CSCS cards explained

What it is

A card showing the holder has the training and qualifications for their job in construction, and has passed a health and safety test. The type of card, and its colour, shows their level: trainee, labourer, skilled worker, supervisor or manager.

Most cards need the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test at the right level, passed within the last two years, both for a new card and for a renewal.

Who needs it

People working on UK construction sites. It isn't a legal requirement, but most main contractors require a card, and CSCS warns that holding the wrong one can get you refused entry to site. Office staff who rarely visit site, and people doing non-construction jobs there, shouldn't be expected to carry one.

The main cards and how long they last

From CSCS's own card pages:

• Labourer (green): for unskilled labouring only. Since February 2025 the first card lasts two years, and needs the HS&E test plus a Level 1 health and safety award. Renewing needs a declaration from the employer.
• Skilled Worker (blue): an NVQ or SVQ at level 2, or an approved apprenticeship. Five years, renewable.
• Skilled Worker (gold): an NVQ or SVQ at level 3, or an approved apprenticeship. Five years, renewable.
• Supervisory: a supervisory NVQ or SVQ at level 3 or 4. Five years, renewable.
• Manager (black): a construction management NVQ or SVQ at level 4 to 7. Five years, renewable.
• Apprentice (red): four years and six months. Can't be renewed.
• Trainee (red): for people registered on a qualification. Can't be renewed: the holder moves on to a skilled card once qualified.
• Provisional: six months, for probation or people new to construction. Can't be renewed.
• Experienced Worker: one year, while working towards an NVQ. Can't be renewed.

Renewing

Renew in the My CSCS app, or employers can renew for their workers on CSCS Online. You can renew from six months before the expiry date to a year after it, using the same qualification as before and an HS&E test passed in the last two years. More than a year after expiry it can no longer be renewed. Someone who has changed role or gained a new qualification may need a different card instead.

Cards based on a Construction Related Occupation or on Industry Accreditation have been withdrawn, so anyone still relying on one needs a qualification-based card.

Checking a card is genuine

Use CSCS Smart Check, on the website or the app, by scanning the card's QR code, tapping it, or typing in its details. CSCS says looking at a card won't spot one that's fake, revoked or obtained by fraud. Smart Check covers cards from the other schemes that carry the CSCS logo too, such as CPCS, NPORS and EUSR.