How to get a CSCS Manager card

Published: July 7, 2025

If you’re a construction manager or technical specialist in the UK, you may need to apply for the black CSCS Manager Card.

Designed for senior professionals in construction management or technical roles, this card provides evidence of your qualifications and health & safety knowledge, helping to demonstrate elements of competence to employers as required by the Building Safety Act and progress your career and meet compliance requirements on site.

Below, we’ll explain the CSCS black card eligibility criteria, application process, and key tips to help you secure your card quickly, easily and securely via the official CSCS application service.

Who Can Apply for a CSCS Manager Card?

The black CSCS Manager Card is valid for five years and intended for those working in managerial or advanced technical occupations within the UK construction sector.

To be eligible, applicants must hold one of the following:

• A Construction Management/Technical NVQ or SVQ at Level 4, 5, 6 or 7
• An SVQ at SCQF Level 10 or 11 in a construction management or technical subject
• Completed a Construction Management/Technical Approved Apprenticeship

These qualifications align with demonstrating your capabilities in managing people, processes, and complex construction projects.

Useful info: The CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme isn’t accepted for a CSCS card. However, upon completion, the SMSTS certificate can be stored in the My Skills section of the My CSCS app.

Find out more about SMSTS and the Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS).

Health & Safety Requirement

In addition to having one of the qualification types listed above, you must have passed the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test within the two years prior to applying.

This test ensures you have up-to-date knowledge of:

• Health and safety legislation
• Best practices on construction sites
• Environmental awareness and risk management

Top Tip: Prepare for the CITB test using official revision materials and practice exams to ensure success.

Special Requirements for City & Guilds Qualifications

If you are applying with a City and Guilds qualification (issued after 1 April 2013), you must submit an electronic certificate (e-certificate). This document must:

• Clearly show your qualification details
• Contain a certificate authentication code

This allows CSCS to verify the authenticity of your award directly with City and Guilds.

Overseas Qualifications

If your qualification was obtained outside the UK, you’ll need to:

• Contact Ecctis (the UK national agency for international qualifications)
• Apply for an Industry Skills Statement

This statement helps CSCS assess your qualifications against UK standards and determine your eligibility for the Manager card.

Occupations Not Covered by CSCS

Not all construction roles are covered by CSCS. If your role is outside CSCS’s remit, it will likely fall under one of the other CSCS Alliance schemes.

Check our CSCS Alliance webpage to determine the appropriate scheme and card for your occupation.

How to Apply for the CSCS Black Manager Card

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application process:

1. Ensure you have gained the correct qualification
2. Pass the CITB Managers and Professionals HS&E Test within the two years prior to applying
3. Prepare all supporting documents, including your qualification certificate (e-certificate if City & Guilds) or Ecctis statement (if non-UK award)
4. Apply online via the CSCS website or by using the My CSCS app
5. Pay the application fee (CSCS cards cost £36, except for the Apprentice card, which is free)