The CSCS Black Card, or the CSCS Manager Card as it is sometimes called, acts as evidence that the holder has the required level of competence to fulfil a management role on site. They will only be issued to experienced workers that have completed the relevant training and demonstrate the required knowledge and skills to perform their role and responsibilities safely and effectively.
If your role is predominantly as a skilled worker or as a supervisor then the CSCS Black Card is not appropriate. In these circumstances, it would be more appropriate for the individual to hold a CSCS Blue Card or a CSCS Gold Card.
We offer a number of management level NVQs that allow you to apply for your CSCS Black Card. These include:
More information on the NVQs we offer can be found on our NVQ page. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our team by calling 0191 229 2031 or completing an enquiry form on our Contact Us page.
There are two key requirements when applying for the CSCS Black Card.
Scanned copy of your NVQ qualification certificate or equivalent qualification.
All applicants need to have completed an appropriate NVQ qualification. This should be one of the following:
A Level 5, 6 or 7 NVQ qualification in an unrelated specialty will not be sufficient to demonstrate competence and so will not be accepted by employers.
Test ID number from your CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test.
All applicants must have completed a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test (HS&E) in the past two years. The HS&E Test required is dependent on the qualification that is being applied for.
CSCS Black Card applicants will need to complete the Manager and Professional Test to ensure they have an appropriate level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going on site. The test covers the five core knowledge areas from the Operative Test but also includes questions on construction (design and management) regulations, demolition and highway works.
Potential candidates should note that the HS&E Test is owned and administered by CITB (not CSCS) and as such, any queries relating to the test should be directed to CITB directly.
No. Applicants for the CSCS Black Card must hold one of the following qualifications:
Historically, individuals could apply for the CSCS Black Card using though Profiled Route. The Profiled Route was introduced in 2011 to offer a route to the CSCS Black or Gold Card for construction managers or supervisors that had on site experience but no nationally recognised qualification in construction.
Over 2,000 CSCS cards were issued via the Profiled Route with applicants only required to provide evidence of their experience for independent review to qualify for the card. This approach no longer supports the industry’s aim of fully qualifying the workforce and as such CSCS have stopped accepting new Profiled Route applications as of 1st April 2016.
The CSCS Black Card is linked to the qualifications above. The CSCS had determined that these qualifications demonstrate the applicant has the required occupational competence and has gained the skills knowledge and experience in a real-world construction environment.
Achievement of an academic qualification (e.g. a degree) does not demonstrate this and individuals may not have any on site experience. As such, the CSCS Black Card is not accessible to those that have only achieved an academic qualification with only limited or no on site experience.
If you have a construction related HNC, HND or degree you may be eligible to apply for the CSCS White AQP (Academically Qualified Persons) Card.
CSCS Black Cards need to be renewed every five years. The easiest way to renew your card is via the CSCS online application service.
To renew your CSCS Black Card you need to prove you have the appropriate training and qualifications required to carry out your job and will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test (HS&E).
CSCS cards can be renewed 6 months prior to and up to 6 months after, the expiry date printed on the card. The expiry date of a renewed CSCS card will be the expiry date of the original CSCS card plus the lifespan of the card.
All CSCS cards cost £36 and all CITB HS&E tests cost £22. Please note that the CITB HS&E test will cost £22.50 from April 1st 2022.
There are a number of third party organisations that offer CSCS card application services. If they are charging more than the prices quoted above then please ensure you understand what additional services you are being offered, if any. Invariably, the cheapest and most efficient way to apply for a CSCS card is directly via the CSCS online application service.
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