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CSCS Red Provisional Card

Six months of site access for new starters, and what to do before it runs out.

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The Red Provisional Card gets new starters on site for six months. It is meant for people who have never held a CSCS card and need access now, while they decide on a qualification.

You can only hold it once, and it cannot be renewed.

Who usually applies

  • People on a short work experience placement of under three weeks
  • New starters who need site access now and plan to register for a qualification within six months
  • Workers trying out construction before committing to a trade

Plan your next card early

Six months passes quickly. Use the time to choose a route so you are not left without a card.

If you want toNext card
Stay labouringGreen Labourer (Level 1 Award + test)
Learn a tradeRed Trainee (register for an NVQ)
Prove existing trade skillsRed Experienced Worker (NVQ registration)

How to get it

  1. Pass the CITB testCoteca books the Operatives test for £47, including the £23.50 CITB fee.
  2. Check you are eligibleYou must never have held a CSCS card.
  3. Send documentsID and your test pass.
  4. ApplyCoteca handles the card for £66 including the £36 CSCS fee.

Preparing for the CITB test

The Provisional card needs a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test from the last 2 years. Most people sit the Operatives test, with 50 questions in 45 minutes and a 90% pass mark.

  • If you are new to construction, give yourself time to revise. The questions use site terms you may not know yet.
  • Practise against the clock until you pass comfortably.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early with original ID that matches your booking.

Start with the free Operatives mock test and book your test when you are ready.

Situations we see often

Short work experience placement

The Provisional card suits placements under three weeks without committing to a trade.

Offered a labouring job, starting soon

Consider the green card instead. It lasts longer and renews.

Held a CSCS card before

You cannot get the Provisional card. Look at the Trainee or Experienced Worker routes instead.

Using your six months well

  1. Week 1Start work and decide which trade or route you want to follow.
  2. Month 1 to 2Register for an NVQ or other recognised construction qualification.
  3. Month 3 to 5Build evidence on site while the qualification gets under way.
  4. Before month 6Apply for the Green Labourer, Trainee or Experienced Worker card so you keep site access.

Mistakes people make with a provisional card

  • Treating it as a long-term card. It lasts six months and you can only ever hold it once.
  • Not registering for a qualification. Without one you have no card to move to when it ends.
  • Applying if you have held a CSCS card before. It is only for people who have never held one.
  • Waiting until the last week. Leave time for the next card to be approved and delivered.

Plan your route from provisional to a full card.

Start on site with Coteca

We book your CITB test and apply for the provisional card, then help you pick the right card for when it ends.

Book your provisional cardCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Red Provisional card last?

Six months from the day it is issued.

Can I renew the provisional card?

No. You can only hold it once, and it cannot be extended.

Do I need a qualification?

No, only a CITB test pass from the last 2 years. You should plan to register for a qualification within the six months.

How much is it through Coteca?

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

Can I extend the Red Provisional card?

No. It lasts six months, cannot be extended and can only be held once.

Which card should I move to next?

Usually the Red Trainee card once you register for a qualification, or the Experienced Worker card if you already do the job.

Is the Provisional card good for work experience?

Yes. It suits short placements and people trying construction before committing to a trade.

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