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The card for qualified tradespeople: what it proves, what you need, renewal and next steps.
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The CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card tells a site manager you are qualified in your trade, not just experienced in it. It is the card most bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, tilers and dryliners hold.
It covers the occupation printed on the back. If you work in two trades, you need the qualification for each.
Most people reach the blue card one of three ways. Pick the one that matches where you are now.
| Starting point | What to do |
|---|---|
| You hold an NVQ Level 2 | Pass the CITB test and apply straight away |
| You hold a red Experienced Worker or Trainee card | Finish your NVQ Level 2, then upgrade |
| You finished an apprenticeship | Apply with your apprenticeship certificate and a test pass |
Many main contractors and agencies will not take on a skilled tradesperson without a blue card, so it often decides whether you get the job at all. It also shows a site manager straight away that your skills have been assessed, not just claimed.
Your next step is an NVQ Level 3 in your trade, which leads to the Gold Advanced Craft card. If you move into running a team, a Level 3 supervisory NVQ leads to the Gold Supervisor card instead.
Card delayed? Most delays come from a name mismatch between ID and certificate, or a test result that has not reached CSCS yet.
Blue card applicants sit the Operatives test, or the specialist test for their trade where one exists. Each has 50 questions in 45 minutes and a 90% pass mark.
Use the free Operatives mock test to check you are ready, then book the Operatives test or the specialist test.
Check your test date, then apply for blue straight away so there is no gap in site access.
Sit a fresh CITB test now. Your NVQ still counts, so the test is usually the only thing to sort.
The card covers the trade on your NVQ. Working in a different trade may need a different qualification.
When a blue card is late, it is nearly always for one of three reasons: the test result has not reached CSCS yet, the NVQ certificate cannot be verified, or the name on your ID does not match the application.
Book what you need for the blue card.
Send us your NVQ and ID. We check your documents, book the test if you need it and submit the application.
Book your blue cardCall 0208 099 43245 years. You can renew it each time with a CITB test pass from the last 2 years.
No. Your NVQ does not expire. You only need a recent CITB test pass.
Only with a completed construction apprenticeship. Otherwise, register for an NVQ and use the red Experienced Worker card while you finish it.
Usually 7 to 10 working days after approval. The digital card often appears in the CSCS app first.
No. Your NVQ stays valid. Only the card and the test pass have time limits.
Yes, if you completed an approved apprenticeship in your trade and have a recent CITB test pass.
It normally arrives in 7 to 10 working days once the application is approved.
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