CSCS Red Card

What is the CSCS Red Card?

There are a number of different Red CSCS Card that candidates can apply for depending on their role and experience;

  • Apprentice
  • Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
  • Experienced Worker
  • Trainee
  • Industry Placement
  • Provisional

All of the Red CSCS Cards are issued on a temporary basis and are valid for different periods of time, while the candidate achieves an appropriate construction related NVQ.

The two most common cards our candidates apply for are the Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager and Experienced Worker.

What would I need to apply for a CSCS Red Card?

Whilst holding a CSCS Card is not a legal requirement for individuals working on a construction site, whether individuals are required to hold a card before they are allowed on site is at the discretion of the principal contractor or client. This is because it is a legal requirement for the principal contractor or client to be able to demonstrate that all individuals on site have the skills and experience required to work safely. As such, Experienced Workers, Supervisors or Managers that don’t hold an appropriate CSCS Card often find that their employment opportunities are severely impacted.

A potentially problematic situation can arise where Experienced Workers, Supervisors or Managers are out of work and without an appropriate CSCS Card. The lack of job means they are unable to provide workplace evidence required to obtain a CSCS Card and the lack of appropriate CSCS Card means they are unable to obtain a job. The solution to this problem is the ability to apply for an appropriate CSCS Red Card. This will allow the individual to gain employment whilst they work towards a Blue, Black or Gold CSCS Card.

How do I apply for the CSCS Red Card?

The requirements for applying for a CSCS Red Card vary depending on the particular card you are applying for. 

Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager:

The Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager Red CSCS Card is available to individuals that have fulfilled these roles in the past and are able to demonstrate on the job experience (at least one year in the last three) and are registered to complete a construction related technical, supervisory or management NVQ or SVQ at Level 3 or above, that would lead to them obtaining a CSCS card.

Applicants for the Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager Red CSCS Card are required to provide proof of registration onto an appropriate qualification. At a minimum, this means providing evidence from your training organisation or awarding body that includes:

  • Applicant’s name
  • Date of registration
  • Full qualification title of the NVQ or SVQ that the applicant is enrolled on

Applicants will also be required to have passed the appropriate level of the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Test within the last two years. The HS&E Test required is dependent on the qualification that is being applied for.

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.

Experienced Worker:

The Experienced Worker Red CSCS Card is available to individuals with on the job experience (at least one year in the last three) and are registered to complete a construction related technical, supervisory or management NVQ or SVQ at Level 2 or  above, that would lead to them obtaining a CSCS card.

Applicants for the Experienced Worker Red CSCS Card are required to provide proof of registration onto an appropriate qualification. At a minimum, this means providing evidence from your training organisation or awarding body that includes:

  • Applicant’s name
  • Date of registration
  • Full qualification title of the NVQ or SVQ that the applicant is enrolled on

Applicants will also be required to have passed the appropriate level of the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Test within the last two years. The HS&E Test required is dependent on the qualification that is being applied for.

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.

How do I renew my CSCS Red Card?

All of the CSCS Red Cards are issued on a temporary and therefore you are unable to renew them. Each card is valid for a different time period:

Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager: this card is valid for three years. This means that the NVQ/SVQ must be successfully completed within this timeframe, to progress to a supervisory or management CSCS card.

Experienced Worker: this card is valid for one year. This means that the NVQ/SVQ must be successfully completed within this timeframe to progress to a CSCS Skilled Card.

How much does the CSCS Red Card cost?

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