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The Skilled Worker card shows you are qualified in your trade. Here is what you need, how long it takes and how to apply.
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The blue CSCS card is the Skilled Worker card. It tells a site manager you hold a recognised qualification in your trade, not just a safety award. Bricklayers, plasterers, dryliners, groundworkers and many other trades carry it.
To get one you need two things: a construction NVQ or SVQ at Level 2 (or a completed apprenticeship) in your trade, and a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives taken within the last two years.
Every blue card holder must meet both rows below.
| Requirement | What counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your occupation, or a completed recognised apprenticeship | The qualification title must match the job you do |
| Safety test | CITB HS&E test for Operatives | Must be passed in the two years before you apply |
| Application | Online through CSCS or a provider such as Coteca | Card fee is included in the Coteca price |
Already on a green card? You can move up to blue as soon as you finish a Level 2 NVQ. Read how to move from labourer to skilled worker for the full route.
The safety test and card application take a couple of weeks at most. The NVQ is the part that varies. If you already work in the trade and can gather evidence quickly, it can be done in a few months. If you are short of experience in some units, it takes longer.
See how long a construction NVQ takes and what evidence you need before you start.
Book each part of the blue card route through Coteca.
Tell us what you do on site and what paperwork you hold. We will point you to the right card, book your test and handle the application.
Book your CSCS cardCall 0208 099 4324Yes, if you have completed a recognised construction apprenticeship in your trade. Otherwise a Level 2 NVQ or SVQ is the standard route.
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives, passed within the last two years.
Through Coteca the card application is £66 (£55 + VAT), including the £36 CSCS fee. The HS&E test is £47 including the £23.50 CITB fee.
Five years. To renew, you need a recent HS&E test pass and your qualification still on record.
Yes. Once you finish a Level 2 NVQ in your trade and hold a recent HS&E pass, you can apply for the blue card.
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