Skip Content

FAQs

  • What is the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)?
  • The Construction Skills Certification Scheme, more commonly known as CSCS, is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry.

    CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do, thereby helping to improve standards and safety in UK construction.

    To apply for a CSCS card, you will require to hold, or be registered to complete, a construction-related qualification or hold a professional body membership as well as having passed the CITB Health, safety and environment test.

    It is advised to use CSCS Card Finder to find the right type of card for your occupation and level of experience as holding the wrong card may result in being refused entry to site.

  • What is a CSCS card?
  • 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.

  • Who owns CSCS?
  • 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.

  • Which construction sectors does CSCS cover?
  • 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.

  • What is the CSCS test?
  • 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.

  • How do I access CSCS mock tests and revision materials?
  • 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.

  • How do I take a CSCS card course?
  • 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.

  • How can I check a CSCS card?
  • 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.

  • How can I use CSCS Smart Check?
  • 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.

  • What does CSCS Smart Check do?
  • 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.

  • What qualifications do I need for a CSCS card?
  • 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.

  • How much does a CSCS card cost?
  • 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.