Frequently asked questions about CSCS

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.

CSCS is committed to adapting to the evolving competency requirements of the construction industry. Moving forward, every recognised construction occupation will be expected to follow a clearly defined “Route to Competence.” Cards will only be issued once all relevant qualifications, training, and health and safety requirements have been met for each occupation. 

This will ensure that every worker holding a CSCS-logoed card has demonstrated the necessary level of competence for their role, in line with industry standards. 

A CSCS card shows that a worker has obtained the necessary qualifications and training for their occupation, covering the Skills and Knowledge aspects of competence. However, competence also includes experience and behaviours, which must be assessed by employers and contractors as part of their ongoing duty to ensure workplace safety. 

Under the new Building Safety Regime, construction workers must demonstrate competence. Competence refers to having the appropriate Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours (SKEB) for the role. Clients and contractors are responsible for ensuring that workers are competent to perform their jobs safely and effectively. 

CSCS itself does not develop qualifications or provide training. Instead, each construction occupation has a Sector Skills Body (SSB) and a Sector Representative Organisation (SRO) responsible for determining the standards and qualifications required to obtain a CSCS card. 

The Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) Test is a primary requirement for most CSCS cards. The test is administered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and there are three types—Operatives, Specialists, and Managers and Professionals—depending on the level of the card being applied for. 

Some CSCS Alliance members may accept alternative health and safety qualifications. It is their responsibility to ensure that these meet industry standards. 

Holding a CSCS card does not automatically grant access to a construction site. Workers must hold the correct card for their specific occupation, and it is the Principal Contractor’s responsibility to control access to the site. The CSCS Smart Check site, or app, should be used to verify that workers hold the appropriate card for the tasks they are performing. 

No, CSCS cards are only necessary for those performing recognised construction occupations. Non-construction workers, visitors, and those undertaking informal work experience do not need a CSCS card. However, they may still be required to demonstrate that they can carry out their tasks safely, with additional supervision or risk assessments where necessary. 

The Principal Contractor is responsible for ensuring the safety of these individuals, providing appropriate induction and supervision as needed. 

International workers who wish to work on UK construction sites and hold qualifications from abroad can apply to ECCTIS to check if their qualifications match UK standards. If they do, the worker can apply for a CSCS-logoed card from the appropriate CSCS Alliance member. 

If an international worker is ineligible for a CSCS card, their access to the site must be pre-approved by the Principal Contractor. In some cases, additional supervision and risk assessments may be required for their tasks. 

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 Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) Test, which meets the current standard. 

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

The CSCS Alliance is a group of card schemes that comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s recommendations on industry card schemes. Member schemes display the CSCS logo, offering assurance that the cardholder has the necessary qualifications and health and safety knowledge to carry out their occupation. 

To become a member of the CSCS Alliance, card schemes must meet specific licensing conditions set by CSCS Limited, ensuring consistency and high standards across the industry. At present, there are over two million cards displaying the CSCS logo in circulation, with CSCS Cards Limited issuing the largest portion. Other Alliance members cater to specialised construction occupations.