CSCS Card Types
CSCS card colours are not a ranking. Each colour maps to a different level of qualification and a different job role, and applying for the wrong one is the most common reason an application is rejected. This page explains what every CSCS card colour means, who each one is for and what you need to get it.
Every card requires a pass in the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test alongside the qualification for your role.
CSCS Card Types at a Glance
| Card | Who it is for | Main requirement | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Workers in genuine labouring occupations only | Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment + CITB Operatives test | First card 2 years; renewals 5 years |
| Red | Apprentices, trainees, industry placements, provisional entrants and experienced workers still qualifying | Registered on, or working towards, a recognised qualification for your occupation | Temporary; length depends on the variant |
| Blue | Skilled tradespeople | NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in the trade + the relevant HS&E test | 5 years, renewable |
| Gold | Advanced craft workers and supervisors | NVQ/SVQ Level 3 (Advanced Craft), or supervisory NVQ/SVQ Level 3-4 + Specialist Supervisory test | 5 years, renewable |
| Black | Site managers | Construction management or technical NVQ/SVQ Level 4, 5, 6 or 7 + Managers and Professionals test | 5 years, renewable |
| White | Academically (AQP) or professionally (PQP) qualified people | Approved degree, HND/HNC or professional body membership + the relevant test | 5 years; PQP cannot be renewed |
Green Card - Labourer
The green card is for workers in genuine labouring occupations. It is not a general entry ticket into construction: if you are entering a trade or starting an apprenticeship, the appropriate red card is normally the right route.
What you need: A Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, plus a pass in the CITB Operatives HS&E test.
Red Card - Trainee, Apprentice and Provisional
Red cards are temporary and cover several situations. The apprentice variant is for those on a recognised apprenticeship framework, the trainee variant for workers registered for a construction-related qualification they have not yet completed, and further variants cover industry placements, provisional entrants and experienced workers, supervisors and managers still qualifying.
What you need: Registration on, or demonstrable progress towards, a recognised qualification for your occupation.
Blue Card - Skilled Worker
The blue card is the standard card for skilled tradespeople who have completed a recognised trade qualification.
What you need: An NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade, or an approved industry equivalent such as a completed employer-sponsored apprenticeship, plus a pass in the relevant CITB HS&E test. This is usually the Operatives test, though some occupations require a Specialist test.
Gold Card - Advanced Craft and Supervisor
The gold card covers two routes. The advanced craft route is for highly skilled tradespeople; the supervisor route is for those in supervisory roles.
What you need: Advanced Craft applicants need an NVQ or SVQ Level 3 plus the relevant HS&E test. Supervisor applicants need a construction-related supervisory NVQ or SVQ at Level 3 or 4, plus the Specialist Supervisory test.
Black Card - Manager
The black card is the highest card available to construction workers and signals site management competence.
What you need: A relevant construction management or technical NVQ or SVQ at Level 4, 5, 6 or 7, subject to the occupation and qualification being accepted by CSCS, plus a pass in the CITB Managers and Professionals (MAP) HS&E test.
White Card - Academically or Professionally Qualified
The white card has two variants. The Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card is for holders of approved construction-related degrees, HNDs, HNCs or NEBOSH diplomas. The Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card is for members of approved professional bodies such as CIOB, RICS, ICE or CIBSE.
What you need: An approved qualification or current professional body membership, plus a pass in the relevant HS&E test.
How to Choose the Right CSCS Card
Work from your highest relevant qualification. If you have no construction qualification and work in a labouring role, the green card is your route. If you are training or waiting on a qualification, you need a red card. If you hold a Level 2 trade qualification, apply for blue; Level 3 or a supervisory qualification, gold; a Level 4 to 7 management qualification, black; and an approved degree or professional membership, white.
For a fuller breakdown of every colour, including the cards that have been withdrawn, read our guide to CSCS card colours explained.
Which Training Do You Need?
Most people applying for their first card need the Level 1 award and the Operatives test. Our CSCS Green Card course and exam covers both with same-day certification, and the full Green Card bundle adds the CITB test booking and card application. If you already hold your qualification and only need to sit the test, book the CITB Operatives test directly.
You can check current card requirements and fees on the official CSCS website, and HS&E test details at CITB.