FAQs

The primary objective of the CSCS card is to provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out.

Feedback from industry has told us the acceptance of qualifications not based on a National Occupational Standard caused confusion amongst card holders and their employers.

In particular, Trainee TSM card holders who mistakenly considered SSSTS, SMSTS and NEBOSH General as qualifications that lead to a skilled CSCS card become increasingly frustrated when they realised they could not progress to a skilled CSCS card. Trainee Card holders must obtain a qualification based on a National Occupational Standard before moving onto the appropriate skilled CSCS card.

The construction Industry requested that CSCS stop accepting qualifications not based on a National Occupational Standard and to only issue Trainee Cards when the qualification is based on a National Occupational Standard that leads to a skilled CSCS card.

Applicants must complete their qualification before the Trainee card expires so that you can move onto the appropriate skilled card for your occupation. If you do not complete your qualification by the time the Trainee Card expires you will be unable to obtain any other CSCS card.

Yes, all applicants must complete the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test up to 2 years prior to applying for their Trainee Card. The operatives level test is the minimum requirement but CSCS will also accept a number of the specialist tests. Visit CITB’s webpage for further information on the test.

The rules state the card is non renewable. However, CSCS does not wish to prevent cardholders from achieving their professional membership. In this scenario it is likely CSCS will consider a renewal if the cardholder can submit evidence of their professional membership achievement timeline.