We’ve helped hundreds of construction workers gain their CSCS Card. We also know how confusing the CSCS Card system is so we’ve put together this quick guide.
What is CSCS?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) operates within the UK construction industry and issues cards to construction workers with the appropriate qualifications for their roles. A CSCS Card is proof that the card holder is not only fully qualified in his or her construction trade but has passed the mandatory health and safety test as well. These days many of the major construction firms require their employees and contractors to own a CSCS Card before they can work on site.
CITB Test and CSCS Card: Frequently Asked Questions
Card:
CSCS Skilled Worker Card
Colour:
Blue
Who is it for?:
Skilled construction workers who have achieved a trade-specific NVQ or SVQ Level 2 and passed the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test
How long is it valid?:
Five years (retake the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test to renew)
Can DMR help me get this card?:
See our NVQ Assessment page for more information about gaining your NVQ level 2.
Card:
CSCS Labourer Card
Colour:
Green
Who is it for?:
All construction operatives who don’t have a specialised trade and work on site as general labourers. Unlike the Skilled Worker Card you don’t need an NVQ to apply for the green card. However, you do need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test and, additionally, one of the following courses: QCF Level One Health & Safety in a Construction Environment course / Site Safety Plus Health & Safety Awareness course / IOSH Working Safely course
How long is it valid?:
Five years (retake the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test to renew)
Can DMR help me get this card?:
We run the QCF Level One Award and CITB Test as a one day course. We currently only accept group bookings for a minimum of three attendees. Please call us on 01942 673047 to discuss.
Card: CSCS Experienced Worker Card
Colour: Red
Who is it for? This is a temporary card for experienced construction workers who are working towards their NVQ or SVQ. On completion of the NVQ, they should upgrade to the Skilled Worker Card
How long is it valid?: 12 months and cannot be renewed
Can DMR help me get this card?: When you enrol on a construction NVQ with DMR and notify us of your intention to apply for the Experienced Worker Card, we will send CSCS proof of NVQ registration.
Card: CSCS Apprentice Card
Colour: Red
Who is it for?: Construction industry trainees enrolled on an apprenticeship and working towards their NVQ or SVQ. To apply for this card you must also pass either the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test or attend the Health & Safety Awareness one day course.
How long is it valid?: Four and a half years and cannot be renewed.
Can DMR help me get this card?: All trainees enrolled on a construction apprenticeship with DMR will be able to apply for the Apprentice Card.
Card: CSCS Advanced Craft Card
Colour: Gold
Who is it for?: The Advanced Craft Card is a step up from the blue Skilled Worker Card, and is designed for workers who’ve gained a Level 3 NVQ or SVQ. Applicants need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test to apply.
How long is it valid?: Five years (retake the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test to renew)
Can DMR help me get this card?: See our NVQ Assessment page for more information about gaining your NVQ level 3.
Card: CSCS Supervisory Card
Colour: Gold
Who is it for?: Construction site supervisors who have completed a supervisory NVQ or SVQ at level 3 or 4 and passed the Supervisors CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test.
How long is it valid?: Five years (retake the Supervisors CITB Health, Safety & Environment test to renew)
Can DMR help me get this card?: See our NVQ Assessment page for more information about gaining your NVQ level 3.
Card: CSCS Manager Card
Colour: Black
Who is it for?: Construction site managers who have achieved an NVQ Level 4 to 7 management qualification and passed the Managers and Professionals CITB Health, Safety & Environment test.
How long is it valid?: Five years (retake the Managers and Professionals CITB Health, Safety & Environment test to renew)
Can DMR help me get this card?: See our NVQ Assessment page for more information about gaining your NVQ level 6 in Construction Contracting Operations Management.
If you need a NVQ and CSCS Card, give us a call on 01942 673047 or send us a message via our Contact page.
