How Long Does a CSCS Course Take?
Our online Level 1 course and exam can be completed in one day, and you can receive your certificate the same day, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. That is only one stage of getting a CSCS Green Card, though. You also need to pass the separate 45-minute CITB test, then apply for the card.
When people search for a “CSCS course”, they usually mean the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. It is the qualification most new labourers need for a Green Card. CSCS issues the cards but does not run courses or tests, so each stage below is separate.
The four stages at a glance
1. Level 1 course: we list ours as a one-day online course, and you study at your own pace.
2. Level 1 exam: this is the online 1 hour exam, and you can receive your certificate the same day, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
3. CITB test: this lasts 45 minutes at a test centre. How soon you can sit it depends on available dates.
4. CSCS card application: your digital card is available once CSCS approves your application. CSCS says the physical card should arrive within 10 working days of approval.
How long does the Level 1 course take?
We list our online Level 1 course as a one-day course. You can study on a phone, tablet or laptop, and stop and resume when it suits you. Some learners finish in one sitting, while others spread it over a weekend around their shifts.
You may see bigger numbers elsewhere. Awarding bodies set the Level 1 Award at 21 guided learning hours, with 29 to 30 hours of total qualification time. These figures measure the learning an average learner needs for the qualification, so they often appear alongside much shorter course listings. Your own time depends on what you already know, how quickly you work and how much revision you want before the exam.
How long does the Level 1 certificate take?
The awarding body’s standard time for external quality assurance (EQA) is one working day, but you can receive your certificate the same day. This applies Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, and excludes weekends.
Can you finish the course in one day?
Yes, you can finish the course and exam in one day if you set aside enough time and pass first time. For a same-day certificate, this needs to be Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. If you need longer, take it. An extra evening of revision is better than rushing the exam.
Remember that finishing the course in a day does not mean you will have your card that day. The CITB test and the card application still come next.
How long does the separate CITB test take?
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for operatives has 50 questions in 45 minutes, and you need at least 45 correct answers to pass. People often call it the “CSCS test”, but it is run by CITB and is not the same as your Level 1 exam. If you need to change your date, you can reschedule up to 72 hours before your test.
You sit it at a test centre rather than as part of the online course. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, bring the correct ID and allow for travel. You will get written confirmation of your result, so keep your score report safe because it contains details for your card application. Practising with our free CITB mock tests can help you see whether you are ready.
What happens after you pass?
You need to pass both the Level 1 exam and the CITB Operatives test before you can apply for your CSCS Green Card. You can apply 24 hours after passing your CITB test, using the My CSCS app. Your CITB pass must be from the last two years.
Prefer to keep everything in one place? Our CSCS Green Card Bundle covers the course, CITB test and card application.
Once CSCS approves your application, you can use your digital card straight away, and the physical card should arrive within five working days. That period starts at approval, not on the day you apply, so missing or unclear documents can cause delays. As a guide, learners who reviewed our bundle reported receiving their physical card between about ten days and three weeks after passing or applying. These are individual experiences rather than a promise.
Ready to get started?
View the Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction Course and check what is included. If you are not sure it is the right step for you, email us at [email protected] or call us at 0121 663 7277.