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CSCS Gold Supervisor Card

For foremen, site managers and construction supervisors. The NVQ, test and renewal rules in one place.

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The Gold Supervisor Card is for people who run a team on site: supervisors, site managers and section leads. It shows you hold a supervisory or technical NVQ and understand how to keep a team working safely.

Which NVQ counts?

The most common route is the NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision. Construction site supervision NVQs at Level 4 are also accepted. A trade NVQ Level 3 on its own leads to the Advanced Craft card, not this one.

Old Industry Accreditation cards

Supervisor cards issued under Industry Accreditation expired at the end of 2024 and cannot be renewed. If you held one, you now need a supervisory NVQ to get a Gold Supervisor card.

Many experienced supervisors complete the NVQ through on-site assessment, using the work they already do as evidence.

Steps to the card

  1. Complete a supervisory NVQLevel 3 or 4, or have your certificate ready.
  2. Pass the supervisor-level testBook the CITB HS&E test through Coteca for £47, including the £23.50 CITB fee.
  3. Gather documentsPhoto ID, NVQ certificate and test pass.
  4. ApplyCoteca applies for £66 including the £36 CSCS fee.

Is this your card?

Good fit
  • You plan and check the work of others
  • You brief your team and run toolbox talks
  • You report to a site manager
Probably not
  • You mainly work on the tools alone
  • You manage the whole site or several sites
  • You have no supervisory NVQ yet

Moving into management? A Level 6 NVQ and the MAP test lead to the black card. See how to become a site manager.

Preparing for the Supervisors test

The Gold Supervisor card needs the CITB Supervisors test, not the Operatives test. It has 50 questions in 45 minutes and focuses on how you manage safety for the people you are responsible for.

  • Expect questions about planning work, briefing teams and dealing with unsafe practice, not just personal safety.
  • The pass mark is high, so revise every section rather than your strongest areas.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early with original ID that matches your booking.

Practise with the free supervisor mock test, then book your Supervisors test.

Situations we see often

Old Industry Accreditation supervisor card

That card cannot be renewed. Register for a supervisory NVQ to replace it.

Skilled worker promoted to chargehand

Your trade card stays valid. Add a supervisory NVQ and the Supervisors test to move to this card.

Supervisor who passed the Operatives test

That pass does not count here. You need the Supervisors test.

After you apply for a supervisor card

  1. NVQ checkCSCS confirms your supervisory or technical NVQ at Level 3 or 4.
  2. Test checkYour Supervisors test pass is matched to the application.
  3. ApprovalOnce both checks clear, the application is approved.
  4. DeliveryThe card normally arrives within 7 to 10 working days.

Mistakes supervisors make

  • Sitting the Operatives test. It will not count for this card. Book the Supervisors test.
  • Relying on an old Industry Accreditation card. Those supervisor cards expired at the end of 2024 and need an NVQ to replace them.
  • Holding a trade NVQ instead of a supervisory one. A Level 3 in your trade leads to Gold Advanced Craft, not Supervisor.
  • Name differences between the NVQ and your ID. These are a common reason the certificate cannot be verified.

Book the supervisor route.

Get your supervisor card with Coteca

Tell us what you hold now. We book the NVQ assessment and test you still need, then submit your card application.

Book your supervisor cardCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Gold Supervisor card last?

5 years. Renew with a fresh supervisor-level CITB test pass from the last 2 years.

Is SSSTS enough for the gold supervisor card?

No. SSSTS is a useful safety course, but CSCS needs a supervisory NVQ at Level 3 or 4.

My old IA supervisor card has expired. What now?

Those cards ended in 2024. Complete a supervisory NVQ and apply for the Gold Supervisor card.

How much is the card through Coteca?

£66, which is £55 + VAT and includes the £36 CSCS fee.

Which NVQ is most common for this card?

The NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision is the most common route.

Can I renew the Gold Supervisor card?

Yes. It lasts 5 years and renews with a fresh Supervisors test pass from the last 2 years.

I supervise but have no NVQ. What should I do?

Register for a supervisory NVQ. Your existing experience is assessed on site as part of it.

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