A Guide to CSCS Black Cards

If you’re managing construction projects, you will be well aware of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. This is a scheme that provides proof, in the form of cards, that demonstrates a construction worker has the right skills and qualifications to work on a construction site in the UK.

The black card is one of the most important, and is a card for senior construction professionals. This card demonstrates construction competence and compliance at a high level, and for site managers and technical staff, holding it is often non-negotiable.

At Contractwise, we have a thorough understanding of these cards, and in this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the black CSCS card.

Read on for more information…

What is a black CSCS card?

The black card is officially known as the CSCS manager or manager/technical card. It is designed for those in senior or technical management roles in the UK construction industry. This includes site managers, project managers and technical leads.

In essence, the CSCS black card demonstrates that the holder has all the necessary qualifications, health and safety knowledge and industry competence to oversee construction sites and manage teams. It is part of the wider CSCS certification system, which aims to standardise and verify skills and safety credentials across the construction sector.

What does a black CSCS card do?

Holding a black CSCS card shows clients, employers, site owners and contractors that you are qualified, competent and aware of health and safety rules and regulations. It confirms that the holder meets all the relevant industry standards for site management, risk assessment, legal compliance and much more.

In practical terms, having a black card can be critical for even accessing the construction site, especially as many major contractors will demand that all senior staff hold CSCS certification. While the scheme is not a legal requirement, it is industry standard and failing to hold a CSCS manager’s card will likely restrict your ability to work on certain sites.

Requirements of CSCS black cards

To obtain a black CSCS card, there are two core requirements that people need to meet:

Construction management qualification - Typically, an NVQ or SVQ in construction management or a related discipline will be required. Usually this will need to be at Level 5, 6 or 7. 
CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test - You must pass the managers and professionals (known as MAP) prior to applying for the card.

It’s also worth noting that previous routes - such as ‘grandfather rights’ that granted cards based on experience rather than formal qualifications - have now been entirely phased out. As of early 2025, all card applications, including the black CSCS card, will require recognised qualifications.

How to apply for a black CSCS card

The application process for a black CSCS card is relatively straightforward:

Obtain the relevant qualification - Complete an approved construction management or technical programme at Level 5, 6 or 7.  
Book and pass the CITB Managers & Professionals HS&E (Map) test - You must pass this test, which assesses competence in health, safety, legal compliance, environmental and risk management matters that are important in a manager or senior role. 
Submit your application - Making sure to include your qualification certificates and MAP test pass certificate, you can apply online or via the official app. 
Receive your black CSCS card - Once approved, you’ll be issued the card. It will arrive in a few working days, but will be available online immediately.

How long is a black CSCS card valid for?

A black CSCS card will be valid for five years from the date it is issued.

To continue working in a managerial capacity, you’ll need to renew the card before it expires. As part of the renewal process, you will probably have to retake the CITB Managers and Professionals HS&E test to ensure your knowledge remains up to date. This is because your pass mark is only valid for two years.  

Are black CSCS cards mandatory?

No, CSCS cards are not mandatory. However, they are industry standard, and the majority of construction sites in the UK will not allow access to workers who do not hold them.

At Contractwise, we understand the importance of complying with all construction regulations, including CSCS cards. As well as this, we offer those in the industry a wide range of leading CIS compliance services. This includes payroll audits that minimise HMRC reclassification and protect both contractors and subcontractors. For more information about how our services can help you, contact our expert team today.