If you’re working in the construction industry, or planning to get into it, you’ve probably come across the Green CSCS card. It’s the go to certification for people just getting into the industry as a labourer, but huge changes are coming into place in 2025 that could affect how long your card lasts and what it means for your career.
Starting February 1st, 2025, the construction skills certification scheme (CSCS) is rolling out major updates to the Green labourer Card. This is because the industry is raising the bar for competency, improving safety standards, and ensuring the card is held by those who truly need it.
So, whether you’re a seasoned labourer, new to the industry or an employer, these updates matter. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s changing, why it’s happening and what it means for you
Key Changes to the Green Labourer Card
Reduced Initial Validity Period
- Initially, people could possess the Green CSCS Card for 5 years, however this has now been decreased to 2 years.
- After the initial 2-year period, workers who continue in labouring roles can renew their card for 5 years, provided they can demonstrate they are actively employed in a labouring role.
Why this matters: This change ensures that only those genuinely working as labourers hold the card, reducing the oversupply of cards in circulation.
Encouraging Career Progression
CSCS is encouraging new entrants to be working towards a higher NVQ whilst they own the Green CSCS Card, supporting long-term career development.
Why this matters: This shift promotes higher qualifications and better career opportunities, moving away from the Labourer card being seen as a default option for site access.
Extended CITB Test Validity
The CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test, required for the Labourer card, will now be valid for 3 years instead of 2.
Why this matters: This reduces the financial and administrative burden on workers who need to renew their cards, as they won’t have to retake the test as frequently.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The updates are part of a broader effort to align with the Building Safety Act, which emphasises the importance of competence in the construction industry. Competence includes having the right skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to perform a role safely and effectively.
Additionally, the changes address the current oversupply of Labourer cards. With 500,000 cards in circulation but only 140,000 labourers projected to be needed annually by 2028, it’s clear that many cardholders are not actively working in labouring roles. Data shows that 85% of Labourer cardholders do not renew their cards, and many leave the industry before their cards expire.
By reducing the initial validity period and requiring proof of employment for renewal, CSCS aims to ensure the card is only held by those genuinely working in labouring roles.
What Does This Mean for Workers?
New Entrants: If you’re just starting in the construction industry, definitely still apply for the Green CSCS Card, but make sure to focus on your progression towards higher CSCS cards, for example the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card
Current Green CSCS Card holders: If you’re actively working in a labouring role, you’ll need to renew your card after 2 years and provide proof of employment to qualify for a 5-year renewal.
Employers: Ensure your workforce holds the appropriate cards and meets the competency requirements outlined in the Building Safety Act.
Final Thoughts
Although this change may require people to renew their certifications, this process is a positive step towards ensuring a safer, more competent, and better qualified construction workforce. By encouraging higher qualifications and reducing the oversupply of cards, CSCS is helping to build a stronger foundation for the industry’s future.
If you want to find out more about these changes, make sure to refer to the official CSCS website to learn more
If you’re looking to get into the construction industry, or upskill yourself, make sure to fill in the form below!
