Qualifications Required for a CSCS Card

The qualifications required to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card depend largely on the type of card you need and the work you’re tasked to do on a construction site. Before deciding on which training courses you need to book, the first port of call is knowing what the different CSCS card types are, and the differences between them.

As it stands, there are different CSCS cards available for different roles and experience levels. These are:

• Labourer (Green Card)
• Skilled Worker (Blue Card)
• Supervisor (Gold Card)
• Manager (Black Card)
• There are also cards specific for Apprentices, Trainees and Visitors

If you’re unsure, you can use the CSCS Card Finder tool. This is free to use and can be found on the CSCS website.

Train to Obtain the Right Qualifications

Now you know the different card types, and hopefully which card you need, you now need to explore the training requirements. Each card requires a different qualification.

We have included links below where applicable to easily find these on our website. A list of available courses/locations will display on these pages.

For a Green Labourer Card:

• Complete a Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification (often a one-day course).
• Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test (Operatives test).

For Skilled Worker Cards (Blue Card):

• You’ll need an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant construction trade. We offer a wide range of Blue Card Competent Operator courses
• Pass the CITB HS&E Test (Operatives or Specialist depending on your role).

For Supervisory/Managerial Cards (Gold/Black):

• Gold Supervisor Card: Obtaining this requires NVQ Level 3-4 in Occupational Work Supervision. Candidates must obtain this in one or more specific areas including Supervision, Buying, Planning or Residential Development. We have a wide range of CSCS Gold Card options available.
• Black Manager Card: those who wish to hold this card will need to undertake an NVQ Level 5, 6 or 7 in Construction Management – this can be in a range of areas including buying, estimating, planning, residential and civil development and building and civil engineering. We have a wide range of CSCS Black Card options available.

Passing the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test

This is a multiple-choice test at an approved test centre. It takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll need to pass it for most CSCS Cards.

The test is designed to assess your understanding of important topics like hazard awareness, working at height, manual handling, and environmental safety. It’s a multiple-choice exam, typically lasting 45 minutes, with 50 questions to answer. The pass mark for most versions of the test is 45 out of 50. There are different versions of the HS&E Test, including the Operatives Test, Specialist Test, and the Managers and Professionals Test - so it’s important to book the one that matches your role on-site.

Apply for the CSCS Card

Once you’ve got the right qualification and passed your HS&E Test (within the last 2 years), apply for your card online at www.cscs.uk.com. There is a fee, usually around £36 (this may change). Please note that we do not apply for the card on your behalf.