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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.