Do you need a Level 1 Health & Safety Course for a CSCS card?

If you’ve been told you need to complete the Level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment course before applying for a CSCS card, it’s worth pausing, because for many people, that isn’t the case.

Who actually needs the Level 1 Award?

The Level 1 Award (or a recognised alternative) is specifically required if you are labouring on site and need a Labourer card. If that’s you, you’ll need to complete the qualification alongside the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) test for operatives.

Already studying or holding a relevant qualification? You’re covered.

If you’re enrolled on, or already hold, a qualification for a skilled occupation – whether that’s an N/SVQ, apprenticeship, or another accepted route – you don’t need to complete a separate Level 1 Health & Safety course to get your CSCS card.

Your qualification, combined with the appropriate CITB HSE test, is what you need to apply for the card that matches your role via the My CSCS app.

If the qualification you hold, or are gaining, is accepted for a CSCS card, there’s no need to duplicate that with an additional standalone course.

Why does this matter?

Unnecessary training costs money and takes time – knowing what you actually need means you can get your card faster, without paying for courses you don’t require.

In summary: what you need depends on your card type

• Labourer card (only for those performing Labouring roles on site) — Level 1 Award (or recognised alternative) plus the CITB HSE test
• Entry level and skilled cards — relevant qualification or registration for your occupation, plus the appropriate CITB HSE test. No separate Level 1 course required.

I work in a skilled trade but have no accepted qualification

If you work in a skilled trade, or as a Supervisor or Manager, and don’t already have a qualification that is accepted for a CSCS card, the Experienced Worker and the Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager cards allow you to work on site in your specific occupation whilst you complete your qualification.

These qualifications can often be done flexibly via on-site assessments and portfolios of work rather than returning to college.

The key point is that workers shouldn’t complete a Level 1 award to get a Labourer card when you’re in a skilled trade. Holding the wrong card for your role often means being denied access to site.

Not sure which card is right for you?

Use the My CSCS app or Card Finder to identify the card that matches your occupation and check exactly what you need to apply.