CSCS Card Information

The CSCS Card, which is issued by Construction Skills Certification Scheme, is increasingly being demanded as proof of competence by major organizations and employers in the construction industry. As of the 1st of Jan 2010 the plain CSCS Card will be replaced by a new card. It is called Smart Card and will have a special chip where the candidates' information will be stored. The application process will remain the same.

Following is a list of the different types of cards, what they cover and the qualifications needed.

RED CSCS CARD – TRAINEE (Valid for three years)

• Craft and Operative - you need to be registered for an N / SVQ but have not yet achieved level 2 or 3 to qualify for this card.
• Technical, Supervisory and Management – to apply for this card you must be currently registered with a further/higher education college for a construction related qualification, or if you have completed a nationally recognized construction related course.
• Graduate card - to apply for this card you must have completed a nationally recognized construction related qualification with a further/higher education college. The candidate is required to pass the Managerial and Professional Health and Safety Test.

GREEN CSCS CARD

This card is for operatives who carry out basic site skills only. You will need a NVQ level 1, or an employer's recommendation to qualify for this card. The occupation the individual is involved in is shown on the reverse.

BLUE CSCS CARD - EXPERIENCED WORKER

This card is issued on a temporary basis to people with at least one year on the job experience, while you receive your NVQ or SVQ. To qualify for this card your trade should be covered by CSCS and you must pass the Health and Safety Test. The card is valid for one year and is non-renewable. It can not be replaced by a Construction Site Operative or a Basic Skills Green Card.

BLUE CSCS CARD - SKILLED WORKER

You may qualify for a blue skilled card if you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or if you have completed an employer sponsored apprenticeship and completed a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate.

BLUE CSCS CARD - EXPERIENCED MANAGER

Similar to the Experienced Worker Card this card is available to everyone with on the job experience (at least one year in the last three). The card is issued on a temporary basis, while a NVQ or SVQ is being achieved. To qualify for a card you need to:

• Check to see if your trade is covered by CSCS.
• Pass the health and safety test.
• Register for an NVQ or SVQ.
• Complete an NVQ or SVQ profiling session.

This card is valid for three years and is non-renewable.

GOLD CSCS CARD - SKILLED WORKER

To qualify for this card you need to have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 3. Similarly, if you have completed an approved indentured apprenticeship (e.g. with NJCBI, BATJIC etc.) or an employer sponsored apprenticeship and completed a City and Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate., you can also apply for the card.

GOLD CSCS CARD - SUPERVISOR

You may qualify for a gold supervisor card if you have achieved NVQ or SVQ level 3 or higher and are involved in supervisor occupations.

PLATINUM CSCS CARD - MANAGER

Starting 1st Jan 2010 the Platinum card is no longer issued and candidates who have passed NVQ/SVQ Level 4 or 5 should now apply for the Black Managers Card.

BLACK CSCS CARD - SENIOR MANAGER

The Black card is available for manager and senior manager occupations. To qualify for this card you must have achieved an NVQ/SVQ level 4 or 5 in site management. This type of card requires the applicant to pass the Managerial and Professional Health and Safety test.

YELLOW - PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED PERSON CSCS CARD

The PQP card is for professionals who have health and safety responsibilities such as Consultants, Client Architects, Surveyors and Engineers, but are not resident on site In order to apply for a card the applicant must:

• Be a chartered member of an approved institution
• Pass the Health and Safety test
• Have up to date continuing professional development records for the last two years relevant to the area of work in which they are in.

WHITE CSCS CARD - CONSTRUCTION RELATED OCCUPATION (CRO)

This card covers construction related occupations not covered by the other categories of card and shows the holder's occupation. To qualify for this card you first pass the Health and Safety Tess.

YELLOW CSCS CARD - REGULAR VISITOR

The yellow Regular Visitor Card has been introduced for those people who frequently visit a construction site, but have no construction 'site' skill (such as delivery drivers, etc). The card has been designed to allow access to a Construction Site to be made easier, as the health and safety test status can reduce the amount of site induction that is required.