.
How to Get a Blue CSCS Card
To get your blue CSCS card you’ll need to complete a NVQ level 2 in construction. There are 100+ NVQ level 2s that you can complete in your specific area of expertise. Once you’ve got your NVQ level 2, you’ll need to complete the CITB Health Safety and Environment test and then you can apply for your Blue CSCS card.
Looking for a plant qualification? Learn more about our fully funded NVQ level 2 Skills Bootcamp.
Red CSCS Card
The red CSCS Card is a temporary CSCS card. This card is not intended to be held for an extended period of time by a construction worker. Generally, a red CSCS indicates that you are working towards a qualification or are in a probationary period.
Who is the Red CSCS Card For?
A red CSCS card is for somebody working towards a qualification and does not necessarily evidence a specific level of experience. For example, both an apprentice and a site manager could hold different types of red CSCS cards.
Types of Red CSCS Card
There 4 main types of red CSCS cards, each of these are for different situations in the construction industry. These are:
- Apprentice Red CSCS Card
- Experienced Technical Supervisor or Manager Red CSCS Card
- Experienced Worker Red CSCS Card
- Trainee Red CSCS Card
You can learn more about each red CSCS card and how long they last for in our guide: How Long Does a CSCS Card Last?
How to get a Red CSCS Card
To get a red CSCS card, you must be enrolled on a qualification and be able to evidence that you are working towards it. You will still need to complete the relevant CITB HS&E test and pay for the red CSCS card.
Gold Supervisor CSCS Card
The Gold Supervisor Card is reserved for site supervisors or those working in a capacity where they oversee others in a construction environment. This card is reserved for those with significant industry experience.
Who is the Gold Supervisor CSCS Card For?
The Gold Supervisor CSCS Card is for construction site supervisors, junior contracts managers, gangers or forepeople. Holding the Gold Supervisor CSCS card evidences that you are able to effectively manage a group of people and that you have the required health and safety knowledge to operate in such a position.
How to get a Gold Supervisor CSCS Card
You can get your gold supervisor CSCS card by completing a NVQ level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision (OWS) or a NVQ Level 3 in Construction Contracting Operations (CCO). Obtaining either of these qualifications will allow you to apply for the Gold Supervisor CSCS card. Please note, these qualifications will not allow you to apply for the Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card. You will also need to complete the CITB Specialist Supervisory Health, safety and environment test to apply for your gold supervisor CSCS card.
How much is a Gold Supervisor CSCS Card?
Your physical gold Supervisor CSCS card will cost £58.50 in total. However, you will also need to factor in the cost of your NVQ level 3 Qualification. NVQs tend to cost more the higher up you go, so NVQ level 3s can be quite expensive.
Check below to find out how you can get your NVQ level 3 free of charge!
Save on Your Gold Supervisor CSCS Card: Fully Funded NVQ Level 3
You may be eligible to get your NVQ level 3 for free under the Free Courses for Jobs government initiative. This scheme allows those who are 19+ years old and do not have a previous level 3 qualification to access a fully funded NVQ level 3 qualification.
Portland Training are able to offer the following fully funded NVQ level 3 Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision (Gold Supervisor CSCS Card)
- NVQ Level 3 in Construction Contracting Operations (Gold Supervisor CSCS Card)
- NVQ Level 3 in Plastering (Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card)
- NVQ Level 3 in Formwork (Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card)
- NVQ Level 3 in Cladding Occupations (Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card)
Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card
The gold advanced craft CSCS card is reserved for those who are highly skilled in their specific trade and have a wealth of experience.
Who is the Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card for?
You do not need to oversee a group of people obtain the advanced craft CSCS card, unlike the supervisor card. The Gold advanced craft CSCS card is for people working in a specific trade, some examples include:
- Plastering
- Cladding
- Formwork
- Roofing
How to get a Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card
To get a gold advanced craft CSCS card, you’ll need to complete a NVQ level 3 in a specific trade. You’ll then need to complete the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for your specific qualification.
You can find out what CITB test you’ll need to take by using the CSCS card finder and searching by qualification and occupation.
How much is a Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card?
A gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card will cost the same as any CSCS card: you must pay a £36 application fee and complete a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test which costs £22.50. (£58.50 in total)
You may be able to obtain your NVQ level 3 free of charge under the free courses for jobs government initiative.
Black CSCS Card
The black CSCS card is the highest attainable CSCS card. This card is reserved for highly experienced individuals working in construction management.
Who is the Black CSCS Card For?
The black “Manager” CSCS card is for construction managers. This card evidences that you are qualified to manage large scale construction projects and lead a team. The most common job role for a black CSCS card holder is a site manager, but some other occupations include:
- Contracts Manager
- Operations Manager
- Director
- Senior Site Manager
Learn more about construction manager qualifications.
How to get a Black CSCS Card
To get a black CSCS card, you must complete a construction management NVQ. This is generally a NVQ level 6 or NVQ level 7. You’ll then need to complete a CITB Health, Safety & Environment test for Managers before you can apply your card.
Site Managers
If you’re a construction site manager, then a NVQ level 6 in construction site management is generally the go to qualification. However, if you’re more experienced and capable, a NVQ level 7 in construction senior site management may be for you.
Contracts Managers
If you’re a contracts manager, a NVQ level 6 in construction contracting operations may be the qualification you need. This qualification has multiple pathways, tailored to specific roles in contracts management so your occupation should be covered.
Unsure of what qualification you need? Speak to a member of our team and we’ll guide you through the process and see what works best for you.
White CSCS Card
The White CSCS Card or “Professionally Qualified Person” card is for people who hold a qualification from a CSCS approved professional body. This card is valid for 5 years and can not be renewed, you must apply for a new one upon expiry.
The White CSCS card covers a broad range of construction related qualifications including masters degrees and BSc Honours.
Who is the White CSCS Card For?
The white CSCS card is for those who may not have completed a construction NVQ but have a relevant high-level qualification that is recognised by the CSCS. If you have completed a degree in a construction related field, this may be the card for you.
How to get a White CSCS Card
To get a white CSCS card, you’ll first need to check that the qualification you hold is recognised by the CSCS. You can do this by viewing the list on the CSCS website. Then you’ll also need to do the required CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test (£22.50) and apply for your CSCS card (£36).
How to Save Money on Your CSCS Card
Most CSCS Cards are supported by a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), and these can be costly the higher up the levels you go. Your CSCS card will always cost the same price no matter what colour it is; £36. This is always subject to passing a CITB Health, Safety & Environment test which costs £22.50. However, your NVQ is by far the most expensive aspect of getting a CSCS card. We’ll now go through some of the best ways to save on your NVQ.
Claim Back Money on Your NVQ Level Through CITB Grants
If the company you work or subcontract for are CITB registered, then you’ll be able to claim back money on the price of your NVQ. This can significantly reduce the cost of getting your CSCS card.
CITB Grant Amounts for each NVQ Level:
- NVQ level 2- £600
- NVQ level 3- £600- £1250 (varies by qualification)
- NVQ level 4- £1250
- NVQ level 6- £1500
- NVQ level 7- £1500
Get your NVQ Free of Charge
If you’re currently employed and meet the eligibility criteria below, you may be able to get your NVQ level 3 or a NVQ level 2 qualification free of charge. With this, you’ll only have to pay for your CSCS card.
Frequently Asked Questions: CSCS Cards
Confused about what CSCS card you need, or what qualification you need? Have a browse through our frequently asked questions. If you’ve got another question, let us know at the bottom of the page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Do I Need a CSCS Card?
Whether you’re new to the construction field or a senior site manager, obtaining your CSCS card is imperative for anyone working in the construction industry. This is because it proves that you have the knowledge and skills to work safely in a construction environment. Gaining this certification will set you apart from others and allow you to progress further into your career as you can carry out various construction related tasks.
How Do I Use the CSCS Card Checker?
If you’re wanting to find out certain details such as a training record associated with a CSCS card. The CSCS card checker will be a useful tool for you. This tool allows site managers and supervisors to see their workers construction qualifications quickly, making sure that all their workers are meeting industry standards.
Check a CSCS Card through a Desktop
Using the CSCS card checker through a computer is a straightforward process if you have access to the workers details. Usually, the required details are a surname, date of birth, as well as the CSCS card number, CITB test number or registration number. You do this through the online CSCS card Checker
Check a CSCS Card on Mobile
If you don’t have access to a computer, the cscs have recently created the CSCS Smart Check app available for mobile devices. This checker is very popular on construction sites due to the convenience of being able scan a CSCS card.
What Happens if my CSCS Card Runs Out?
When your green labourer card or white card expire, you will need to re-apply for a new card; these cards cannot be renewed.
If you hold any other CSCS card, you can renew your CSCS card providing you have the correct qualification and have completed the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last 2 years.
What if I Don’t have Formal Qualifications- Can I still get a CSCS card?
CSCS cards are always supported by official qualifications. Most of the time, these are construction NVQS. To hold a CSCS card, you’ll need to complete a construction qualification and the CITB test.
Browse our NVQs to get started on your way to getting your CSCS card.
What CSCS Card Do I Need?
The best way to find out what CSCS card you need is to use the CSCS card finder. The card finder will allow you to search by occupation and qualification to find out what card you need to apply for.
How to Use the CSCS Card Finder:
- Go to the CSCS card finder on the CSCS website.
- Enter the qualification you have completed or intend on completing.
- Enter your occupation.
If you know what qualification you need, get in touch with us to learn more about pricing and timescales.
