How to Get Your CSCS Card
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the industry standard proof that workers on UK construction sites hold the right qualifications and health and safety training.
Most sites will not allow you on-site without one. This guide explains exactly what you need, what order to do it in, and how to get started with the Level 1 qualification today.
What you need for the CSCS Green Card
Level 1 Health and Safety qualification
2-stage accredited award — we provide this
CITB HS&E Test pass
Booked independently at a CITB test centre
CSCS card application at cscs.uk.com
Apply once both requirements are met
What Is a CSCS Card?
A CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme card) is the recognised proof that a construction worker holds the appropriate qualifications and has completed the relevant health and safety training for their role. It is recognised across the UK construction industry as the standard for site entry.
The vast majority of construction sites — including those operated by major contractors and public sector clients — will not permit workers on-site without a valid CSCS card. Holding one demonstrates to site managers, principal contractors, and clients that you are qualified and aware of your health and safety responsibilities.
There are multiple card types under the CSCS scheme, each corresponding to a different level of qualification or trade. The Green Card (Labourer card) is the most common entry-level card. It requires a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and a pass on the CITB HS&E Test.
Most common card
Green Card
For labourers and general site workers
Qualification required
Level 1 H&S
In a Construction Environment
Test required
CITB HS&E
Booked independently at a test centre
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your CSCS Card
Follow these four steps in order. Skipping a step or completing them out of sequence will delay your application.
Choose your card type
Different CSCS cards are available depending on your role and qualifications. For most workers entering the construction industry for the first time, the Green Card (Labourer card) is the right starting point. It requires a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment alongside the CITB HS&E Test. If you are unsure which card applies to your role, the CSCS website has a card finder tool that can help you identify the right one.
Complete your Level 1 Health and Safety qualification
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is a 2-stage accredited qualification. Stage 1 is the online course and assessment — you work through the learning materials at your own pace and complete an online test. Stage 2 is a separate accredited exam that we appoint for you once Stage 1 is passed. Both stages are required to earn the full qualification accepted for the CSCS Green Card application.
We provide both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Level 1 qualification. Start your online course today and contact us once you have passed to book your Stage 2 exam.
Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test
The CITB HS&E Test is a separate requirement run by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) — it is independent of the Level 1 qualification and we do not arrange it. You book and sit it yourself at an approved CITB test centre. The test assesses your knowledge of construction health, safety, and environmental practices. You must hold a valid CITB test pass before applying for your CSCS card.
The CITB HS&E Test is not part of the Level 1 qualification. You must book it separately at citb.co.uk. Both the qualification and the CITB test are required before you can apply for your card.
Apply for your CSCS card
Once you have both your Level 1 certificate and a valid CITB HS&E Test pass, you can apply for your CSCS Green Card online at cscs.uk.com. You will need to submit proof of your qualification and pay the card application fee directly to CSCS. Cards are typically valid for 5 years, after which you will need to renew.
Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
This is a fully accredited, 2-stage qualification that satisfies the educational requirement for the CSCS Green Card. National Skills Centre provides both stages.
Stage 1 — Online course and assessment
Self-paced. Start immediately after purchase. Complete at your own speed.
Stage 2 — Accredited exam
Contact us after Stage 1 and we will appoint your exam for you.
Stage 1 Price
£99.00
per learner · inc. VAT
Purchase gives you instant access to the online course and assessment. Once you pass, contact us to arrange your Stage 2 accredited exam.
Start Your Level 1 Qualification — £99Try a Free Taster FirstWhy the CSCS Card Matters
Site access
The vast majority of UK construction sites operated by CSCS-registered contractors require workers to carry a valid card at all times. Without one, you will not be permitted on-site.
Legal compliance
The card provides documented evidence that a worker has the qualifications and health and safety awareness required for their role, helping employers meet their duty-of-care obligations.
Industry recognition
CSCS is the recognised standard across the UK construction sector. Holding a valid card signals to employers and contractors that you take your responsibilities seriously.
Career progression
The Green Card is often the first step on a structured qualifications pathway. As you gain further trade qualifications, you can upgrade to a card that reflects your level of expertise.
Consistent standards
The scheme exists to raise health and safety standards across the industry. Every card holder has demonstrated a baseline level of training — raising the overall standard of site safety.
Employer confidence
Many contractors and site managers ask to see CSCS cards before allocating roles. Holding one removes a common barrier to employment on larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the CSCS card and the Level 1 qualification.
What CSCS card do I need?
It depends on your role. For general site workers and labourers entering the industry, the Green Card (Labourer) is the standard starting point. It requires a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and a pass on the CITB HS&E Test. If you hold a trade-specific qualification or a higher-level NVQ, a different card may be appropriate — the CSCS card finder at cscs.uk.com can confirm the right card for your circumstances.
How long does the Level 1 qualification take?
Stage 1 (the online course and assessment) is self-paced and most learners complete it within a few days, depending on how much time they set aside each day. There is no fixed deadline. Once you have passed Stage 1 and contacted us, we arrange your Stage 2 exam separately. Total time from starting to holding your certificate depends on exam availability, but the process is straightforward.
What is the difference between the CSCS card and the CITB test?
The CSCS card is the physical card you carry on site to prove you have the right qualifications and health and safety training. The CITB HS&E Test is one of the requirements to obtain a CSCS card — it tests your general construction health, safety, and environmental knowledge. You also need a qualifying health and safety qualification (such as the Level 1 award) in addition to the CITB test. Both are required; neither on its own is sufficient for a Green Card application.
Do I need both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Level 1 qualification?
Yes. The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is a 2-stage qualification. Stage 1 is the online course and internal assessment. Stage 2 is the externally accredited exam. CSCS requires the full qualification — a Stage 1 completion certificate alone is not accepted. We arrange Stage 2 for you once you have passed Stage 1, so you do not need to find the exam independently.
How much does the CSCS card cost?
The CSCS card application fee is set by CSCS directly and is currently around £36, paid when you apply at cscs.uk.com. This is separate from the cost of obtaining your qualification. Our Level 1 qualification (Stage 1 online course) costs £99. The CITB HS&E Test also has its own fee, payable when you book your test with CITB.
Is the Level 1 qualification accepted by all construction sites?
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is the nationally recognised qualification that CSCS accepts for the Green Card application. Once you hold the CSCS Green Card, it is accepted on the vast majority of UK construction sites that operate under the CSCS scheme.
Ready to get started?
Purchase the Level 1 online course today, work through it at your own pace, and contact us once you have passed Stage 1 to arrange your Stage 2 exam. Your CSCS Green Card application starts here.