A guide to the different types of CSCS cards

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards play an important role on construction sites across the UK. Many site managers expect to see one before letting you onto site, as they show you have the level of training, qualifications and health and safety knowledge needed to do your job safely.
But with several different types of CSCS cards available, it’s not always obvious which one you need, or what each CSCS card colour means. So whether you’re new to the industry, starting your own construction company or looking to futureproof your career as a builder, keep reading as we walk through who each type of CSCS card is designed for, and outline how they fit with different roles and experience levels.

What are CSCS cards? 

A CSCS card is a form of certification that shows you have the right experience, qualifications and safety knowledge to work on a construction site. 

While they’re not required by law, presenting your CSCS card gives managers a quick, effective way to check that you’re qualified for the work you’ve been hired to do. Most major contractors today expect workers to hold them, so you might struggle to win work or get access to site without one. 

How do CSCS cards work?

CSCS cards are colour-coded, so it’s easy to understand someone’s role and experience at a glance. Each colour represents a different level of experience, from entry-level labourers through to senior managers. CSCS card colour is tied to: 

Your job title 
Your qualifications or training 
Your level of responsibility 

Most cards are valid for five years; some temporary cards expire after a shorter period, but they can’t be renewed and are usually for people working toward a specific qualification. 

If you think your CSCS card is coming up to expiry, it’s worth checking renewal rules early – letting your card lapse can cause delays, especially if you need to update your qualifications to reapply. 

To find out which of the different cards is right for you, there’s a helpful Card Finder tool over on the official CSCS website. 

The main types of CSCS cards

Green CSCS card – Labourer

Valid for: two years first, then five years on renewal

The green CSCS card is designed for anyone working in labourer roles on site, including groundwork, demolition, site cleaning and security, or assisting skilled labourers like bricklayers and carpenters. It effectively proves that you’ve got a good understanding of basic health and safety on a construction site.  

To apply for a green CSCS card, every applicant must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and hold one of the following qualifications: 

• The Level 1 (Scotland Level 4) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
• The Scottish Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate
• The NOCN/CSkills Awards Construction Health and Safety (F/618/0738) unit
• A different CSCS-approved qualification 

Red CSCS cards – Trainees, apprentices, and experienced workers in training

Valid for: six months to five years, depending on card type  

There are six different types of red CSCS cards, but they’re all for people who are learning, training, or working towards a specific qualification. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Apprentice cards are available to anyone on a recognised apprenticeship. 
• Trainee cards are available to anyone registered for a competence-assessed qualification, or who has already achieved a non-competence-assessed training qualification.

• Provisional cards are for workers still in their probationary periods, and are only valid for six months.  

• Industry Placement cards are for anyone undergoing a construction-related qualification or training programme, which requires a 30+ day work placement. To be eligible, you need to provide documentation which proves you’re registered on a relevant apprenticeship or programme. 

• Experienced Worker cards are for workers with recent on-the-job experience who are currently working towards an approved construction-related NVQ/SVQ level 2 or an SVQ at SCQF level 5+. 

• Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager cards are available to supervisors, managers and technical workers with recent on-the-job experience, who are currently working towards an approved construction-related Technical, Supervisory or Management (TSM) NVQ/SVQ level 3, or SVQ at SCQF level 6+. 

To apply for any type of red CSCS card, you must have passed the right level of CITB Health, safety and environment test for your role. 

Blue CSCS card – Skilled worker

Valid for: five years

A blue CSCS card is for anyone who’s considered a skilled worker – which means any construction professionals who have: 

• Achieved a construction-related NVQ/SVQ level 2 
• Achieved a construction-related SVQ at SCQF level 5 
• Completed an apprenticeship (eg employer sponsored)  

To apply for a blue CSCS card, you must have also passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test in the past two years, at the right level for the role you’re applying for. 

Learn more about how to get a blue CSCS card in our dedicated guide. 

Gold CSCS card – Advanced skilled worker and supervisor

Valid for: five years

Gold CSCS cards are aimed at workers with high-level skills or supervisory responsibilities. There are two types to be aware of: 

• Advanced Craft cards, for those who have achieved a construction-related NVQ/SVQ level 3 or SVQ at SCQF level 6, completed an approved apprenticeship, or an employer-sponsored apprenticeship.

• Supervisor cards, for those with construction-related Supervisory/Technical NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or 4.

To apply for an Advanced Craft gold CSCS, you must have successfully taken the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test within the past two years, at the right level for the role you’re applying for.  

To apply for a Supervisor gold CSCS, you need to pass the CITB Specialist Supervisory Health, Safety and Environment test.

Black CSCS card – Manager

Valid for: five years

A black CSCS card is held by senior construction staff in site management or project management roles – it proves you’ve got the skills to lead with competence, and ensure work is carried out in a safe and efficient way. For a black CSCS, you need: 

• A relevant Construction Management/Technical related NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6 or 7
• An SVQ at SCQF level 10 or 11 in Construction Management/Technical-related qualification

To apply, you also need to have passed the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment test.

White CSCS card – Academically or professionally qualified person

Valid for: five years 

White CSCS cards are for professionals who work on construction sites in a technical, design or advisory role, rather than carrying out hands-on labour. There are two types of white CSCS cards:

• Academic Qualified Person cards, for those who have completed construction-related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB certificates or certain NEBOSH diplomas and certificates. 
• Professionally Qualified Person cards, for members of CSCS-approved bodies like the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

For both card types, all applicants must pass either the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test or the CIC Health and Safety Test.

Your CSCS card is just the beginning – grow your construction business as a Trusted Trader  

Just like the CSCS card shows your competence on-site at a glance, a Which? Trusted Trader membership demonstrates your trustworthiness to customers at a glance. Did you know that 77% of people who have used (or are planning to use) a tradesperson would be more likely to choose one with the Trusted Trader logo?*

Every Which? Trusted Trader goes through a rigorous assessment process, so when you’re registered with us, your potential customers know you’re the trader they should hire. Plus, you’ll get access to a Which? profile page dedicated to your business, where you can share your work and any customer reviews to help you win the next job.   

*Savanta online survey of 2,000 UK adults, nat rep, Apr 2024.

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