How to book CSCS test and renew or apply for CSCS card?
Our training and test facilities allow candidates to take the CITB test (often, not strictly correctly, referred to as CSCS test or CSCS card test) and apply for the certificate that is required to work for almost all reputable building companies in the UK.
How to apply for your CSCS card?
- Pass the appropriate CITB HS&E test (Operatives, Specialist or Managers & Professionals) within the last two years.
- Get the right qualification for your card type (e.g., for the Labourer/Green card: RQF Level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment, or an approved alternative).
- Prepare your evidence: HS&E test pass and qualification certificate (or proof of registration where applicable).
- Apply online and pay the fee. Your card is posted once approved.
Not sure which test or card you need? Use the official Card Finder and check the evidence list before you apply.
CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards appropriate to the role of the card holder assure any potential employer that the certificate holder is trained to complete the work in a safe and appropriate manner. They also guarantee that the card holder knows the current health & safety legislation rules that apply at British construction sites.
CSCS card proves that the holder has completed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test as well as holds the appropriate mandatory qualifications. The qualifications required depend on the type of certyfication: for example, the CSCS Labourer card (commonly known as the CSCS green card) requires an RQF Level 1/SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, an SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate, or an alternative qualification. Although it’s not required by law that construction site employees hold a certifcate, a card is demanded by the vast majority of employers and it would be very difficult to be legally hired in the UK construction sector without passing the CITB health and safety test and holding a valid CITB CSCS certificate.
Construction sector employers are legally required to ensure that people who work for them are competent and can do the work safely. The CITB CSCS test and card combination offer an easy way to ensure that requirement is fulfilled.
Please note that it is not possible to take the CSCS card test online. Although the test is a PC-based, touch-screen test, it has to be taken in person in a test centre. The test takes around 45 minutes to complete. It consists of 50 questions regarding health & safety at work, specific to the construction sites, and work-related hazards. There are two types of questions:
- 38 multiple choice questions
- 12 behavioral case study questions (where candidate needs to find the best way out of the presented situations)
One you pass the test you will receive a CSCS test pass certificate valid for 2 years and you will be able to order your provisional red CSCS card – a temporary certificate valid for 6 months which cannot be renewed.
Depending on your qualifications, you will be then able to book a 1-day Level 1 Health & Safety course and exam. With this qualification and the provisional card, you will be entitled to order a green (labourer) certificate valid for 5 years and renewable.
To obtain a CSCS card you need to pass the official CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and send a correct application form. You also need to hold or obtain a qualification relevant for the type of card you are applying for. You can complete your CSCS test booking directly with us.
Our dedicated team will take care of you and make sure that the whole process, from filling in the correct data in the application form to getting you to the right centre goes as smoothly as possible.
We will also provide you with learning materials that will help you pass the CSCS test. Online application is the fastest and easiest way to book health and safety test needed to get your operative test.
CSCS card types (at a glance)
| Card | Who it’s for | Key requirement(s) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labourer (Green) | Labouring occupations | HS&E (Operatives) + RQF L1/SCQF L4 H&S (or CSCS-approved alternative) | Typically 5 years (re-apply on expiry) |
| Skilled Worker (Blue) | NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or recognised apprenticeship | HS&E + NVQ/SVQ L2 (or listed apprenticeship) | 5 years (renewable) |
| Advanced Craft (Gold) | Advanced skilled trades | HS&E + NVQ/SVQ L3/4 or approved advanced apprenticeship | 5 years (renewable) |
| Supervisor (Gold) | Supervisory/technical roles | HS&E (Specialist Supervisory) + relevant NVQ/SVQ L3/4 | 5 years (renewable) |
| Manager (Black) | Managers/technical | HS&E (MAP) + relevant NVQ L4–7 / SVQ equivalent | 5 years (renewable) |
| AQP (White) | Approved degrees/HND/HNC/CIOB/NEBOSH | HS&E + approved academic qualification | 5 years (apply afresh, not renewed) |
| PQP (White) | Members of CSCS-recognised professional bodies | HS&E + current professional membership | 5 years (apply afresh, not renewed) |
| Trainee (Red) | Registered on a qualification leading to a skilled card | HS&E + proof of registration | 3 years, not renewable |
| Experienced Worker (Red) | Experienced workers registered on NVQ/SVQ | HS&E + proof of NVQ/SVQ registration | 1 year, not renewable |
| Apprentice (Red) | Recognised apprenticeships | HS&E + apprenticeship evidence | 4 years 6 months, not renewable |
| Provisional (Red) | New entrants on probation (first CSCS card) | HS&E + no previous CSCS card | 6 months, not renewable |
CSCS card types
CSCS Red Card
(CSCS Experienced Worker Card)
CSCS Red Card
Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager Card
Blue Card
CSCS Gold Card
CSCS Gold Card
Black Card
CSCS White Card
CSCS White Card
Withdrawn cards, some still valid until expiry date
- Construction Site Operative (CSO) green card
- Construction Related Occupation (CRO) white card
- Construction Site Visitor yellow card
Would you like to check the CSCS card price? Are you ready to book your CSCS test?
CSCS Card near You in the UK:
For official guidance and additional materials, see: applying for cards & Card Finder and CITB — HS&E test information & booking.