CSCS card types and what they cover
CSCS issues 13 different card types. The far larger numbers sometimes quoted come from the hundreds of occupations those cards can cover, not the cards themselves. The most common ones you'll encounter in general construction are: the Green Labourer card (for workers who have passed the CITB health, safety and environment test and hold a relevant CSCS award); the Blue Skilled Worker card (for workers with an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in a relevant occupation); the Gold Supervisor card; and the Black Manager card. Each has different qualification requirements. Most carry a 5-year validity, with one exception worth knowing: since 1 February 2025 the first Green Labourer card is issued for 2 years rather than 5.
| Card colour | Who it is for | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Labourers (Level 1 Award + HS&E test pass) | 2 years (first card); 5 years on renewal |
| Blue | Skilled workers (NVQ Level 2 or 3) | 5 years |
| Gold | Supervisors and advanced craft workers | 5 years |
| Black | Managers | 5 years |
The 5-year expiry cycle
Most CSCS cards are valid for 5 years. The exact expiry date is on the front of the card. With a crew of even 10 workers, each hired at different times, you can easily have 10 different expiry dates staggered across any 5-year window, so in any given month someone's card is potentially due for renewal.
Why cards lapse — and who is responsible
Cards lapse when workers don't track their own expiry dates, which is common. As an employer, you're not legally liable for a worker's lapsed CSCS card in the same way you are for a lapsed Right-to-Work document. But you are responsible for access to site, project delivery, and in many cases, your contract with the principal contractor requires all workers to hold valid cards. A lapsed card is a project risk, not only a worker problem.
The renewal process
To renew a CSCS card, the worker needs: (1) a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass (tests are valid for 2 years); (2) the qualification that matches the card: a relevant NVQ or equivalent for skilled and supervisory cards, or the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment for the Labourer card; (3) an online application at cscs.uk.com with a fee. The card is typically issued within 5-7 working days. The main risk is the test booking lead time, because popular test centres book up weeks in advance, so planning 6-8 weeks ahead is prudent.