What is a CSCS Card and do I need one?

If you work in Construction or are interested in your beginning your career in the industry, you have probably come across the term CSCS Card. There are a variety of cards on offer, but how can you apply and receive one of your own?

What is a CSCS Card?

CSCS (Construction Skills Certificates Scheme) is a not-for-profit limited company that offers certifications in the form of cards. CSCS cards can be applied for once you have completed the relevant requirements/courses required for the specific card. Construction workers can obtain multiple cards, demonstrating their competence at a variety of levels.

Types of the card include entry-levels such as Labourer and Apprentice, through to Gold and Black cards representing Supervisory and Manager competency, respectively.

The full list of CSCS cards that you can collect can be found on the CSCS website here.

Do I need a CSCS Card?

Although holding a CSCS card is not a requirement by law, most construction sites (and companies operating them) will require that you have one. This shows that you have the standards, training and qualifications required to do the job properly and maintain health and safety standards. Due to the potential high-risk nature of construction sites, having all workers with a CSCS card is a baseline for construction companies to remain operational.

If you are looking to progress your career in construction, it is recommended that you achieve the requirements needed, and the CSCS card needed for Supervisory and Manager levels.

How do I get one?

Before applying for a CSCS card, check the relevant page on the CSCS Construction Skills Certification Scheme website to ensure that you have all of the requirements needed to apply for the card.

These will vary dependant on the card and may require you to attend additional trains or courses.

Once you are confident that you meet the criteria, you can apply online at this link.

Alternatively, you can apply over the phone by calling 0344 99 44 777. Once your application has been approved, you can expect your card within 3-5 days.

Employers can also apply on your behalf online.

CSCS Card Jobs- What jobs can I get?

What job you can get with a CSCS card depends on what type of CSCS card you have. There are currently 12 CSCS cards that you can obtain, and we’ve listed common jobs for the most common four below.

Construction Labourer

Card: Labourer (Green). Requirements:

Completed the RQF Level 1/SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

OR Completed the SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate.

Steel Fixer

Card: Skilled Worker (Blue). Requirements:

Achieved a construction related NVQ or SVQ level 2

OR Completed an apprenticeship, such as an Employer-sponsored apprenticeship, a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate or a CSCS Approved Trailblazer

Site Supervisor

Card: Supervisory (Gold). Requirements:

Construction Related Supervisory/Technical NVQ or SVQ level 3 or 4

Construction/ Site Manager

Card: Manager (Black). Requirements:

Achievement of a relevant Construction Management/Technical related NVQ/SVQ level 5, 6 or 7

OR A SVQ Level 4 in Construction Management/Technical related qualification or

OR Holding a pre-existing NVQ level 4 in construction management.

What next?

Applying and receiving a CSCS Card is the entry point for beginning your career in construction. Once you have yours, you can apply for roles with companies across the country. If you have yours, why not apply for one of the many CSCS roles we often have available?

You can browse our CSCS jobs here: crewitresourcing.com/jobs/cscs-jobs

If you can’t see one that matches your skillset, quick register with us and we’ll reach out if we have any suitable for you: crewitresourcing.com/quick-register