You don't need to have an NVQ to apply for a CSCS Site Labourers card. You need to have passed a Health, Safety and Environment (H&SE) test and have a QCF Level 1 Award or equivalent in a Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. Other types of qualifications are relevant to the other CSCS cards.
There is a £36 fee for the card, so it is important to keep it safe, as you will have to pay for a new one if you lose it. There is more information from the CSCS about what to do if you lose your card or if it is stolen.
While both are important names in construction health and safety training, CITB and CSCS are two separate organisations.
Holding a CSCS card is not a legislative requirement. It is entirely up to the principal contractor or client whether workers are required to hold a card before they are allowed on site. However, most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid card.
The quickest and most convenient way to apply for a CSCS card is via our online application service. If you already have an account, please login and start your application today. If you do not have an account, visit the Applying for cards page to find out how to create an account and apply for CSCS card online.
While CSCS Cards are not legally required on all construction sites, the vast majority of employers do require them in order to allow workers on site. Have a look at the list of different CSCS Card Types to make sure the Labourer Card is for you.
Holding a CSCS card is not a legislative requirement. It is entirely up to the principal contractor or client whether workers are required to hold a card before they are allowed on site. However, most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card.
As self-employed construction worker, you can sell your services to construction companies as an independent contractor. But the only way you can land a project of this size is by holding a CSCS card. Most construction companies require their workers and contractors to hold a CSCS card.
Replacement CSCS CardIf your card has been lost, broken or stolen you can call CSCS to request a replacement card on 0344 994 4777. They will request that you have your CSCS registration number or alternately your National Insurance number to hand.
- Labourer – Green CSCS Card. The green CSCS card is a basics site skills card, suited for a general labourer.
- Apprentice – Pink. An apprentice CSCS card is for candidates who are undergoing an apprenticeship scheme.
- Skilled Worker – Blue.
- Supervisor – Gold.
- Manager – Black.
- Visitor – Yellow.
CSCS handymanMust have an indate CSCS card and your own tools.
Remember, to qualify for a FREE CSCS card from Construction Helpline you need to: Check to see if your job role is covered by CSCS. Pass the Health safety and environment test. Register for Construction NVQ or SVQ with Construction Help Line.
The quickest and cheapest way to apply for a CSCS card is to call the CSCS contact centre on 0344 994 4777. The majority of cards ordered over the phone get despatched the next working day. Alternatively, a postal application service is also available and you can download an application form from the CSCS website.
It doesn't take long to get a CSCS card. Once you have paid for the card, it will be posted to you the next working day. As a rule, you can expect the card to be there in around 10 days. Keep in mind that if your card has not been delivered within five weeks from your application, you should contact CSCS.
The Green Labourer Card is the basic CSCS card you will need to gain to get on a construction site. To obtain the card, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test in the last 2 years and complete one of the below level 1 classroom courses.
CSCS cards can only be renewed 6 months prior to, and up to 6 months after, the expiry date printed on the card. The expiry date of a renewed CSCS card will be the expiry date of the original CSCS card plus the lifespan of the card.
To apply for a CSCS card you must prove you have the appropriate construction related qualifications and training for the job you do. In most cases you must pass the appropriate CITB Health Safety and Environment Test within the previous two years.
How do I apply for a CSCS card?
- Pass the appropriate level CITB Health, safety and environment Test for your occupation.
- If you need to have passed a qualification to apply for a CSCS card please send a copy of your qualification to apply@cscs.co.uk.
- Call 0344 994 4777 and pay £36 using a credit or debit card.
Progressing through the Construction Plant Competence Scheme with a CPCS Card. If you work in the construction industry, you'll generally need a CSCS card to get on site.