Are you paying too much for your CSCS card?

Published: March 15, 2016

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is urging employers and construction workers to be vigilant when dealing with third party companies that offer CSCS card application services.

Feedback from cardholders has revealed wide discrepancies in the prices charged by some online third party organisations.

The official price of a CSCS card is £36. In the majority of cases applicants must also pass the separate CITB health, safety and environment test which is £22.

CSCS have received reports that some online organisations are charging upwards of £150 to book the CITB test and apply for a CSCS card.

CSCS’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager Alan O’Neile said: “There is only one official CSCS website. Other websites offering CSCS card services are designed to appear official but they are not operating on behalf of CSCS. The official CSCS website is easily identifiable by ensuring you log onto www.cscs.uk.com.”

The quickest and cheapest way to apply for a CSCS card is to call the CSCS contact centre on 0344 994 4777. The majority of cards ordered over the phone get despatched the next working day.

Alternatively, a postal application service is also available and you can download an application form from the CSCS website.

The CITB health, safety and environment test can be booked online via the CSCS website or by also calling 0344 994 4488.

Alan O’Neile continued: “If you are charged more than £36 for a card or £22 for the separate CITB Health, Safety & Environment test you should ask why?

“For some workers and employers, the services provided by third party organisations make it worth paying the extra charges. But if you are paying more please check that you understand what additional services you will receive and that you are happy to pay for them.”

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required qualifications and training for the job they do. By ensuring workers have the correct training and qualifications CSCS can play its part in improving safety and efficiency on UK construction sites.

Visit the Card finder tool on the CSCS website to help you decide which CSCS card to apply for and which CITB Health, Safety & Environment test you need to pass.