CSCS Cards

What is a CSCS card?

Being a skilled tradesperson within the construction industry in is something countless of employers are looking for and holding a CSCS card is a big part of being classified as a ‘skilled’ worker. Employers are increasingly making CSCS cards a compulsory requirement for their site workers as this helps them and their clients be reassured that health and safety practises are not only understood, but also adhered to. CSCS cards are cards that provide physical proof that you are rightly qualified and have the appropriate training to work and perform tasks safely on-site. By ensuring an entire workforce in the construction industry is proficient in health and safety knowledge ensures improved safety standards across the sector, minimising casualties and injuries.

Why you need the right CSCS card!

Employers are increasingly making the holding of CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards a mandatory practise for their sites. This helps them and their clients be reassured that health and safety practises are not only understood but also adhered to.

You should also be aware of two things:

• Firstly, regular checks are carried out on CSCS Card holders either by using a hand held scanner or checking a central database to ensure the card is valid.
• Secondly, if you are hold the wrong type of card for the type of job you are doing, for example, if you have a CSCS Green card and are in fact a painter, plasterer or supervisor you may find that you are asked to leave the site.

Remember, to qualify for a FREE CSCS card from Construction Helpline you need to:

• Check to see if your job role is covered by CSCS
• Pass the Health safety and environment test
• Register for Construction NVQ or SVQ with Construction Help Line
• Complete an NVQ or SVQ profiling session

Benefits of holding a CSCS card?

There are multiple reasons why workers need a CSCS card, but probably the most important is to actually get access on-site. In order to enter most construction sites, a CSCS card checker is present at entrances requiring workers to have in-date CSCS cards present at all times

Proves competency on-site
By having a CSCS card, you will not need to carry multiple pieces of documentation in order to prove you are qualified to access construction sites. All you need to do is show your valid CSCS card to prove you are a qualified construction professional.

Take the next steps in your career
Another benefit of having a CSCS card in the construction industry is that it can enable you to take the next steps in your career. For example, workers who currently possess a Green Labourer card can qualify for a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card, once after achieving an NVQ, which is only issued to experienced workers who have proved they have undergone the relevant training to work safely on-site. By achieving more skilled CSCS cards, you will be able to work up the career ladder within the construction industry.

Greater responsibility
When holding certain CSCS cards, such as the Black Manager card and Gold Supervisor card, you will show that you are an experienced worker who can hold higher positions on a construction site while working safely. These CSCS cards give you license to have greater responsibility when working on a construction project, giving you the duty to oversee work schedules and delegate tasks to your team. Having a CSCS card that shows you are capable of higher-ranking roles in construction can be gratifying.

How to get a CSCS card?

Find out the CSCS Card suitable to your qualification/expertise and apply for a CSCS Card. If you are scratching your head on how to secure a CSCS Card, help is at hand. You can apply for a CSCS card through 2 methods:

By Phone
Applying for a CSCS card is simply a phone call away at Construction Helpline where you can call us at 0207 199 9800 where you will be met with one of our experienced team members who will provide you all the information you need when inquiring for your card.

Book Online
In our efforts to provide more convenience for aspiring and existing construction professionals, it is possible to apply for a CSCS card online. Construction is entering a digital age and the option to apply online will provide applicants the convenience of applying anytime, anywhere over different types of mobile devices.

Find out the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test required getting the card you want. You need to score 42 passing marks in the HS&E Test to get CSCS Card.

Check the requirements for CSCS Card you are applying for. Level 1 Health and Safety Courses or NVQs are required in certain cards.

How do I renew CSCS Card?

Once you have a CSCS Card, it is valid for 5 years; however trainee cards may be valid for 1 or 3 years. You have a one year window to renew your CSCS card; from 6 months prior to expiry to 6 months after that. Make sure you do it within this window or this will just make things extremely difficult for you later on.

Once your card expires you will have to re-sit for Health Safety & Environmental test because new standards may have been introduced since your CSCS Card was issued, this test is usually valid for 2 years. You will also need to gain an NVQ qualificationdependent on the type of CSCS card you wish to gain.

Any queries in regard to CSCS card renewal? Contact us now for more information on 0207 199 9800 (Lines are open from Mon to Fri: 8am to 7pm and Sat: 9am to 4pm)

How long does it take to get a CSCS card?

Once your CSCS card application is approved, your CSCS card should be posted within the next working day with most cards arriving within 3-5 days of your application being approved.

Types of CSCS Cards

Having a CSCS Card is now a mandatory requirement for all on-site workers, meaning that having the card gives the holder access to all construction sites.
Failure to have a card could result in you being unlikely to get work on a properly run construction site. If you need to apply for CSCS card urgently click here.

(Please note: spot checks are often carried out on sites using hand held scanners to ensure the authenticity of the card. An invalid card or a card that doesn't cover appropriately the job you are doing could see you being asked to leave the site.)

CSCS Cards