What Is a CSCS Card?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is the standard proof of occupational competence in the UK construction industry. Managed by CSCS Ltd and supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the scheme provides a means for construction workers, supervisors and managers to prove that they have the appropriate training, qualifications and health and safety awareness for the work they carry out on site.
While there is no legal requirement to hold a CSCS card, the overwhelming majority of UK construction sites — including virtually all sites managed by major contractors — require every person on site to hold a valid CSCS card as a condition of entry. The scheme was established in 1995 and now has over 2 million active cardholders across the United Kingdom.
CSCS Card Types and Colours
CSCS cards are colour-coded to indicate the holder’s level of qualification and competence. This allows site managers and security personnel to quickly identify whether a worker holds the appropriate level of certification for the work they are performing.
| Card Colour | Card Type | Qualification Required | HS&E Test | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Labourer | Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment (Level 1) or equivalent | Operatives | 5 years |
| Blue | Skilled Worker | NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or equivalent in a construction-related occupation | Operatives or Specialists | 5 years |
| Gold | Advanced Craft / Supervisory | NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or above, or equivalent supervisory qualification | MAP (Managers & Professionals) | 5 years |
| Black | Manager | NVQ/SVQ Level 6 or 7, or equivalent management qualification (e.g. NEBOSH Construction Certificate plus experience) | MAP (Managers & Professionals) | 5 years |
| White | Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) | Chartered status with a CSCS-approved professional body (e.g. CIOB, ICE, RICS, RIBA, IStructE) | MAP (Managers & Professionals) | 5 years |
| Red | Provisional / Trainee | Registered for, or recently completed, a relevant construction qualification | Operatives | 6 months (non-renewable) |
| Purple | Visitor (non-operative) | No construction qualifications required — visitors, clients, architects conducting inspections | Not required | N/A |
The Green Labourer Card
The Green CSCS card is the most common entry-level card for construction workers. It is aimed at general labourers who do not hold a trade-specific NVQ but need site access. To obtain a Green card, you must:
- Complete a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (or an approved equivalent such as the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course)
- Pass the Operatives HS&E test at a Pearson VUE test centre
- Apply for the card through the CSCS website or by post
The Green card is valid for 5 years. CSCS encourages Green cardholders to progress to a Blue Skilled Worker card by completing a relevant NVQ Level 2 qualification during the card’s validity period.
The Blue Skilled Worker Card
The Blue CSCS card is for workers who have achieved a nationally recognised craft qualification in their trade. This is the target card for most tradespeople — bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, painters, roofers, and other skilled trades. Requirements include:
- A relevant NVQ/SVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a recognised construction occupation
- A valid Operatives or Specialists HS&E test pass (depending on the trade)
The NVQ can be achieved through a formal apprenticeship, on-site assessment by an NVQ provider, or through an approved college course. The Blue card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed provided you still hold the relevant qualifications and a current HS&E test pass.
The Gold Advanced Craft / Supervisory Card
The Gold CSCS card is for workers with advanced qualifications, typically those in supervisory roles or with higher-level trade qualifications. To qualify for a Gold card, you must hold:
- An NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or above in a construction-related occupation, OR
- A relevant supervisory qualification (such as the CITB Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) in conjunction with an appropriate NVQ)
- A valid MAP test pass (for supervisory roles) or Operatives/Specialists test (for advanced craft roles)
The Gold card covers roles such as site supervisors, general foremen, trade foremen, and advanced craftspeople. It is valid for 5 years.
The Black Manager Card
The Black CSCS card is for construction managers and senior professionals. It requires a high-level management qualification and demonstrates that the holder has both the technical knowledge and management capability to oversee construction operations safely. Requirements include:
- An NVQ/SVQ Level 6 or 7 in a construction management discipline, OR
- A combination of a relevant degree, the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety, and demonstrable management experience
- A valid MAP test pass
Black cardholders typically include site managers, project managers, contracts managers, construction directors, and health and safety managers. The card is valid for 5 years.
The White Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) Card
The White CSCS card is reserved for chartered professionals who are members of a CSCS-approved professional institution. Eligible institutions include:
- CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
- ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
- RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
- IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
- CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers)
- And other approved bodies
Applicants must hold chartered status (not just membership) and pass the MAP test. The White card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed through the professional body’s continuing professional development (CPD) process.
The Red Provisional Card
The Red CSCS card (also known as the Provisional or Trainee card) is a short-term card for workers who are registered for or have recently completed a relevant construction qualification but have not yet received their certificate. Key points:
- Valid for 6 months only
- Cannot be renewed — you must progress to the appropriate card (Green, Blue, etc.) before it expires
- Requires an Operatives HS&E test pass
- Designed as a temporary measure, not a long-term solution
How to Apply for a CSCS Card
The application process for all CSCS cards follows a similar pathway:
- Identify the correct card type for your occupation and qualifications using the CSCS website card finder tool
- Obtain the required qualifications (NVQ, Level 1 Award, or chartered status as appropriate)
- Pass the relevant HS&E test (Operatives, Specialists, or MAP) at a Pearson VUE test centre (cost: £22.50)
- Apply online at cscs.uk.com or by post, providing proof of qualifications, a passport photograph, and the application fee
- Pay the card fee of £36
- Receive your card — typically within 10 working days of a successful application
CSCS Card Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| HS&E Test (Operatives, Specialists, or MAP) | £22.50 |
| CSCS Card Application | £36.00 |
| Card Renewal (every 5 years) | £36.00 |
| Level 1 H&S Award (if required for Green card) | £100–200 (varies by provider) |
| NVQ Level 2 (if required for Blue card) | £500–2,000 (varies by trade and provider) |