The total cost of getting the Green Labourer CSCS card is £157.50, of which the breakdown is:
- CSCS Card Fee: £36 (this is the fee for the card itself)
- CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test: £22.50 (this test is essential, and you won’t get your CSCS card without passing it)
- Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction Environment Course: £99 (required for the Green Labourer card, unless you already have an equivalent qualification)
There are other types of CSCS cards, and the costs can vary. However, most people starting their career in construction go for the Green Labourer card. To apply, you’ll need to complete these three steps, which will cost a total of £157.50.
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Getting your Green CSCS Card is a great step towards a career in construction, but £157.50 is not pocket change. So why not make every penny count?
I’ve helped so many people pass their Level 1 CSCS course on the first try, and I’ll help you too.
When you book your Level 1 Health & Safety course with me, I’ll personally guide you through everything you need to prepare for the test and your CSCS card application, ensuring you pass on your first attempt.
Call me today on +44 (0) 20 8059 3633, and I’ll help you with every step of the process—from preparation for your test to completing your application for the Green CSCS Card.
Ready to Get Your CSCS Green Card?
Ready to Get Your CSCS Green Card?
Types of CSCS Cards & the Costs
Now, onto the big question – how much does it cost to get a CSCS card? Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards come in different types, each with its respective cost. But here’s the basic:
Every type of CSCS card has an application fee of £36. On top of that, there’s the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test (widely known as the CSCS test). You’ll have to shell out another £22.50 for that. And remember: no passing grade on the CITB test means no CSCS card!
Now let’s talk specifics. Below are the costs of some specific types of CSCS cards in 2024:
CSCS Green Card (Labourer)
If you’re starting in construction or looking to boost your chances of getting a job on a site, the Green Labourer CSCS card is likely the one you’ll need. Here’s the breakdown:
- CSCS Card Fee: £36
- CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test: £22.50
- Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction Environment Course: £99
That brings us to a total of £157.50 for the Green Labourer card. It’s a decent chunk of change, but let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. Not only does it show that you’ve got the basics of health and safety under your belt, but it’s a key to getting your foot in the door on most construction sites.
How to Get a CSCS Green Labourer Card
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Complete the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Course
This course can be taken online or in a classroom. It equips you with the knowledge you need to work safely on a construction site. - Book and Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test
The CITB test is a 45-minute exam with 50 multiple-choice questions. It’s important to study for this test as it ensures you’re prepared for site-specific hazards. - Apply for Your CSCS Card
Once you’ve completed the course and passed the test, you can apply for your CSCS Green Labourer Card through the official CSCS website. The card will be valid for 5 years
CSCS Blue Card (Skilled Worker)
This particular card indicates that you’ve got vocational skills within your chosen trade.
The cost? You’re looking at £36 for the card fee, £22.50 for the CITB test, plus the cost of your NVQ/SVQ qualification.
Gold CSCS Cards (Advanced Craft/Supervisory)
If you’re in a supervisory or advanced craft role, the Gold Card is what you need. But be warned – this one’s pricey. Depending on your qualifications, the cost can range anywhere from £1,495 to £2,450 for the NVQ/SVQ level 3 or 4. And yes, you’ll still need to pay for the CITB test.
Gold CSCS Card (Supervisor)
This other Gold Card designed for supervisors has a similar range in terms of cost.
It all depends on your qualification, but it does require an NVQ certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or a level 4 NVQ/SVQ, and the costs can also span from £1,495 to £2,450. And yes, there’s the CITB test too at £22.50!
Black CSCS Card (Manager/ Professional)
For those working at the managerial level, the Black Card is the one to go for. It requires more advanced qualifications, and the costs are similar to the Gold Card. Again, you’ll need your NVQ/SVQ and the CITB test.
Red CSCS Cards (Trainee/Experienced)
If you’re just starting out or have some experience but no formal qualifications, you might opt for a Red CSCS card. The fee is the same as the Green card: £36, with the HS&E test fee.
White CSCS Cards
We’ve got two types of White cards – one for professionally qualified people; and another specifically tailored for academically qualified individuals.
The cscs card price here depend on your existing qualifications and whether or not you need further training.
And there you have it! A rundown on how much a CSCS card is depending on which color suits your needs best!
Additional Costs to Consider (training & renewal)
Aside from the basic application fees and tests that I’ve already discussed, some additional expenses could be part of the process.
- Price of training courses or qualification requirement: Depending on your role and existing qualifications, you might need to take extra courses. The Green card’s Level 1 Health and Safety course, for example, is £99, but there could be other courses specific to your trade. And if you’re going for the Blue Skilled Worker card, you’ll need an NVQ/SVQ in your trade.
- Retakes: If you don’t pass your CITB test or practical skills assessment on the first go, you’ll need to pay for retakes.
- Lost or damaged Cards: If you lose your card or it gets damaged, it’ll cost you £36 to replace it.
- Card renewal costs: Most CSCS cards last five years. When your card expires, you’ll need to renew it, which costs £36. Plus, you’ll have to retake the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test, which costs another £22.50. So, keep that in mind for the future.
FAQS
The validity of your CSCS card depends on the type of card you have. Most CSCS cards are valid for 5 years, but there are exceptions. For example, the “Provisional Card“ is only valid for 6 months.
Once you receive your new card, check the expiry date printed on it. This will let you know when it’s time to renew or upgrade your card.
Wondering how much it costs to renew your CSCS card? The renewal fee for all CSCS cards is £36.
However, this is just the fee for the card itself. There are additional costs to keep in mind:
Before renewing your card, you must retake and pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test (also known as the CSCS Test) within 2 years. This ensures you’re up to date on health and safety regulations required on-site. The cost for the CSCS test is £22.50.
The renewal process starts 6 months before your card’s expiry date and continues for 6 months after. During this period, you’ll need to:
- Provide evidence of any updated qualifications.
- Retake and pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test.
- Inform CSCS if there have been any changes in your occupation.
Once you have everything ready, simply call the CSCS Contact Centre or visit the CSCS website to pay the £36 renewal fee (make sure to have your debit or credit card ready).
If you’ve lost or damaged your CSCS card, getting a replacement will cost you £36.
Here’s how to request a replacement:
By phone: Call the CSCS Contact Centre at 0344 994 4777. They’re available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Note: phone applications may take longer than online applications).
Online: Apply directly through the CSCS website. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to create one during the process.
Your replacement card will be identical to your previous one, including the same expiry date!
So, you’re probably wondering – is it all worth it? Absolutely. The CSCS card isn’t just about the cost. It’s an investment in your career.
I remember when I first got my own CSCS card years ago. I was working in a warehouse at the time, and I’d been picking up work here and there, but I knew I needed something more concrete.
The Green card was the key that unlocked better job opportunities. I ended up getting involved in a safety role at an airport, and from there, my career took off.
Having a CSCS card shows employers that you’re serious about safety. It’s a badge of credibility. And really about creating a safer work environment for everyone around you.
It’s about getting the right qualifications, gaining the experience you need, and stepping into new job opportunities.
And let’s be honest, in the long run, it’s a small price to pay for a career in construction with the right health and safety practices in place.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking yourself, “how much is a CSCS card?” I hope this breakdown has been helpful to you.
If you’re ready to get started with your Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction Environment course, I’m here to help you every step of the way. No one wants to take the test more than once, so why not train with an expert to get it right the first time?
Give me a call or shoot me an email, and let’s get you certified.
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