What CSCS card do I need?
Use this guide to orient yourself before booking. Card eligibility depends on qualifications, occupation and CSCS scheme requirements.
Choose a card for the work you do, not just its colour. A CITB test pass alone does not qualify you for a card. Use the official CSCS Card Finder to check your occupation, qualifications and any accepted test alternative.
Labourer & General Operative
Green CSCS Card
For people carrying out unskilled labouring duties. It is not the right card for skilled occupations such as bricklaying, carpentry or electrical work. You need the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or a CSCS-approved alternative, as well as the required CITB test pass.
- Test Required
- CITB HS&E Operatives test, normally passed within the last two years. When renewing the initial two-year card, CSCS accepts the original test pass for up to three years.
- Validity
- First card: 2 years. Renewals: 5 years, subject to evidence that you work as a labourer and meet the renewal requirements. Existing cards remain valid until their printed expiry date.
Skilled Worker
Blue CSCS Card
For skilled workers with an accepted construction-related NVQ/SVQ Level 2, the Scottish equivalent, or a recognised apprenticeship. Your qualification and test must match the occupation on your application. Use the official Card Finder to confirm the appropriate test level before booking.
- Test Required
- The CITB HS&E test for your occupation, passed within the last two years.
- Validity
- 5 years
Example Gold Supervisory card shown. Skilled Worker is a separate Gold card route.
Skilled Worker (Advanced Craft) or Supervisory
Gold CSCS Card
Gold Skilled Worker and Gold Supervisory cards are separate routes. An advanced craft qualification does not automatically qualify you for a supervisory card. Choose the route that matches both your occupation and your qualification.
- Test Required
- Skilled Worker: occupation-specific CITB HS&E test. Supervisory: CITB Specialist Supervisory test.
- Validity
- 5 years for either route
Gold Skilled Worker (Advanced Craft)
An accepted construction-related NVQ/SVQ Level 3, Scottish equivalent or approved advanced apprenticeship. Confirm the test for your occupation in the Card Finder.
Validity: 5 years
Check advanced craft requirementsGold Supervisory
An accepted construction-related Supervisory/Technical NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or 4. You need the CITB Specialist Supervisory test.
Validity: 5 years
Book the Supervisors test
Managers & Professionals
Black CSCS Card
For management and technical occupations with an accepted construction management or technical NVQ/SVQ Level 4, 5, 6 or 7, or the accepted Scottish equivalent. Check that your exact qualification meets the requirements for your occupation.
- Test Required
- CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety & Environment Test
- Validity
- 5 years
Academically Qualified Person
White CSCS Card
The Academically Qualified Person route is for holders of accepted construction-related academic qualifications, such as a degree, HND or HNC. CSCS must accept your particular qualification; a qualification title alone does not guarantee eligibility. Professionally Qualified Person is a separate White card route based on approved professional membership.
- Test Required
- CITB Managers and Professionals HS&E test or the accepted CIC Health and Safety Test.
- Validity
- 5 years
Example Red Apprentice card shown. Other Red card routes have different requirements.
Apprentice, Trainee, Experienced Worker, Supervisor, or Manager
Red CSCS Card
Red cards cover different training and experience routes. Their evidence, test requirements and validity periods differ. Confirm your exact route before paying for a test or card application; some routes accept an approved alternative to a CITB test.
- Test Required
- Depends on the route and occupation. Check the route below and the official CSCS requirements.
- Validity
- Varies by route — see the separate options below
Red Apprentice
For a recognised apprenticeship. CSCS issues this card free of charge. You need registration evidence and a CITB HS&E test pass or an accepted health and safety alternative, normally completed within the last two years.
Validity: 4 years and 6 months; cannot be renewed
Check Apprentice requirementsRed Trainee — five-year route
For people registered for an accepted competence-assessed or academic qualification leading to a skilled card. The Operatives test is accepted for this route; an approved CIC test alternative is available for eligible academic qualifications.
Validity: 5 years; cannot be renewed
Check five-year Trainee requirementsRed Trainee — two-year route
For holders of an approved occupation-related Level 2 or higher non-competence qualification achieved within the last five years. Check the accepted qualification and health and safety test requirements before applying.
Validity: Initially 2 years. A further 3-year Trainee card is available with evidence of registration for an NVQ/SVQ or agreed alternative; that card cannot be renewed.
Check two-year Trainee requirementsRed Experienced Worker
For experienced workers registered for an accepted construction-related NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or higher, or the Scottish equivalent. You need the appropriate CITB HS&E test for your occupation, passed within the last two years.
Validity: 1 year; cannot be renewed
Check Experienced Worker requirementsRed Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
For experienced technical workers, supervisors and managers registered for an accepted relevant NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or higher, or the Scottish equivalent. Confirm the correct CITB HS&E test level for your occupation using the Card Finder.
Validity: 3 years; cannot be renewed
Check experienced technical and management requirements