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CSCS Red Trainee Card

For people registered on an NVQ, HNC, HND or degree who need site access while they study.

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The Red Trainee Card covers people who are registered on a construction qualification but have not finished it yet. That includes NVQs and SVQs, and higher-level courses such as an HNC, HND or degree.

How long the card lasts depends on what you are registered for.

Which version of the card you get

You holdCard length
NVQ or SVQ registration dated within the last 2 years5 years
HNC, HND or degree registration within the last 4 years5 years
An approved Level 2+ college qualification from the last 5 years2 years

Renewing the Trainee card

You can renew once. Show that you are registered for an NVQ, SVQ or approved alternative and you get a three-year card. That renewal is final, so the aim is to finish your qualification and move to a skilled card.

How to apply

  1. Register for your qualificationKeep the registration letter or enrolment proof.
  2. Pass the Operatives testCoteca books it for £47, including the £23.50 CITB fee.
  3. Send documentsID, registration proof and test pass.
  4. ApplyCoteca handles the card for £66 including the £36 CSCS fee.

Trainee or Experienced Worker?

Choose Trainee if
  • You are new to the trade and learning
  • You are on an HNC, HND or degree
  • You need more than a year to qualify
Choose Experienced Worker if
  • You already have years of trade experience
  • You can finish your NVQ within 12 months
  • You want the quickest route to a skilled card

Preparing for the Operatives test

The Trainee card needs a pass in the Operative level CITB test, taken within the last 2 years. It has 50 questions in 45 minutes and a 90% pass mark.

  • Practise until you score well every time, not just once.
  • Under a minute per question means you need to read quickly and carefully.
  • Questions can be read aloud on screen in your chosen language.

Try the free Operatives mock test, then book your test at a test centre near you.

Situations we see often

College leaver with a Level 2 construction diploma

An approved qualification from the last 5 years can get you the 2-year Trainee card.

Studying an HNC in the evenings

Registration from the last 4 years for an HNC, HND or degree can support the 5-year card.

Near the end of the first card

Renew once, for 3 years, while you finish. Plan to move to a skilled card after that.

After you apply for a trainee card

  1. Registration checkCSCS confirms your NVQ, SVQ, HNC, HND or degree registration, or your college qualification.
  2. Test checkYour Operatives test pass is matched to the application.
  3. ApprovalOnce both checks clear, the application is approved.
  4. DeliveryThe card usually arrives in 7 to 10 working days.

Mistakes that delay a trainee card

  • An old registration. NVQ or SVQ registration must be dated within the last 2 years.
  • Picking the wrong length of card. The 5-year and 2-year cards have different evidence. Check which fits your situation.
  • A college qualification that is too old. For the 2-year card it must be from the last 5 years.
  • Not planning for the end date. The card can only be renewed once, so keep your qualification moving.

Book the trainee route.

Get your trainee card with Coteca

We register your NVQ if you need it, book the test and apply for the card, so you can keep working while you qualify.

Book your trainee cardCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Red Trainee card last?

Up to 5 years for NVQ or higher-education registrations, or 2 years for an approved college qualification.

Can I renew the Trainee card?

Once, for 3 years, with proof you are registered for an NVQ, SVQ or approved alternative.

Which test do I need?

The CITB Operatives test, passed within the last 2 years.

How much is it through Coteca?

£66 (£55 + VAT), including the £36 CSCS fee.

What is the difference between the Trainee and Experienced Worker cards?

Trainee is for people still learning their trade. Experienced Worker is for people who already do the job and are completing an NVQ to prove it.

Do I need to be employed?

You need to be registered on a qualification. Most trainees are employed or on a college course while they train.

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