A Guide to CSCS Gold Cards

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme, or CSCS as it is more commonly known, has become an essential component of the UK construction industry over the last 30 years. The scheme helps to ensure that all workers on a construction site are properly trained and competent for their roles.

There are various card types, and the CSCS gold card is one of the most important. This card stands out as a key qualification for skilled workers and supervisors looking to demonstrate their advanced expertise.

At Contractwise, we are experts in the construction industry, especially in relation to CIS compliance. This includes payroll audits that reduce the risk of HMRC reclassification, protecting both contractors and subcontractors.

We also have a thorough understanding of CSCS cards, and in this article, we’ll explore the gold CSCS card in more detail.

Read on for more information…

What is a CSCS gold card?

The CSCS gold card typically refers to two types of cards:

1. The advanced craft CSCS card (sometimes referred to as the skilled worker card)
2. The supervisory gold card

Both these cards represent an advanced level of competence when compared with other cards, such as the green labourer card.

Skilled worker gold card

The advanced craft / skilled worker gold card is awarded to individuals who have achieved a Level 3 NVQ or SVQ in a construction-related field. It demonstrates a high level of technical skill and competency in a specific trade.

Supervisory gold card

This version of the card is aimed at those in frontline supervisory roles. It requires a Level 3 or 4 NVQ or SVQ in site supervision, construction supervision or equivalent qualification. It signifies both industry knowledge and the ability to effectively coordinate workers on a site.

In both of these examples, the gold CSCS card indicates a more experienced, knowledgeable construction professional. This is someone who has progressed beyond basic site skills and can work at a higher industry standard.

What does a CSCS gold card do?

The CSCS gold card allows holders to:

• Access construction sites
• Demonstrate advanced skills
• Show employers that they meet the nationally recognised NVQ standard
• They can take on supervisory responsibilities (if holding the supervisory gold card)

In a practical sense, many contractors will only allow advanced tradespeople onto a construction site if they hold a gold card, meaning attaining one is often essential.

Requirements for a CSCS gold card

The requirements for a gold CSCS card will vary slightly depending on whether you are pursuing an advanced craft or supervisory version. Let’s take a look at both:

For the advanced craft gold CSCS card

You will need:

• A Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in a specific trade
• CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test 
• Proof of identity and qualifications

For the supervisory gold card

You will need:

• A Level 3 or 4 NVQ/SVQ in site supervision, construction supervision or a similar discipline
• CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test
• Supporting documents that demonstrate qualifications

All NVQs and other academic qualifications must be completed through an accredited training provider. It’s also worth noting that years of industry experience are no longer enough to get a card. In previous years, so-called ‘grandfather rights’ allowed people to get cards based on their experience and without any formal qualifications. This changed in 2025, and it is no longer possible to get CSCS cards without having the qualifications we outlined above.

Holding a gold card shows that the worker or supervisor has reached an advanced industry-recognised benchmark, strengthening both site safety and compliance documentation.  

How to apply for a CSCS gold card

Applying for a gold CSCS card is extremely straightforward: 

1. Obtain the relevant qualifications: Depending on what card you are going for, make sure you get the relevant NVQ, SVQ or equivalent qualification.
2. Pass the CITB HS&E test: You will need to pass the CITB HS&E test to be eligible for the card. For the advanced craft / skilled card, you will need to pass the operatives test, and for the supervisory card, it is the supervisors (specialist) test.
3. Gather the necessary documents: Make sure you have all your qualification certificates, test results and identification documents ready to upload.
4. Submit your application: Upload all your documents online, pay the application fee and submit the form.
5. Receive your card: Cards will typically be issued to you within a few working days, but will be available online immediately.  

The CSCS gold card is vital for tradespeople. While not a legal requirement, they are industry-standard, and in practice, it is not possible to work properly in construction without them. CIS is another vital part of the construction industry, and at Contractwise, we provide a wide range of CIS compliance services to contractors and subcontractors nationwide. Contact our expert team to find out more.