A CSCS Card is a physical card provided by the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) to those who have completed both the required NVQ and CITB health and safety test. These cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. However, the type of card you have may affect how long your CSCS card is valid for.
This guide will explain how long a CSCS card lasts for and explain the process of renewal.
Important: Industry accredited CSCS cards have now expired (31st December 2023). Jump to Industry accredited CSCS cards.
How Long Does a CSCS Card Last For?
A standard CSCS Card will last for 5 years from the date of issue, this is providing it is a green, blue, gold or black CSCS card. Red CSCS cards are the only exemption to this and can be a little more confusing, generally lasting a shorter period of time due to them being temporary cards.
How Do I Renew my CSCS Card?
In order to renew a CSCS card you must have completed a relevant CITB health and safety test within the last 2 years. You can learn more about what specific CITB health and safety test you need to do on the CITB website.
Upon completion of your CITB health and safety test, commonly referred to as the touchscreen test, you will be able to apply for your CSCS card.
Learn more: How much does a CSCS Card Cost?
Industry Accredited CSCS Cards
How long does a CSCS card last for if I got it on grandfather rights/ Industry Accreditation?
In the past, CSCS cards were able to be industry accredited to those with a wealth of industry experience. However, all Industry accredited CSCS cards issued from 1st of January 2020 expired on the 31st December 2024.
If you hold an industry accredited CSCS card, this has now expired.
What You Need to do Next
You will need to complete a relevant NVQ for the card you used to hold. CSCS cards are supported by NVQs (apart from red CSCS cards) which evidence that you in progress of completing a NVQ qualification.
If you wish to maintain an industry accredited CSCS card, you will need to complete an NVQ to apply. See the list below for what NVQ you’ll need to replace your card.
Blue CSCS Card: NVQ Level 2
Gold CSCS Card: NVQ Level 3/ NVQ Level 4
Black CSCS Card: NVQ Level 6/ NVQ Level 7
If you know what NVQ you need, click on the page you need and get in touch!
Red CSCS Cards
How long does a CSCS card is a seemingly simple question, however this can get complicated when considering red CSCS cards. These cards are not able to be renewed and are intended to be temporary. Holding a red CSCS card is usually used to indicate that you are working towards a qualification or are in a probationary period.
Red CSCS Card: Apprentice
This card is for those on a recognised apprenticeship scheme. These red CSCS cards are valid for 4 years and 6 months from the date of issue.
Red CSCS Card: Experienced Technical Supervisor or Manager
This Card is for those enrolled in an NVQ level 3. This card is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. This is intended to be a temporary Gold CSCS Card, whilst you complete your NVQ level 3.
Are you interested in getting your gold card free of charge?
Learn more about our Free Courses for Jobs: Fully funded NVQ Level 3.
Red CSCS Card: Experienced Worker
This is for those enrolled on a NVQ level 2 or NVQ level 3 in a specific trade, but are employed with at least one year “on the job” experience. This red CSCS card is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
Red CSCS Card: Trainee
This card is for trainees who are registered on a construction related qualification but are working towards this as a trainee. These cards are valid for 5 years.
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