Frequently asked questions about CSCS

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme, more commonly known as CSCS, is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry.

CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do, thereby helping to improve standards and safety in UK construction.

To apply for a CSCS card, you will require to hold, or be registered to complete, a construction-related qualification or hold a professional body membership as well as having passed the CITB Health, safety and environment test.

It is advised to use CSCS Card Finder to find the right type of card for your occupation and level of experience as holding the wrong card may result in being refused entry to site.

A CSCS card costs £36 or is free in the case of the Apprentice card.

The CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test costs £22.50 and should be booked via CITB while the cost of attaining a qualification will vary depending on the qualification and the training provider.

CSCS do not own or operate any form of tests, courses, training or qualifications.

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.

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 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.

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.