The short answer
There are five main CSCS card colours. Red cards are temporary, for trainees, apprentices and experienced workers registered on a qualification. Green is for labourers, blue for skilled workers with a Level 2 NVQ, gold for supervisors and advanced trades with a Level 3, and black for managers with a Level 4 to 7. You’ll also need a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass.
With new regulations being introduced, it’s very confusing to determine which CSCS Card is needed for your continued career in construction. At DMR, our entire focus is on your development and how to correctly progress within government guidelines.
Therefore, we’re here to make it easy for you.
Most principal contractors and major house builders require anybody working on their sites to hold a CSCS Card. It proves to employers that you have the necessary work experience, health and safety knowledge and skills to operate on a site.
Whether a CSCS card is a legal requirement to work on site is one of the most common questions we get.
That entirely depends on which qualification you’re trying to achieve.
Certain CSCS cards only require a one-day course, such as the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment for the green Labourer card.
However, training for an additional qualification may require a longer period of time to complete the course. These usually last 2 to 5 working days.
Complex qualifications usually last 2-3 weeks, this is when you’re working towards a full award, or covering multiple trades.
To be eligible for a CSCS Card, you must have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last two years.
After those two years, ensure you’re on top of your CSCS card renewal
For most cards, you also need to hold, or be registered on, an NVQ.
No, it’s a mandatory test required to be completed.
To pass the exam, you must have 90% of answers correct. That’s 45 out of 50 questions.
It’s typically known that CSCS tests are not as hard, provided you prepare beforehand.
At DMR, we provide a variety of webinars and online resources for those who want to prepare for the test more effectively.
No. The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test is taken at a Pearson test centre, or through CITB’s mobile testing service, not at home.
Different ranks within the industry require individual cards.
There are different types of red cards within the trainee and apprentice sections.
Five-Year Trainee cards are required for those who are currently attempting to qualify for their NVQ. These are non-renewable as it’s very much expected that those who hold these cards will complete their qualification within 5 years.
Two-Year Trainee cards can’t be renewed either, although holders can apply for a new three-year Trainee card.
Both need a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass and proof that you’re registered on a qualification.
These cards are for registered apprentices.
These are recognised for 4 years and 6 months and can’t be renewed. Similarly to trainees, it’s expected that the apprenticeship role will be completed before their red card expires.
Your first Labourer card is valid for two years. You can then renew it for five years, provided you can show evidence of labouring work.
You shouldn’t apply for this card if you’re a registered skilled worker, as these are for unskilled workers only.
Individuals who held a labourer card prior to February 2025 can renew for five years as long as they can show labouring work and a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass from the last two years
If you have been on the tools for years without the paperwork, the experienced worker CSCS card is the route in.
It’s very important to note that all individuals who have applied must first have completed their CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last 2 years.
These gold cards are awarded to individuals who have passed their Level 3 NVQ in a construction-related field.
This card is valid for 5 years before having to be renewed.
Management black cards are for individuals who have achieved a construction management or technical NVQ at Level 4 to 7, and passed the CITB Managers and Professionals test
Prices tend to differ regarding the level and type of CSCS card. That being said, the basic cost to gain a CSCS card is £36 for the application, and £23.50 for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
Level 1 Health and Safety Courses range from £120 – £150.
However, the blue, gold and black cards need an NVQ behind them, and a self-funded NVQ typically costs £1,000 to £2,500. Many NVQs are funded for eligible workers.
Your current level in your construction career should relate directly to your CSCS card. For example, if you’ve got the multi-trade CSCS card, then you’ll be considered a skilled worker.
If you are still unsure, you can Contact us below, and we’ll be able to get back to you shortly.
Yes, absolutely. It’s why we’re here.
We offer a multitude of support when you undergo training. Such as tailored training, in which we’ll give you guidance on test bookings, CSCS Card Applications, a personal account manager and a bespoke training plan.
We’re also committed to upskilling for anyone who wishes. As we can provide bite-sized training courses to help you understand your role better and to succeed in your chosen speciality.
Browse our Construction NVQs to find the one that gets you the card you need
