UNDERSTANDING CSCS CARDS

A CSCS card is very important if you work in the construction sector. A CSCS card is proof that you are fully qualified in your trade to a certain standard, allowing you to access different kinds of work on-site. A CSCS card is the construction industry’s way of making sure you can do the work that you say you can. 

In order to get certain CSCS cards, you will need to pass an NVQ corresponding to the level of the CSCS card that you need. For example, to get your blue CSCS card, you will need to pass a level 2 NVQ qualification in your chosen occupational area. Here at DMR Training, we can help you get your CSCS card by providing funded NVQs to those who are eligible. If you’re a construction worker looking to level up your CSCS card but need that all-important NVQ, get in touch with us today to see if you’re eligible for funding.

The requirements for getting your CSCS card depend on which CSCS card you need. For example, for the red and green CSCS cards, you will not need to have an NVQ as they are more temporary cards. However, if you want a blue CSCS card, you will need to have a level 2 NVQ in your chosen occupational area, (e.g bricklaying.) The Gold CSCS cards require you to have an NVQ at level 3 or 4, and black CSCS cards require you to have level 6 or 7 NVQs. 

For many CSCS cards, you will need to pass your NVQ. Here’s where we can help – we can help provide funded NVQ construction qualifications to help you get your CSCS card. To check if you’re eligible for funding, please get in touch with us here. We also provide commercial NVQs if you need to get your CSCS card, so please contact us today!

In the past, construction workers could achieve their CSCS card through Industry Accreditation, known as Grandfather Rights. However, in December 2024, Grandfather Rights will come to an end. This means that all CSCS cards earned through Industry Accreditation will expire on 31st December, 2024 – and after this, they won’t be able to be renewed. After this point, you will need to have the appropriate NVQ in order to achieve your CSCS card – but don’t worry, you won’t have to go back to school or college. At DMR, our on-site assessment means that you can achieve that all-important NVQ while you work – meaning you can get your NVQ and CSCS card while still working.

CSCS cards are very important when it comes to keeping people safe on-site and making sure construction sites run smoothly. A CSCS card proves that you have the skills and training to do the job that you do on site. It’s important that construction sites enforce these standards, so it can ensure that the workforce are adequately qualified. CSCS cards are an essential part of improving safety and standards on construction sites throughout the UK. 

Getting higher level CSCS cards can also enable you to access more work, especially in the sustainable construction sector. If you need to get your NVQ so you can get a CSCS card, we may be able to help you. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible for a funded NVQ today.

Having a CSCS card is not a legal requirement – it is entirely up to the individual contractor or client whether their construction workers need a valid CSCS card before they are allowed on site. However, the vast majority of contractors and builders require workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card. Getting a CSCS card is one of the best things you can do for your construction career, and our on-site NVQ assessments help you get that all important card.

CSCS cards are not a legal requirement – it is entirely up to the individual contractor whether construction workers need CSCS cards to work on site. However, the vast majority of construction contractors and builders will require you to get a CSCS card. If you don’t get a CSCS card, you could potentially be unable to access work on certain sites or projects. Getting a CSCS card is a good move to make if you want to further your career in construction.

Once you have the qualifications needed to get your CSCS card, you can apply through the Construction Skills Certification Scheme website. We recommend applying only through this website, as they are the official providers of the CSCS card scheme. Most CSCS cards will be valid for 5 years, so you may need to re-apply after that. You will also need to reapply for a CSCS card if you want to get the highest level and have achieved the appropriate NVQ qualification.

There are many different CSCS cards available, and knowing which one you need can be difficult. However, if you’re just starting your construction career and don’t have a construction NVQ, you will probably need a red or green CSCS card. If you have a level 2 NVQ qualification in a chosen occupational area, you will need a blue CSCS card. Anything over this level will need a gold or black CSCS card. For more information about CSCS cards, visit the CSCS website. 

How long your CSCS card is valid depends on which CSCS card you have. For example, red CSCS cards are valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed. This is because they are intended for construction workers who are working towards attaining their NVQ. However, green, blue, gold and black CSCS cards are valid for 5 years. After this period, they need to be renewed and you may need to retake the relevant CITB test.

The process to get a CSCS card can be quite long, especially if you need to achieve the relevant NVQ for your chosen occupational area. This means that it could take you a while to get your CSCS card, even if you have the relevant training. However, here at DMR Training, we are here to help you get your CSCS card as soon as you can. With our workplace assessment NVQs, you can get your NVQ over the course of a few months and get on your way to getting your CSCS card. Make the next step in your construction career and get in touch with us to find out how we can help you with a funded NVQ.

Previously, you used to be able to get your CSCS card through Industry Accreditation, or Grandfather Rights. However, in December 2024, Grandfather rights will no longer apply to CSCS cards. This means that workers who got their CSCS card through Industry Accreditation will not be able to renew their card, unless they have the appropriate NVQ or SVQ. If you’re one of the 60,000 construction workers that need their NVQ, don’t worry – you don’t have to go back to college or school. At DMR Training, we can provide onsite assessment so you can achieve your NVQ and get your CSCS card while you’re working. After 2024, having an NVQ will be needed to get a CSCS card, so enrol today to make sure you’re not left without your CSCS card.

Applying for a CSCS card costs £36 – however, getting your NVQ can also cost money. However, here at DMR Training, we are able to provide funded construction NVQs that will help you get your CSCS card for a fraction of the cost. You could be eligible for NVQ funding, and we are able to provide a variety of NVQs across England. To find out if you’re eligible for NVQ funding to get your next CSCS card, get in touch with us today.