CSCS Cards – A Detailed Guide to Securing Them in 2023
Find out how to secure a CSCS Card to work on construction sites in our simple guide.
If you’re looking to work on a construction site, obtaining a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is an essential first step. It’s the first thing that companies will ask about before you start working on-site.
Whilst not a legal requirement to hold a CSCS Card to work on a construction site, it is the government’s ambition that the construction industry should move towards a fully qualified workforce. All larger construction companies now require one to work on-site and many ask that you scan your CSCS card to gain entry to the site. Here at Net Temps, we perform worker card checks before proposing workers to clients for temporary work. If you’ve already managed to get a CSCS card, we have plenty of work available that you can see here!
The CSCS card serves as proof that you have the required qualifications and knowledge to work in the construction industry and holding this card will open up a lot more job opportunities. In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your CSCS card in 2023. So, let’s get started!
The CITB Health, Safety and Environmental Test
No matter which card you apply for, you’ll need to secure a CITB Health, Safety and Environmental Test. This is a multiple choice test taken at your local CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) approved testing centres. The test examines your knowledge across a wide range of topics all designed to improve safety and productivity on site. There are different tests available, depending on your occupation and the qualifications that you hold.
More specific details about this can be found on this link: CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test and alternatives | Official CSCS Website. As of the 10th of May 2023, the test costs £22.50 and can be booked online on the link above. The test certificate lasts for 2 years, after which it must be renewed.
CSCS Card: The Nationally Recognised Construction Qualification
In addition to passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environmental Test, you will also need to hold a nationally recognised construction qualification to secure your CSCS Card.
New entrants wanting to obtain an entry-level CSCS Labourer Card usually secure one of the following two qualifications to gain their card although there are other qualifications available:
1. Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in Construction Environment.
This is a course that can be taken either in person or online and covers such subjects as maintaining health and safety at work, the legal responsibilities of a construction site, PPE that should be worn, accident reporting and what to do in an emergency situation. The course, hosted by approved training providers can take between 6 to 40 hours depending upon the skillset of the learner. At the end of the course, there is an exam.
2. Site Safety Plus Health and Safety Awareness Certificate
This is a one-day classroom-based course, covering similar topics to the course above and in order to gain the certificate you must pass an exam.
We understand that funding these courses can prove expensive, and it is, therefore, worthwhile knowing that local Job Centres may be able to point you in the direction of how you can secure a funding grant. More specifically you might also want to approach Tempus Training. If you are aged 19+, are in receipt of benefits and live in the following postcode areas of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Macclesfield, Staffordshire and parts of Warwickshire, Tempus offer the following free of charge allowing you to secure your CSCS Labourer Card:
- CITB Health, Safety and Environmental Test,
- Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in Construction Environment training
- Card application fees.
Tempus Training can be contacted on 0330 320 1465 or visit their website on this link: Tempus Training – Training & Skills Development
Applying for your CSCS Card
Trainees that are already in the process of securing a nationally recognised construction qualification, can apply for a Red CSCS Card, if they have already passed their CITB Health, Safety and Environmental Test. The card is valid for 5 years and during that time the cardholder is expected to secure their nationally recognised construction qualification.
When applying for all other CSCS cards, you will need to have already secured your nationally recognised construction qualification in addition to your CITB Health Safety and Environmental Test. Details of acceptable nationally recognised construction qualifications can be found on the CITB card finder site.
How Much Is A CSCS Card?
There is a fee to secure the Card. As of 10 May 2023 this is £36. Generally, CSCS Cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
After securing your CSCS Card, all you need now is your first job on-site, which is where we can help. Either give us a call on 0115 9400 968 or register with us online here and we’ll help you to secure your first role. If you’d like to read a bit more from us, either click the links to other articles below or take a look at our blog, where we have a wealth of information available here.
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