A Guide to CSCS Green Cards

Working in the construction industry requires practical skills and a proper awareness of health and safety. If you’re a labourer in the industry, one of the most important credentials you should hold is the green CSCS labourer card. While the card itself is not a legal requirement, it has become an essential part of demonstrating competence and compliance on construction sites across the UK.

At Contractwise, we support labourers and others in the construction sector with a range of services, including payroll audits. In this article, we’ll break down what the green CSCS card is and why it matters.

Read on for more information…  

What is a green CSCS card?

A green CSCS card is one of the industry-recognised cards issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). This card is specifically designed for labourers and is the most common entry-level card used across the UK construction sector. The purpose of this card is to confirm that the holder has achieved the minimum required level of health and safety knowledge needed to work safely on a construction site.

While CSCS itself does not regulate sites or enforce any rules, its card scheme plays a vital role in the construction industry. Most reputable contractors and site managers will require workers, including labourers, to hold the appropriate CSCS card before setting foot on a site. This ensures everyone on the site understands health and safety and can do their jobs safely.

The green CSCS card helps employers quickly verify that an individual has the right training and qualifications before starting work, and for those new to the industry, it is usually the first step on the career ladder.  

What does a green CSCS card do?

The green CSCS card is visible proof that a labourer holds the minimum qualifications and requirements for basic site work.

It demonstrates:

• An understanding of health and safety
• The holder can work safely on a construction site
• The holder has completed the required training

While the green CSCS card is not a legal requirement, most construction sites will not allow a labourer to enter without one. Modern construction sites are governed by strict health and safety rules, and managers are responsible for ensuring every worker on the site is safe and properly trained. As a result, the green CSCS card is essentially mandatory for every labourer in the UK.

What are the green CSCS card requirements?

To apply for a green labourer card, people will need to meet two key requirements:

• CITB Health, Safety and Environment test: This test assesses an individual's understanding of general health, safety and environmental practices on a construction site. It covers a range of areas including PPE, hazards, fire safety and manual handling materials. These tests need to be taken at approved CSCS test centres.
• Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment: This qualification can be completed through various training providers, with online and in-person testing available. The test ensures you have the right knowledge to work safely in construction.

To qualify for a green CSCS card, you need to meet both these requirements, as it demonstrates that a labourer can work safely on a site.  

How to apply for a green CSCS card

Applying for a green CSCS card is extremely straightforward. All you need to do is follow these steps:

1. Book and pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test
2. Complete the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course
3. Gather your certificates and test results
4. Create a CSCS account on the official website or by using the app  
5. Submit your application, making sure to include the proof of qualifications
6. Pay the application fee
7. You’ll receive your card in the post within 10 working days, and it should be available digitally immediately

For construction businesses managing multiple subcontractors, they will almost certainly expect all workers to have the relevant CSCS card.

When does a green CSCS card expire?

A green CSCS card is valid for two years after it is first issued. However, once it has been renewed, it will be valid for five years, provided you still meet the requirements. This ensures that training remains up to date and all workers continue to meet industry standards.

Your card can be renewed up to six months before it is due to expire, with the renewal process easy to follow online.

At Contractwise, we provide our customers with a wide range of services to ensure CIS compliance. This includes protecting contractors and subcontractors by minimising the risk of HMRC reclassification. To find out more, contact our team today.