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How to Get a Gold CSCS Card

Gold cards cover advanced craft workers and site supervisors. Find out which one fits you and what you need to apply.

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There are two gold CSCS cards. The Advanced Craft card is for experienced trades who hold a Level 3 qualification in their craft. The Supervisory card is for people who run work on site and hold a Level 3 or 4 qualification in supervision.

Both cards last five years and both need a recent CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass. The difference is the qualification behind them and the job you do.

NVQ Level 3 or 4craft or supervision
HS&E testpassed in the last 2 years
5 yearscard validity

Advanced Craft vs Supervisory

Pick the card that matches your role, not just your experience.

Advanced CraftSupervisory
Who it is forSkilled trades working at an advanced levelSupervisors, foremen and team leaders
QualificationNVQ or SVQ Level 3 in your craft, or an indentured apprenticeshipNVQ or SVQ Level 3 or 4 in a supervisory occupation
Typical next stepSupervision NVQSite management NVQ for a black card

Steps to get a gold card

  1. Pick the right cardDecide whether your job is mainly craft work or supervising others.
  2. Complete the Level 3 or 4 NVQYour assessor will gather evidence from the work you already do.
  3. Pass the HS&E testBook the test level CSCS sets for your card. Coteca books it for £47 including the £23.50 CITB fee.
  4. ApplyCoteca handles the application for £66 (£55 + VAT), including the £36 CSCS fee.

Short supervision courses are not enough on their own An SSSTS certificate is useful safety training, but CSCS asks for a recognised supervisory qualification for the gold Supervisory card. See which NVQ you need for site management.

Is gold worth it?

Many main contractors ask supervisors to hold a gold card before they can run a gang on site. It also sets you up for the next step. Once you move into managing projects, a Level 6 site management NVQ leads to the black card. Read how to become a site supervisor for the wider route.

Useful links

Everything you need for a gold card, booked through Coteca.

Get your CSCS card with 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 4324

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the two gold CSCS cards?

Advanced Craft is for skilled trades with a Level 3 craft qualification. Supervisory is for people who supervise work and hold a Level 3 or 4 supervisory qualification.

Can SSSTS or SMSTS get me a gold card?

Not on their own. They are short safety courses. CSCS asks for a recognised Level 3 or 4 supervisory NVQ or SVQ.

How long does a gold CSCS card last?

Five years, as long as you keep a recent HS&E test pass for renewal.

How much does it cost through Coteca?

The card application is £66 (£55 + VAT), including the £36 CSCS fee. The HS&E test is £47.

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