Get recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme

Get the right CSCS Card

Firstly, you need to make sure that you get the right CSCS card. This depends on your skills, experience and what your role will be in construction.

We have highlighted the main cards below but other, more specialised, cards are available.

  • Green: Labourer's card:
    For many this card is adequate to provide access to a site. It offers the most straight-forward route to gaining a card through training and a CITB test.
  • Blue: Skilled worker:
    You apply for this card if you have more advanced construction qualifications such as a NVQ/SVQ level 2 or a City and Guilds Craft Certificate.
  • Red: Experienced worker:
    This is a temporary card valid for one year for workers with recent experience of construction (CSCS suggest one year in the last three).
  • Black: Manager
    Available to manager occupations with NVQ/SVQ Level 5,6,7 in relevant construction management level qualification or hold a pre-existing NVQ level 4 qualification in construction management.
  • Trainee/Apprentice cards
    Trainees and apprenticeships on recognised courses/frameworks can apply for these cards instead. Note: the cannot be renewed!

We focus on the application process for a CSCS Labourer's card (green) below

Applying for a CSCS Labourer's (Green) card

You will need to meet the scheme requirements before you can apply for the CSCS card. There are two routes to meeting these requirements:

  • Classroom training + CITB touchscreen test
  • Level 1 Qualification + CITB touchscreen test

The Level 1 Qualification needs to be in a construction subject but can be delivered online if you can find the right provider, such as The Digital College.

To ensure you pass the touchscreen test we would advise that you prepare and take practice exams. These are perfect for online training!

Online training for CSCS Green Cards

The Digital College offers an online training course and flexible exam system. Study in your own time wherever you may be (as long as you have internet).

Why not have a look at our CSCS Green Card package, which handles the training and application process for you.

Just need a suitable qualification? We have the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

Online training for CSCS cards

Get your CSCS Green card the easy way. Train online in your spare time.

Courses for construction

Useful resources