{"id":1298,"date":"2024-05-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T14:55:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:55:53","slug":"what-is-a-cscs-card","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a CSCS card? And does every tradesperson need one?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you work in construction, it\u2019s likely you\u2019ve come across CSCS cards. They\u2019re widely used by tradespeople and employers as a way of proving a worker\u2019s skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But are they a legal requirement? And how do employers check them? Read our guide where we\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#what-is-the-cscs\">What is the CSCS?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#what-is-a-cscs-card\">What is a CSCS card?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-to-apply\">How to apply for a CSCS card<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#cscs-test\">CSCS test \u2013 what you need to know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#legal-requirement\">Are CSCS cards a legal requirement?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-cscs\">What is the CSCS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It\u2019s a programme that sets working standards for tradespeople in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though it isn\u2019t a legal regulation, it\u2019s widely used across the country as proof of your skills as a tradesperson. Each trade has its own rules and regulations you\u2019ll need to follow in order to get a CSCS card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-cscs-card\">What is a CSCS card?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A CSCS card shows a worker\u2019s skills that have been certified the CSCS. It\u2019s often used by tradespeople such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/bricklayers-insurance\/\">bricklayers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/carpenters-insurance\/\">carpenters<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/electricians-insurance\/\">electricians<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/plumbers-insurance\/\">plumbers <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/scaffolders-insurance\/\">scaffolders<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words, a CSCS card is how someone shows they can do all the things that&#8217;s required in their trade. Think of it like a driving licence \u2013 the card is proof that someone has demonstrated the necessary skills to be a CSCS qualified trades professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as helping tradespeople to get work, they allow employers to make sure they\u2019re hiring suitable workers for the job. Using CSCS cards is a quick and reliable way to see if someone is qualified for the job and making sure they have the relevant health and safety training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-apply\">How to apply for a CSCS card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, you need to find out what type of CSCS card you need. You can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cscsonline.uk.com\/card-finder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">check card types on the CSCS website<\/a>. Once you\u2019ve selected your occupation and level of training, the system will tell you which kind of card you need to apply for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cards come in different colours such as blue, black, gold, red, and green. Different colours mean different things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a green card is for a labourer and is the entry-level CSCS card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a red card is a level up from green, and is used by apprentices, management, and technical or experienced trainees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">blue cards are for skilled workers who possess a National Vocational Qualification level two in a construction-related subject or approved apprenticeship programme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">gold cards are for advanced craft or supervisory roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">a black card is for higher level managers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">white cards are for academically or professionally qualified workers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"citb-health-safety-and-environment-test\">CITB health, safety and environment test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, you\u2019ll need to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cscs.uk.com\/applying-for-cards\/health-and-safety-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">complete a CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) Health, safety and environment test<\/a>&nbsp;(see more below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve done that you need to send off copies of your training certificates to cscs@citb.co.uk, then call them up on 0344 994 4777 and pay \u00a336 with a credit or debit card (free of charge for apprentice-level cards). Your CSCS card will then be posted to you. CSCS no longer accepts postal applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to get a CSCS card?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that once you\u2019ve paid for your CSCS card, it should arrive within 10 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cscs-test\">CSCS test \u2013 what you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need to complete the CITB Health, safety and environment test to get a CSCS card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The type of test you need to take depends on your trade and what training you already have, and it costs \u00a322.50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The three types of test are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Operative<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Manager and Professional<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CSCS test booking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can book a test through the CITB website or by calling 0344 994 4488.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are options available for people who need additional support to complete the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to do a CSCS test?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CITB Health, safety and environment test is 45 minutes long, and during this time you&#8217;ll have to answer 50 multiple choice questions including case study and knowledge questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The test is taken on a computer at a CITB-approved test centre and you need to arrive 15 minutes before your test begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need to do a CSCS mock test?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A CSCS mock test isn&#8217;t mandatory \u2013 however, the test can be challenging and as you have to pay for it, there\u2019s more pressure to pass the first time. As a result, it\u2019s important that you\u2019re well prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alongside revision, it could be worth taking a mock test. There are various mock test providers, offering mocks that have questions very similar to the real thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you buy a CSCS card?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re thinking about skipping the test and instead just paying for a CSCS card, you wouldn\u2019t be the first person. Back in 2016, CITB revoked over 4,500 CSCS cards after it emerged that a number of training centres had been issuing the cards for cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-requirement\">Are CSCS cards a legal requirement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CSCS cards aren\u2019t a legal requirement, but most major contractors require workers on their sites to hold them. It\u2019s similar to tradespeople needing insurance to complete many projects, despite it not being a legal requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law states that anyone undertaking construction work must be competent, and the certification scheme is one of the main ways of demonstrating relevant skills and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do tradespeople need a CSCS card?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting a CSCS card can open many new doors for a skilled tradesperson and most employers will insist you have one before you can work on their site. You&#8217;ll find that many job adverts state that workers must have CSCS cards as proof of their competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the CSCS card checker?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employers can check if a worker has a genuine CSCS card by using the <a href=\"https:\/\/cardcheck.gosmart.co.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">CSCS online card checker<\/a>, which asks for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">the employee\u2019s name <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">date of birth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">National Insurance number <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">CSCS ID number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the CSCS app?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2022, CSCS launched the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cscs.uk.com\/about\/cscs-smart-check\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Smart Check mobile app<\/a> to help improve building site safety and reduce fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CSCS card checker app now makes it easy for employers to access information about workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CSCS says the app is designed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">promote a qualified and competent workforce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">tackle fraud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">increase access efficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All employers need to do is scan workers\u2019 CSCS cards using contactless (NFC) or a QR code within the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can then check if the photo on screen matches the cardholder, and that they have the right level of qualifications to carry out their job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are currently 38 different cards with the CSCS logo and the vast majority can be verified using Smart Check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does a CSCS card last for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How long a CSCS card lasts depends on the type of card, but most cards last for five years. When you get your card it&#8217;ll show an expiry date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The one exception is the entry level labourer card, which is now valid for just two years (since February 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CSCS card renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To renew a CSCS card, you need to prove again that you have the appropriate training and qualifications for your job, and you need to retake the CITB Health, safety and environment test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can then call the CSCS contact centre to pay \u00a336 over the phone and provide details of your current or previous employer. You can&#8217;t apply to renew your card until six months before your current card&#8217;s expiry date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More small business guides and resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/trades\/construction-industry-scheme-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1240\">What is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/working-at-height-regulations\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1301\">Working at height regulations \u2013 an employer\u2019s guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/could-ai-help-you-chase-unpaid-invoices\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1474\">Late payment letter \u2013 templates, tips and government help<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-type-of-business-insurance-do-i-need\/\">What type of business insurance do I need?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"areyouprotectingyourtrade\">Are you protecting your trade?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> provider, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/tradesman-insurance\/\">tradesman insurance quote<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photograph: Eric\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do all tradespeople need a CSCS card and how do employers check them? Read our guide for everything you need to know about CSCS cards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"zach-hayward-jones","sb_review_date":"2026-01-15T14:55:25","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[110,343],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[20],"class_list":["post-1298","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","category-trades"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a CSCS card? And are they a legal requirement?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a CSCS card and do you need one? From how to apply to the tests you need to complete, read our simple guide to learn everything you need to know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Everything tradespeople need to know about CSCS cards\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From applying for a card to CSCS tests and renewals, read our guide for tradespeople and employers.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-15T14:55:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/new-cscs-app-to-boost-safety-in-construction.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"What is a CSCS card? And does every tradesperson need one?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Conor Shilling\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Conor Shilling\",\"description\":\"Conor Shilling is a professional writer with over 10 years\u2019 experience across the property, small business, and insurance sectors. A trained journalist, Conor\u2019s previous experience includes writing for several leading online property trade publications. Conor has worked at Simply Business as a Copywriter for three years, specialising in the buy-to-let market, landlords, and small business finance. <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/conor-shilling-b646632a\/\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\" rel=\\\"noopener\\\">Connect with Conor on LinkedIn.<\/a>\"},\"headline\":\"What is a CSCS card? And does every tradesperson need one?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-05-21T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-15T14:55:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/\"},\"wordCount\":1328,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/new-cscs-app-to-boost-safety-in-construction.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Small business news\",\"Trades\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/#respond\"]}],\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Zach Hayward-Jones\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/4a3f88e9a2765aaf1490f85437168819\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/what-is-a-cscs-card\/\",\"name\":\"What is a CSCS card? 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