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CSCS cards come in a range of types, and the one you need depends on your job role and your qualifications — not on how long you have worked. Before you can apply for any of them you must pass a CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test, and there is more than one version of that test. This guide shows you which card and which test apply to you.
The CITB HS&E test, often called the touch screen test, costs £23.50. Which version you sit depends on the card you are going for.
Once you have passed, you apply for the card that matches your role and qualifications. Some cards also require a course or an NVQ.
Find the row that best describes your work. The CITB test column tells you which version of the test to book.
| Your role | Card you need | CITB test to book | Also required | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labourer, groundworker or general site operative | Green Labourer Card | Operatives | Level 1 Health & Safety Awareness course | 2 years first time, 5 years on renewal |
| Bricklayer, carpenter, plasterer, roofer or other qualified trade | Blue Skilled Worker Card | Operatives | NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or recognised qualification | 5 years |
| New to construction, starting work before you are qualified | Red Provisional Card | Operatives | No qualification needed | 6 months, cannot be renewed |
| Apprentice, NVQ learner, HNC/HND or degree student | Red Trainee Card | Operatives | Proof you are registered on a recognised qualification | 2 or 5 years depending on route |
| Experienced tradesperson working towards an NVQ | Red Experienced Worker Card | Operatives | Registration on an approved NVQ/SVQ | 1 year, cannot be renewed |
| Supervisor or manager working towards a TSM qualification | Red Experienced TSM Card | Operatives | Registration on an approved TSM NVQ/SVQ | 3 years, cannot be renewed |
| Advanced craft worker with a Level 3 qualification | Gold Advanced Craft Card | Operatives | NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent | 5 years |
| Site supervisor, foreperson or general foreman | Gold Supervisor Card | Specialist Supervisory | NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or 4 in a construction subject | 5 years |
| Site, project, contracts or construction manager | Black Manager Card | Managers & Professionals | NVQ/SVQ Level 4, 5, 6 or 7 | 5 years |
| Construction graduate, HNC/HND, degree or NEBOSH holder | White AQP Card | Managers & Professionals, or CIC | A recognised academic qualification | 5 years |
| Chartered professional, engineer, surveyor or architect | White PQP Card | Managers & Professionals, or CIC | Current membership of a CSCS-approved professional body | 5 years |
Booking the wrong version is the most common mistake people make. You cannot use an Operatives pass to apply for a Black Manager card.
The standard test. Used for the Green, Blue, all three Red cards and the Gold Advanced Craft card.
For supervisors. Required for the Gold Supervisor card.
For managers and professional staff. Required for the Black Manager card and both White cards.
An accepted alternative to the Managers & Professionals test for the two White cards.
Yes. Every CSCS card requires a valid CITB Health, Safety & Environment test pass. You book and pass the test first, then apply for the card.
The Green Labourer Card. You need to pass the CITB Operatives test and hold a Level 1 Health & Safety Awareness course certificate. It is valid for 2 years first time and 5 years on renewal.
Yes. The Red Provisional Card is designed for new entrants and needs no qualification, only a CITB Operatives test pass. It lasts 6 months and cannot be renewed, so it is intended to get you on site while you work towards a permanent card.
A CITB HS&E test costs £23.50.
The Advanced Craft card is for skilled tradespeople holding a Level 3 qualification, and uses the Operatives test. The Supervisor card is for site supervisors and forepersons, needs a Level 3 or 4 qualification, and requires the Specialist Supervisory test instead.
The Black Manager Card. It requires an NVQ/SVQ at Level 4, 5, 6 or 7 and a pass in the CITB Managers & Professionals test. It is valid for 5 years.
Book your CITB test at one of 150+ UK centres, or apply for your card and we will handle the process.
