CSCS Card

There are plenty of students leaving university with an Engineering degree and plenty more that are leaving with the aim of becoming a Quantity Surveyor or working on a construction site in some way, with this in mind, it’s becoming more and more essential for students to apply for a CSCS card, or if they already have one, a CSCS card renewal.

You can also find lots of different tests that you need to study on the CSCS website, where they will also have a CSCS card mock test available for you.

What is a CSCS card?

A CSCS card is a card that provides proof that a person can work on a construction site, have the correct training and the qualifications required to work on a site. Almost all CSCS cards have been approved through a CSCS card checker and the holder will have to have passed a CSCS card test as well.

How much is a CSCS card?

The CSCS card cost depends on the card you get as well as the courses that you have undergone prior to application.

A normal CSCS card is around £36. Those who are looking to do the Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test will have to pay £21.

How to get a CSCS card

When you go to apply for CSCS card, you need to provide four essential pieces of information in order to receive the card when filling out your CSCS card application.

• A passport-style photo of yourself
• Scanned copies of your qualifications
• A scanned copy of your CITB Health, Saftey and Environment (HSE) certificate, dated within the last two years
• A debit or credit card to pay your application fee.

You can apply online or over the phone, then your CSCS Labourer card will be sent out to you within three-to-five days of your application being accepted.

How long does a CSCS card last?

A CSCS card lasts for five years.

You will have to renew CSCS card when the card has expired, because a CSCS card check is done to see if your CITB CSCS card is valid.

CSCS card types

There are lots of different types of CSCS cards, all of which have different meanings.

• CSCS Green card: A Green CSCS card is a basic site skills card for general labourers.
• Blue CSCS card: The CSCS blue card is given to applicants who have completed an apprenticeship or gained an SVQ or NVQ Level 2. You must also have a certificate from a City of Guilds and London Institute.
• CSCS Black card: A Black CSCS card is for managers who have a Level 4 or 5 in site management.
• Yellow/White CSCS card - Professionally Qualified Person: Sometimes known as a PQP card, this is a card for professionals who are responsible for health and safety.
• White CSCS card: Sometimes known as a CRO card (for Construction Related Occupation). This is a card that covers workers that are not covered by other cards.
• Red CSCS card - Experienced Worker: For workers with one year experience only and has an SVQ or NVQ qualification. CSCS Test is required for this card.
• CSCS Gold card - Skilled Worker: For workers who have achieved an employer-sponsored apprenticeship or SVQ or a Level 3 NVQ, and have an Advanced Craft Certificate from a City of Guilds and London Institute.
• Red CSCS card - Trainee: For students who do not have an SVQ or NVQ (Level 2 or 3) or are still studying.
• Gold CSCS card - Supervisor: For supervisors and those that have an SVQ or an NVQ Level 3.
• Red CSCS card - Graduate: For students who have completed a qualification related to construction from a registered college. This card is only valid for three years, as opposed to the usual five for most CSCS cards.

These cards all serve a unique purpose and all require different qualifications in order to get them, but they are fast becoming required by almost all building sites and employers.

CSCS card replacements

Those that already have an account on the CSCS card website, can apply for a replacement CSCS card on the website, which is the fastest way of replacing a lost card.

Those without an account will need to make an account and apply through the website, the same place you can find the CSCS card course on.

How much is a CSCS card renewal?

A CSCS card renewal is usually £30. If you are deciding to sit the CITB Health and Safety and Environment Test as well, that will cost you an additional £19.50.