Card Scheme

CSCS

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme. The card that gets you through the gate on every major UK construction site.

2.1M+

Active cards

13

Card types

7

Colours

30 yrs

Since 1995

Card Types

Every CSCS card colour, who gets it, and what it means.

New entrant, entry level

Level 1 H&S · 2 yr validity

Qualified tradesperson

NVQ Level 2 · 5 yr validity

Advanced craft, site oversight

NVQ Level 3-4 · 5 yr validity

Site/project management

NVQ Level 5-7 · 5 yr validity

CSCS

🔥

RED

Trainee / Apprentice

5 variants, none renewable

Temporary · 6 months to 4.5 years

CSCS

🎓

WHITE

Professional / Academic

AQP + PQP (RIBA, RICS, ICE)

Degree or professional body · 5 yr

CSCS

👤

YELLOW

Visitor

Non-construction site visitors

HS&E test only · No quals needed

The Career Ladder

Every card colour is a step. Each step comes with a harder test, a higher qualification, and more pay.

Black

Manager

NVQ Level 5-7 · MAP HS&E Test

You run the programme. Site directors, project leads.

Gold

Supervisor

NVQ Level 3-4 · Specialists HS&E Test

You run the site. Overseeing teams, managing safety.

Blue

Skilled Worker

NVQ Level 2 · Operatives HS&E Test

You do the trade. Bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers.

CSCS Blue Card guide →

Green

Labourer / New Entrant

Level 1 H&S · Operatives HS&E Test

Entry level. You are on site. This is where it starts.

CSCS Green Card guide →

Red

Trainee / Apprentice

Enrolled in training or assessment

Temporary. Cannot be renewed. Step up or step out.

CSCS vs CITB

Two organisations. Everyone mixes them up.

CITB	CSCS
Construction Industry Training Board	Construction Skills Certification Scheme
Runs the HS&E test	Issues the cards
Collects the industry levy	Manages Smart Check + database
Government-backed statutory body	Industry-run scheme

CITB tests you. CSCS cards you. Full explainer →

Ready to get your card?

Find a CSCS training centre near you or book your HS&E test.

Find Training Centres FTBU Academy