Contact CSCS

To obtain a CSCS card, individuals must: 

• Complete, or be in the process of completing, a nationally-recognised qualification relevant to their role, as well as any specified additional training. 

• Pass the required CITB Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) Test, or an approved alternative.

It is recommended to apply directly via CSCS to ensure you receive the correct card and pay the right fees. Cards issued by CSCS cost £36, except for the Apprentice card, which is issued free of charge.

When applying for a CSCS card, applicants must have passed the appropriate level of CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test for their occupation or an approved alternative.

The test is owned and operated by CITB, not CSCS, and must have been passed within the two years prior to applying. You will be required to enter your CITB testing ID as part of the online application process.

There are three types of CITB HSE test – Operatives, Managers & Professionals and Specialists.

All three types aim to examine knowledge across a wide range of topics to improve safety and productivity on site. The test is an important way for construction workers to show employers they can perform their job safely.

The CITB Health, safety and environment test costs £22.50 and should be booked directly through CITB. CSCS can not assist with, or arrange, the booking of CITB Health, safety and environment tests.

Similarly, revision materials are available from most high street and online booksellers or the CITB website but not via CSCS.

CSCS do not provide tests, exams or courses. We simply process applications and issue CSCS cards. CSCS also do not endorse or approve any training providers or third-party CSCS card services.

Qualifications for applications should be arranged via a reputable training provider, college or job centre while the accompanying health and safety element must be the CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test or an approved alternative.

To apply for a skilled CSCS card, an applicant must hold a nationally recognised construction related qualification or be a member of an approved professional body.

If you do not have a recognised qualification, CSCS can issue you with a temporary card. However, before a temporary card can be issued you must be registered onto the appropriate qualification for your occupation.

CSCS does not deliver courses, qualifications or exams. Qualifications and training will need to be arranged with a college or training provider.

Your physical card should arrive within 10 working days of the application being processed. If your card hasn’t arrived by this point, please get in touch.

While you wait for your physical card to arrive, a digital version is available via the my CSCS app.

A digital CSCS card is exactly the same as a plastic card but is stored via your smartphone in the my CSCS app as soon as an application is approved, meaning it can be used straight away to access site.

The digital card shows employers an individual’s photograph, qualifications, training, occupation and the card’s expiry date. Digital CSCS cards can also be verified via CSCS Smart Check using the card’s QR code or via manual entry.

No – CSCS and CITB are completely separate organisations.

While the CITB Health, safety and environment test is the primary health and safety aspect used within CSCS card applications, the test is owned and operated by CITB and can not be booked via CSCS.

CSCS Smart Check is the only platform to check all 2.2 million cards displaying the CSCS logo. It provides a quick, easy and secure way of ensuring everyone has the correct card, training and qualifications for the job they do on site.

The CSCS Smart Check API can be built into existing site access systems or card checking equipment, while it can also be used free via CSCSSmartCheck.co.uk or downloaded as an app through Google Play or the App Store.