FAQs

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a widely recognised initiative within the UK construction industry, aimed at ensuring that workers on construction sites are properly qualified. The CSCS scheme is managed by two separate bodies:

CSCS Limited: This organisation owns and manages the CSCS logo. It ensures that all member card schemes comply with industry standards as recommended by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). The CSCS logo is a mark of quality, showing adherence to the necessary conditions required for industry card schemes.

CSCS Cards Limited: This entity operates the CSCS card scheme, which is a member of the CSCS Alliance. The scheme covers core construction occupations and has issued more than half of all CSCS-logoed cards currently in circulation, making it the largest member of the CSCS Alliance.

CSCS is owned by Build UK, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, the Federation of Master Builders, UNITE the Union, and GMB Union. Together, they work to promote competency and qualification standards in the UK construction industry.

A CSCS card shows that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do.

Holding a CSCS card is not a legal requirement but most principal contractors and major house builders in the UK require workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card.

To apply for a card, individuals and employers should use the official CSCS application service – CSCS Online – while cardholders can also get access to their digital CSCS card upon approval of their application via the my CSCS app.

The CSCS Group is made up of two separate businesses.

CSCS Limited is the owner of the CSCS logo and responsible for ensuring that all card schemes comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s recommendations on industry card schemes and any other conditions of licence.

CSCS Limited is a not-for-profit distribution organisation, limited by guarantee and without shareholders. The membership of CSCS Ltd is represented by three employer organisations and two unions, reflecting the breadth of the UK construction industry.

CSCS Cards Limited owns and operates the CSCS Card scheme. CSCS Cards is a private company limited by shares, wholly owned by CSCS Limited. CSCS Cards has a board of directors, each appointed by CSCS Limited, reflective of the card scheme’s key stakeholders.

CSCS is one of 38 card schemes that carry the CSCS logo. While CSCS issue cards for core construction occupations, the remaining 37 CSCS Alliance schemes cover other various sectors and occupations across construction and the Built Environment.

All schemes displaying the CSCS logo operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for the occupations they cover, providing assurance that over two million UK construction workers are trained and qualified for the job they do.

The term ‘CSCS test’ is a common misconception and actually refers to the CITB Health, safety and environment test. 

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.

Revision materials for the CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test are available from CITB.

As CSCS do not provide any form of qualifications, tests or courses, we do not offer revision materials or mock tests. Qualifications for applications should be arranged via a 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.

The term ‘CSCS course’ or ‘CSCS exam’ is often used by training providers and third-party organisations to highlight that the particular qualification is accepted by CSCS for a specific card.

However, there is no official CSCS course, exam or test as CSCS do not provide these, 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.

Electronic verification of CSCS-logoed cards is crucial to improving site safety and tackling fraud.

CSCS Smart Check allows all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo to be verified using a single platform, providing employers with 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 via CSCSSmartCheck.co.uk or downloaded as an app through Google Play or the App Store.

To check a CSCS-logoed card, sites can have the CSCS Smart Check API be built into their existing site access systems or card checking equipment by an approved IT Partner.

Alternatively, sites can use the CSCSSmartCheck.co.uk website or downloaded the mobile app through Google Play or the App Store, both of which are free to use.

CSCS Smart Check will electronically verify a card and show employers the name and registration number of the individual as well as the specific card scheme, card type, qualifications and the expiry date.

If the card has been revoked CSCS Smart Check will also show this to those checking cards at site gates.