One of the questions I get asked about the CSCS card is, “What are the minimum requirements for CSCS cards in the construction industry?’
Well, the minimum requirement for obtaining a CSCS card are that you have taken and passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (also known as the touch screen test), and that you have the relevant qualifications for the particular card you’re applying for. For example, for the Green Labourer Card, this would be the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification.
Once you’ve acquired the necessary documents and provided proof of sufficient training and experience, you can easily apply for your desired card on the CSCS website.
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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?
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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.
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What is a CSCS card?
CSCS cards (that’s Construction Skills Certification Scheme for the uninitiated) are proof that you’ve got the training and qualifications to work safely on a construction site. Simple as that.
According to the official CSCS website, the purpose of the card is to:
“provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site.”
CSCS cards are managed by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). You’ll need:
- To pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test (also called the touch screen test).
- The right qualification for the card you’re applying for.
The Different Types of CSCS Cards
There are different types of CSCS cards. Below are the various types available, each with its color and set of requirements for CSCS Cards:
Green CSCS Card (Labourer)
If you’re just starting out in construction, the Green CSCS Card is your first stop. To get this card, you need to do two things:
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test (also known as the CITB touch-screen test).
- Earn the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll be eligible for the full Green Labourer card.
Pro tip: If you’ve only passed the CITB test, you can apply for a temporary CSCS card, but it only lasts 6 months—and not every site will accept it. You’ll need the full qualification to get the five-year version.
Keep in mind that after passing the course, you should wait at least 24 hours before you start to apply for a CSCS card.
Other CSCS Cards:
- Blue Card (Skilled Worker): Requires an NVQ Level 2 qualification.
- Gold Card (Supervisor/Advanced Craft): NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
- Black Card (Manager): For site managers with NVQ Level 5, 6, or 7.
- Academically Qualified Person (AQP): For those with construction-related degrees.
- Professionally Qualified Person (PQP): If you’re a member of a professional body like IOSH.
These higher-level cards are worth pursuing as you advance in your career.
You can learn more about the different types of CSCS cards in the infographics below:
The Requirements for CSCS Cards
In this section, I will be breaking down in greater detail the requirements for a CSCS Cards mentioned above.
The CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course
The CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course is a one-day training course that teaches students about health and safety on the job site.
The test takes about 45 minutes and covers basic health, safety, and environmental knowledge. You’ll answer 50 multiple-choice questions.
This course is a major requirement for all CSCS cards, just like the CITB Touch Screen course is.
After you’ve passed this test, remember to wait at least 24 hours before you start to apply for a CSCS card.
Industry-Specific Qualifications
When applying for a CSCS Card, you must have the proper qualifications first. However, each industry has specific qualifications required for all applicants before they can be approved for certain cards.
The CSCS website features updated qualifications you should look for. Below are some of them:
NVQs/SVQs
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) measure your competency in a set of frameworks from a particular skill.
Level 2 NVQs are required for blue-skilled CSCS cards, Level 3 NVQs are required for gold cards, and Level 5, 6, and 7 NVQs are required for black cards.
NVQs are typically assessed on a portfolio of evidence from an applicant and on practical assignments.
In Scotland, however, they use Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) instead of the NVQs, but their qualifications are similar.
Card/s you can apply for with this qualification:
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is when an employer takes on an apprentice as a paid employee. They will provide them with training and recognized apprenticeship standards as they work. At the end of an apprenticeship, they will be assessed.
Card/s you can apply for with this qualification:
3. Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNCs/HNDs)
Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas are the courses higher education colleges provide on technical skills. HNDs are a level higher than HNCs as they take longer to complete. An HNC course typically takes a year (2 if taken part-time), while an HND course takes two years (4 if taken part-time).
Card/s you can apply with this qualification:
4. Postgraduate Certificates/Diplomas and Degrees
Postgraduate certifications, diplomas, and degrees are qualifications awarded by a qualified institution, typically a college or a university.
There are three levels to a degree, including:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctorate
Card/s you can apply with this qualification:
5. Membership in a Professional Body
Professional Body Memberships are allowed by the CSCS as a qualification. These professional bodies assess the competency of their members as part of their membership.
Card/s you can apply with this qualification:
6. Historical Qualifications
CSCS recognizes that most construction workers may hold several qualifications that are no longer available, like:
- City & Guilds Craft (Advanced Craft)
- Approved/Indentured/Employer Apprenticeships
7. Construction-Related Degrees
This qualification is usually required for Academically Qualified Persons (AQP) CSCS Cards, valid for 5 years. This includes CIOB Certificates, NEBOSH Diplomas, and HNDs and HNCs.
8. Trade-Specific Qualifications
Trade-specific qualifications vary depending on the type of job you plan on applying for.
Please know that this is only a general guide on the industry-specific qualifications, and it’s still better to check out the CSCS website to confirm the details.
If you’re unsure which qualification you need, use the CSCS Card Finder tool online.
How to apply for a CSCS Card
The application for a CSCS card is pretty quick, and you can complete it in less than an hour online.
What You’ll Need
- Proof of your qualification for the specific card you want (e.g. for the Green Labourer card, it’s the Level 1 Health and Safety qualification)
- Your CITB test pass letter (which should have your CITB Testing ID)
- A credit or debit card for the fee (it’s currently £36).
If you’ve passed the test within the last two years, you’re all set to apply for your CSCS card.
Once you’ve got all this sorted, simply log into your CSCS online account and follow the step-by-step instructions to apply. And if you need a little extra help, I’ve attached a video above that’ll walk you through the application process.
FAQS
Once your application is approved and you meet the requirements for CSCS cards, your physical card will be delivered to your address within 3 to 5 days.
According to the information provided on the CSCS website, if the card hasn’t arrived within four weeks, you’re to contact CSCS. However, if 90 days have passed and your card still hasn’t been delivered, your application will be considered closed.
Since the CSCS card serves as proof of training and qualifications for working on construction sites, not meeting the minimum requirements means you won’t be eligible for the card.
And without a CSCS card, likely, you won’t be allowed to work on most construction sites, as many employers and site managers require workers to hold a valid card as a condition of employment.
In some situations, you can work in construction without a CSCS card, but it might reduce your available opportunities. For instance, if you exclusively work within the domestic sector, the requirements for CSCS cards might not arise frequently.
However, when it comes to larger projects or those commissioned by the government, most contractors and clients prefer workers who have a card. In the end, CSCS cards are a tool, and it’s the employers who decide if they want to use them.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking, “what are the minimum requirements for CSCS cards,” I hope this post has provided all the information you need. The process should be quick if you have the qualifications and valid documents required.
When I was starting out, I saw plenty of skilled workers turned away from jobs because they didn’t have the right card. It’s frustrating to watch, especially when they were more than capable. Don’t let that happen to you.
If you’re serious about getting into construction, or moving up the ranks, take the time to get your card. Start with the Green Card if you’re new, and work your way up. It’s a small investment that pays off in the long run.
And if you need help with your training, check out my One-Day Health & Safety Course to get started.
If you’ve got any questions about CSCS cards, drop them in the comments. I’ve probably heard it before, and I’m always happy to help.
