8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)
8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)
The qualification each card colour needs, the test that goes with it and the quickest route if you have none yet.
Get free advice on your card, test or course
We only use your details to reply to your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.
The qualification you need for a CSCS card depends on the card. A Green Labourer card needs the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. A Blue Skilled Worker card needs an NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade. Gold cards need Level 3, and a Black Manager card needs Level 5, 6 or 7. White cards are for construction graduates and members of professional bodies.
Almost every card also needs a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test from the last two years. If you’re still working towards a qualification, a Red card can keep you on site in the meantime.
| Card | Qualification you need | HS&E test |
|---|---|---|
| Green Labourer | Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or an accepted alternative | Operatives |
| Blue Skilled Worker | NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade, or a completed apprenticeship | Operatives or Specialist |
| Gold Skilled Worker or Advanced Craft | NVQ or SVQ Level 3 in your trade | Operatives or Specialist |
| Gold Supervisor | NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or 4 in supervision | Supervisory |
| Black Manager | NVQ or SVQ Level 5, 6 or 7 in construction management | Managers and Professionals |
| White AQP | An approved construction degree, HND or HNC | Managers and Professionals |
| White PQP | Membership of an approved professional body | Managers and Professionals |
| Red cards | Registration on a qualification or apprenticeship | Usually Operatives |
If you can’t work out which row is yours, our guide on which CSCS card you need goes through each card by job role.
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is a one-day course covering site safety, hazards and your legal duties. CSCS also accepts a few alternatives, such as the REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate. Once you have the Level 1 Award, it doesn’t expire, so you won’t need to repeat it when you renew. Coteca books the Level 1 Award course across the UK.
Bear in mind the Green card is for labouring work only. If you do skilled trade work, you need a Blue card route, even without paperwork.
Skilled trades prove their competence with an NVQ (SVQ in Scotland). Level 2 leads to a Blue card and Level 3 to a Gold card. An NVQ is assessed in the workplace. An assessor watches you work and collects evidence, such as photos and witness statements, so there’s no classroom exam. Coteca books NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 courses across dozens of trades.
Site managers, project managers and construction managers need an NVQ or SVQ at Level 5, 6 or 7 in a construction management subject. The Level 6 NVQ in construction site management is the most common route.
A qualification on its own isn’t enough. Nearly every card also needs a pass in the right version of the CITB HS&E test, taken in the last two years. Coteca books the CITB test for £47, which includes the £23.50 CITB fee. Once you have both, our guide on how to get a CSCS card covers the application.
Tell the Coteca team what you do on site. We'll point you to the right course or NVQ, book your test and handle your card application.
See NVQ coursesCall 0208 099 4324Yes. You need the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or an accepted alternative, plus a pass in the CITB Operatives HS&E test.
Yes, in some cases. Labourers need only the Level 1 Award and the test. Experienced tradespeople can get a Red Experienced Worker card once they are registered on an NVQ.
Yes. A completed construction apprenticeship is accepted for the Blue Skilled Worker card, as well as an NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade.
You need an NVQ or SVQ at Level 5, 6 or 7 in a construction management subject. Many site managers take the Level 6 NVQ in construction site management.
No. Once you have passed it, you do not need to repeat it when you renew a Green card.
No. The CITB HS&E test is a separate requirement. Most cards need both a recognised qualification and a test pass from the last two years.
Qualification rules are based on official information from CSCS: Applying for cards and CSCS: Labourer card. Prices are Coteca booking prices as listed on coteca.co.uk in November 2026. Rules and prices can change, so check before you book.
We will give you best suited CSCS product. Apply Here
By filling this form, I agree to the terms and conditions