Just like a driving license decides whether you age enough to drive a vehicle, a CSCS card clarifies your qualifications for working in a construction site. In order to get a CSCS card, you need to sit a CSCS test, or CITB Health, safety and environment test that aims to raise standards across the construction industry. This article, therefore, will provide you with detailed information of CSCS card types.

1. What is a CSCS card?

CSCS, at first, is an acronym of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists, or Construction Skills Certification Scheme, that ensures the standard to work on construction sites with appropriate qualifications and training for the job. A CSCS card is the proof for your eligible skills and knowledge of the work type you are carrying out.

 

what is a cscs card

A CSCS card has certain functions in making sure the construction sites hazard-free and safe from any risks. Moreover, the employer also use CSCS card as a regular means of checking workers’ attendance or database.

The design of a CSCS card varies in different colors based on diverse types of card you own. Normally, in each CSCS card, there will be your Full name, Registration Number, Expiry Ends, and Job Title.

2. How many CSCS card types are there?

CSCS card types are divided into different job titles and each has its respective color. Let’s find out what each color relates to each type of CSCS card.

2.1. Green CSCS Card – Green CSCS Labourer Card

  • This type of card is used for an entry-level position such as carpentry, bricklaying or pluming, etc. 
  • Valid time is within 5 years.
  • In order to apply for the Green CSCS Card, you need to meet these qualifications:
    – CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for operatives
    – Level 1 award in a construction environment

green cscs labourer card

2.2. Red CSCS Card – Red CSCS Apprentice Card

  • This card demonstrates your training as an apprentice on an accredited training period scheme recognised by CSCS. 
  • Valid time is within 4 years and 6 months and the card cannot be renewed.
  • You need to:
    – Register an apprenticeship scheme
    – Pass a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for operatives

red cscs apprentice card

2.3. Red CSCS Card – Red CSCS Experienced Technical Supervisor or Manager Card

  • People with practical experience and who are currently studying toward a construction-related qualification should apply for this card. Hence, this is a temporary card and can be upgraded after the completion of construction qualification.
  • Valid time is within 3 years and the card cannot be renewed.
  • Applicants need to have experience working within this role on-site in one year or SVQ Level 3 or higher.

red cscs experienced technical supervisor or manager card

2.4. Red CSCS Card – Red CSCS Experienced Worker Card 

  • The cardholder must be a worker having experience or being in the process of finishing a qualification of construction. This card is also another temporary card.
  • Valid time is within one year and the card cannot be renewed.
  • Followings are the requirement to get CSCS Experienced Worker Card:
    – 1-year experience in a construction-related role
    – Carrying out a CSCS recognised NVQ/SVQ qualification

red cscs experienced worker card

2.5. Red CSCS Card – Red CSCS Trainee Card

  • As its name suggests, this card is for those who tend to start out their career in the construction industry. 
  • Valid time of CSCS Trainee Card is within 5 years and the card cannot be renewed.
  • The trainees need to have:
    – in-depth knowledge of construction field
    – a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for operatives within the last 2 years

red cscs trainee card

2.6. Red CSCS Card – Red CSCS Provisional Card

  • Workers who are on probationary period can be applied for this card so that employers can determine whether they are suitable for the employment.
  • Red CSCS Provisional Card is valid within 6 months and the card cannot be renewed.
  • The criteria for applicants is to pass the CITB Health Safety and Environment Test within the last 2 years.

red cscs provisional card

2.7. Blue CSCS Card – Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card

  • This card is for workers achieving a construction-related qualification or completing an apprenticeship.
  • Valid time is within five years and the card can be renewed. 
  • Followings are the criteria for the cardholders to apply for Blue CSCS Card:
    – a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for Operatives, Specialist or Managers & Professionals
    – Level 2 NVQ or SVQ
    – NARIC report and certificate equivalent to NVQ level 2
    – Apprenticeship that is sponsored by employers

blue cscs skilled worker card

2.8. Gold CSCS Card – Gold CSCS Advance Craft Card

  • The cardholders can be considered as highly-skilled workers in the construction industry and own advanced NVQ/SVQ qualifications.
  • Valid time is within 5 years and the card is eligible for renewal
  • You need a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for operatives or specialists to apply for the card.

gold cscs advance craft card

2.9. Gold CSCS Card – Gold CSCS Supervisory Card

  • The Gold CSCS Supervisory Card is for those achieving advanced qualifications and having experience as a supervisor for other workers. 
  • Valid time is within 5 years.
  • To apply a Gold CSCS Supervisory Card, you need to:
    – pass a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for supervisors.
    – level 3 (occupational work supervisor) or a level 4 (site supervisor) NVQ or SVQ qualification.

2.10. Black CSCS Card – Black CSCS Manager Card

  • The Black CSCS Manager Card is considered as the highest level CSCS card that is used for managers or technicians (e.g. project manager, site manager, etc.).
  • Valid time is within 5 years.
  • Applicants need to meet the following requirements:
    – a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for Managers and Professionals within the last 2 years
    – experience in managing within the construction field
    – high-level qualifications related to construction (e.g. NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6, or 7 within a Construction Management/Technical related subject)

black cscs manager card

2.11. White CSCS Card – White CSCS Academically Qualified Person Card

  • This card is suitable for those completing certificates or degree related to construction industry such as HNCs, HNDs, CIOB, etc. 
  • Valid time is within 5 years and the card cannot be renewed.
  • To apply for this card, you need a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for Managers and Professionals.

white cscs academically qualified person card

2.12. White CSCS Card – White CSCS Professionally Qualified Person Card

  • The White CSCS Professionally Qualified Person Card is for those working in a professtional position that requires a visit to a construction site (e.g. architect, surveyor, etc.)
  • Valid time is within 5 years and the card cannot be renewed.
  • You also need a CITB Health Safety and Environment Test for Managers and Professionals in order to get this card.

white cscs professionally qualified person card

>> Read more: How To Successfully Get A CSCS White Card

3. Does a CSCS card serve as a legal requirement?

Owning a CSCS card is optional for now, which means there is no specific legal requirement for those working in the construction industry. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to have a CSCS card since it confirms your knowledge and tranining on construction site. Besides, the number of construction firms requiring a CSCS card before entering the site is on the increase, so applying for a CSCS card will be the best choice.

4. How to get a CSCS card?

In the first place, you should identify which CSCS cars is suitable for your choice as well as your qualifications.

Then, a CSCS test, or CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test will be neccesary to be taken with the cost of around £22.

After preparing the appropropriate qualifications and completing a CSCS test within the last 2 years, you can dial 0344 994 4777 for your CSCS card and you will be instructed carefully.

5. How much does a CSCS card cost?

For now, you need to pay £36 for a CSCS card via a credit card or debit card. Try to keep your CSCS card safe.

In case you lose your CSCS card and want to replace a new one, you may ask for the help of the CSCS online application service.

6. How to prepare for the CSCS Test, or CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test,  to get a CSCS Card?

In order to get a CSCS Card, the CSCS test, or CITB Health, Safety and Environment test is a compulsory requirement. You should read a variety of questions carefully and practice as much as you can so that you can conquer any type of questions. Our website is such of a good place for you to start your learning and practicing CSCS journey. Let’s practice with the CSCS Online Test right now!