CSCS cards explained
Green, blue, gold, black and white CSCS cards explained: who needs which, what qualifications and tests are required, how long it takes and what it costs.
What a CSCS card is
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme card proves that the holder has the training and qualifications for the job they do on site. Almost every principal contractor in the UK requires one at the gate. It isn't a legal requirement, but in practice you will not get on a managed site without it.
Which card for which job
| Card | Who it's for | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Green (Labourer) | General labourers, site operatives | Level 1 Award in H&S in a Construction Environment, plus the HS&E test |
| Blue (Skilled Worker) | Bricklayers, joiners, plasterers, groundworkers and other trades | NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in the trade, plus the HS&E test |
| Gold (Advanced Craft / Supervisor) | Advanced tradespeople and site supervisors | NVQ Level 3, plus the HS&E test (supervisors: the Supervisor test) |
| Black (Manager) | Site managers, contracts managers | NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Management, plus the Managers & Professionals test |
| White (AQP / PQP) | Professionally qualified or academically qualified staff | Relevant degree, HND or professional membership, plus the test |
| Red (Trainee / Apprentice / Experienced Worker) | People working towards a qualification | Registered on a recognised course or NVQ; temporary, usually 1–5 years |
Plant operators use CPCS or NPORS cards instead, which carry CSCS recognition. Scaffolders use CISRS. Electricians use ECS (JIB). Plumbers use JIB-PMES. All are accepted at the gate in place of a CSCS card for that trade.
How to get one
- Book and pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for your level (about £22, 45 minutes, multiple choice). Test centres are in every major town.
- Get the qualification your card needs. For a green card that's a one-day Level 1 H&S award. For blue and above, an NVQ, which can be done on site through an assessor if you already have the experience (the Experienced Worker route).
- Apply online at cscs.uk.com or by phone. The card costs £36 and normally arrives within a week.
How long it takes
Green card: a week or two from starting, if you book the course and test together. Blue card via an NVQ: three to six months, depending on how quickly the assessor can visit your site. Renewals are every five years and you need to retake the HS&E test.
Common problems
- Expired test. Your HS&E test pass is valid for two years for a card application. If you leave it longer, you retake it.
- Wrong card for the job. A green card doesn't cover skilled trade work. Sites will turn away a bricklayer holding a labourer's card.
- Lost card. Replacements are £36 and take about a week. In the meantime, most sites accept the CSCS Smart Check app or a confirmation from the CSCS helpline.
What we check
Every worker we supply has their card verified through CSCS Smart Check against the scheme, not just shown at the gate. Plant tickets are checked with CPCS or NPORS directly. If a card is due to expire during a placement, we flag it before the start date.
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