The Construction Skills Certification Scheme is a construction workplace training and qualification verification scheme. Holding a valid, in-date CSCS card shows that you have completed necessary training or qualifications that are essential for ensuring that you are able to work safely, or lead others safely.
What Are They Used For?
The CSCS scheme is used by sites all throughout the UK to confirm that employees have the expertise necessary to work there securely. As a result, some sites won’t hire you if you can’t show them your CSCS card. The improvement of standards and safety on UK construction sites is facilitated by CSCS cards, which serve the goal of highlighting the credentials of workers.
What Do the Different Card Colours Mean?
There are a host of different coloured cards under the CSCS. As you grow in experience and qualification, the colour of your card changes. They can also vary to reflect different occupations.
Labourer (Green)
The most common CSCS card is the CSCS Labourer’s Card which is obtained by sitting a two-day classroom course covering the essentials of health and safety, followed by undertaking an operative’s health, safety and environmental test (or ‘touch screen test) at a designated centre. This card is valid for five years.
Apprentice (Red)
This CSCS card is given to those who are on recognised apprenticeship. It is valid for four years and six months and cannot be renewed. Cardholders are expected to complete their apprenticeship by the expiry date and apply for a Skilled Worker CSCS card.
Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (Red)
This temporary card is available specifically to Supervisors, Managers and Technical Workers with on-the-job experience (normally at least one year in the last three) whom are registered to a complete a Construction Related Technical, Supervisory or Management NVQ or SVQ at Level 3 or higher. This card is valid for three years.
Experienced Worker (Red)
This temporary card is available specifically for workers with on-the-job experience (normally at least one year in the last three) who are registered to a complete a Construction Related NVQ or SVQ Level 2 or higher which is acceptable for a CSCS card.
Trainee Card (Red)
This temporary card is available if you are a trainee and registered to complete a construction related qualification. The qualification may be vocational, academic or professional, but must be acceptable for a Skilled Worker card. This card is valid for five years and cannot be renewed.
Blue Skilled Worker (Blue)
You can apply for this card if you have either achieved a construction related NVQ/SVQ level 2 or have completed an apprenticeship, a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate or a CSCS Approved Trailblazer. This card is valid for five years.
Gold Skilled Worker (Gold)
Holders of this card must have either; achieved a construction related NVQ or SVQ 3, completed an approved indentured apprenticeship (e.g., with NJCBI, BATJIC etc.), completed an employer sponsored apprenticeship which included the achievement of a City and Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate. This card is valid for five years.
Supervisory (Gold)
This card is available for supervisor and technical occupations subject to the achievement of; construction related supervisory/technical NVQ/SVQ level 3 or 4, or occupational work supervision NVQ/SVQ level 3 (including proof of endorsed occupation). This card is valid for five years.
Manager (Black)
This card is available for manager and technical occupations subject to; achievement or a relevant construction management/technical related NVQ/SVQ level 5, 6 or 7, a SVQ level 4 in construction management/technical related qualification, or holding a pre-existing NVQ level 4 in construction management. This card is valid for five years.
Academically Qualified Person (Silver)
This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas. This card is valid for five years.
Professionally Qualified Person (Silver)
This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies. All applicants must pass the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test or an approved alternative. This card is valid for five years and cannot be renewed.
Can You Work on a Building Site Without a CSCS Card?
While it is not a legislative requirement, most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card before they are allowed on the worksite.
How Do You Get Your CSCS Card?
If you have achieved the correct qualifications and completed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the previous two years, get in touch with the CSCS Contact Centre on 0344 994 4777 to apply for your card.
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