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CSCS Gold Advanced Craft Card

For tradespeople working at Level 3. Requirements, renewal and how it differs from the Gold Supervisor card.

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The Gold Advanced Craft Card is for tradespeople who work at the top level of their craft. You may still hear it called the Gold Skilled Worker card on site.

It proves you hold an NVQ Level 3 or an approved apprenticeship in your trade, and that you have passed the CITB test.

Advanced Craft or Supervisor?

Both cards are gold, but they cover different work. Choose by what you do day to day.

Gold Advanced CraftGold Supervisor
RoleSkilled trade on the toolsRunning a team or section
QualificationNVQ Level 3 in your tradeSupervisory NVQ Level 3 or 4
Validity5 years5 years

Who usually applies

  • Tradespeople with an NVQ or SVQ Level 3 in a construction occupation
  • People who finished an approved apprenticeship, such as NJCBI or BATJIC
  • Holders of a City and Guilds Advanced Craft Certificate from an employer-sponsored apprenticeship
  • Blue card holders who have just completed their Level 3

If your qualification is at Level 2 rather than Level 3, the Blue Skilled Worker card is the one to apply for.

How to apply

  1. Complete your Level 3Or have your apprenticeship certificate ready.
  2. Check your test dateYour CITB test pass must be under 2 years old. Book a new one for £47, including the £23.50 CITB fee, if needed.
  3. Prepare documentsPhoto ID, qualification certificate and test pass.
  4. SubmitCoteca applies for £66 including the £36 CSCS fee.

Renewing the gold card

Your NVQ Level 3 does not expire, so renewal only needs a CITB test pass from the 2 years before you renew. You can apply from 6 months before the expiry date up to 6 months after it.

If you now run a gang or a section of the job, look at the Gold Supervisor card before you renew.

The CITB test for a gold card

Gold Advanced Craft applicants sit the same Operatives test as blue card holders, or a specialist test for their trade. It has 50 questions in 45 minutes with a 90% pass mark.

  • Experienced tradespeople still fail on wording. Practise with real-style questions.
  • If your last test is close to 2 years old, sit a new one before you apply rather than after.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early with original ID that matches your booking.

Check your knowledge with the free Operatives mock test and book your CITB test when you are ready.

Situations we see often

Blue card holder who just finished Level 3

Apply for gold with your new certificate. You do not need to wait for the blue card to expire.

Apprenticeship finished years ago

An approved apprenticeship such as NJCBI or BATJIC can still count, along with a recent test pass.

Running a small team as well as working on the tools

If supervision is now your main role, the Gold Supervisor card may fit better.

Upgrading from blue to gold

  1. Finish your NVQ Level 3Your assessor signs off the units and the certificate is issued.
  2. Check your test dateMake sure your CITB pass is within the last 2 years.
  3. Apply for the gold cardSend your Level 3 certificate, test pass and ID.
  4. Receive the cardIt normally arrives in 7 to 10 working days once approved.

Common gold card mistakes

  • Applying with a Level 2. Gold Advanced Craft needs Level 3. A Level 2 leads to blue.
  • Confusing Advanced Craft with Supervisor. If you run a team, a supervisory NVQ leads to the Gold Supervisor card instead.
  • The wrong trade on the application. The card only covers the trade printed on the back.
  • Missing certificate details. Unclear copies are the most common reason an NVQ cannot be verified.

Next steps for the gold card.

Get your gold card with Coteca

Already have your Level 3? Send us your certificate and ID and we will handle the application from there.

Book your gold cardCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gold Advanced Craft card the same as the Gold Skilled Worker card?

Yes. Advanced Craft is the current name; many people still say Gold Skilled Worker.

How long does it last?

5 years, and you can renew it each time with a recent CITB test pass.

Can I supervise with this card?

It shows trade skill at Level 3. For a supervisory role, the Gold Supervisor card with a supervisory NVQ is the better fit.

What does it cost?

Coteca books it for £66 (£55 + VAT), which includes the £36 CSCS fee.

Do I need a blue card before I can get gold?

No. If you already hold an NVQ Level 3 or an approved apprenticeship, you can apply for gold directly.

Is the Gold Advanced Craft card the same as the Gold Supervisor card?

No. Advanced Craft is for skilled trades at Level 3. Supervisor is for people who run a team and hold a supervisory NVQ.

Can I renew my gold card?

Yes. It lasts 5 years and renews with a fresh CITB test pass from the last 2 years.

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