Contents
If you’re looking for a quick answer to a burning question you have, take a look at our FAQ below. IF you are unable to find the answer to your question, please get in touch by using the contact form.
The CSCS Scheme
Q. Does CSCS Apply Across the UK?
A. Yes the CSCS Scheme covers and is recognised across the entire United Kingdom.
In Northern Ireland it is called the ‘CSR (Construction Skills Register)’ (contact CSR on 028 9087 7150 to find out more).
Q. What qualifications do I need to get a CSCS Card
A. Requirements stipulate that to be successful in gaining a CSCS Card you should have completed the following;
- Application Form
- CITB – ConstructionSkills Health Safety and Environment Test
- CSCS Test
The CSCS Test
Q. How much does the CSCS test cost?
A. The prices for the CSSC Test and Card are as follows;
A total of £47.50
The Health, Safety & Environment Scheme
Q. Where can I find my nearest test centre?
A. You can find your nearest ConstructionSkills Health, Safety & Environment test centre 3 methods;
1. The online booking system
2. Call the information line direct on 0344 994 4488.
3. Visit our CSCS Test Centres page for the addresses and a google map of the location.
Q. How do I book a Health and Safety test?
A. You can book online on the csskills.org website by clicking here. Alternatively you can call the booking line on 0344 994 4488.
The fee is £17.50 which is payable by credit or debit card and you will need to provide either your National insurance number or a ConstructionSkills registration number.
CSCS Cards
Q. Which CSCS card do I need?
A. Red Card
There are 4 types of Red CSCS Card – Graduate, Trainee, Experienced Worker and Experienced Technician, Supervisor or Manager. Red CSCS Cards are usually issued while workers are in further education or are working towards an NVQ/SVQ.
Green Card
The Green CSCS Card is issued to workers with non-specific skills such as labourers. This CSCS Card usually requires an NVQ Level 1 and the applicant must pass a Health, Safety & Environment Test.
Blue Card
The Blue CSCS Card requires a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ or the completion of an employer sponsored City and Guilds apprenticeship. You must also pass the Health, Safety & Environment Test which is relevant to your trade to get this CSCS Card.
Gold Card
To get a Gold CSCS Card you must have an indentured apprenticeship or an NVQ/SVQ Level 3. There are both Skilled worker and Supervisor Gold CSCS Cards, you must pass either the Health, Safety & Environment Test relevant to your trade or the Supervisor test.
Black Card
The Black CSCS Card is for managers. This CSCS Card requires an NVQ/SVQ of Level 4 or above and the successful completion of a Managerial and and Professional Health, Safety & Environment Test.
Q. How long does the card last?
A. It depends which CSCS card you are holding as it is job type specific. Most of the cards last between 2 and 5 years.
Q. How do I get a replacement card?
A. A new card can be requested from the CSCS Helpline by calling 0844 576 8777.
There is a charge of £30.00 which can be made by debit/credit card over the phone. If you want to update your photo then a form that has been pre-populated with all of your details will can be sent to you, so that you can attach a new photo and make the £30 payment.
CSCS Smart Cards
Q. What is a smart card?
A. A Smart Card is a plastic card, much like the size of a credit card, that contains a computer chip that stores the holders data. This data is accessible via small handheld card readers, which are very secure. Think of it as a chip and pin for your CSCS certification.
Q. Why is the CSCS going Smart?
A. As we move into the digital age, people are finding ways in which to fraudulently copy the current CSCS cards. By ‘going smart’ it will make counterfeit cards much more easy to detect and eradicate.
Currently employers are required to call the dedicated helpline in order to verify a cards authenticity. Using the smart technology will remove this unnecessary step by implementing a small handheld card reader.