How Long Do CSCS Cards Last?

In the construction industry, health, safety and competence are essential. One of the main ways tradespeople can prove these qualities is by holding a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme card - commonly known as a CSCS card. Whether you’re an electrician, labourer, plumber or any other type of contractor, holding a CSCS card is almost always needed before you set foot on a site. 

Here at Contractwise, we understand that maintaining a valid CSCS card is extremely important and also helps reinforce your CIS compliance. Staying up to date with qualifications and safety supports the wider legislation you need for CIS, and this works alongside the services we offer, such as payroll audits, preventing HMRC reclassifcation risks and safeguarding contractors and subcontractors. 

One of the most important questions you may have is ‘how long do CSCS cards last?’ In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know.

Read on for more information…

Who needs CSCS cards?

Although CSCS cards are not a legal requirement, they have become a universal expectation in the industry. Most contractors and site managers won’t allow anyone to work on a site without having the correct card.

Some typical trades that require CSCS cards include:

• Bricklayers
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Plasterers
• Roofers
• Groundworkers
• Plumbers
• Labourers
• Scaffolders
• Decorators
• And much more

Why do CSCS cards expire?

CSCCS cards do not last forever, and they expire for several reasons, including:

Up-to-date health and safety knowledge

Health and safety rules are constantly evolving. The CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test lasts two years, meaning regular retesting is needed to make sure workers always understand the latest rules.

Continued competency

Over time, construction standards change. Renewing the CSCS card means workers are still compliant with regulations.

Compliance and industry consistency

The scheme is focused on enhancing safety and professionalism. CSCS builds renewal into the system as a way to maintain quality across all sites in the UK. 

How long do CSCS cards last?

Most CSCS cards last for five years, and this length of time is considered the industry standard. However, some temporary or training cards have shorter validity periods. Some may only last six months. The exact duration depends on the type of card you hold, so understanding what category your card is in is essential.

Different CSCS cards and how long do they last?

There is more than one type of CSCS card, and their validity periods vary. These cards include:

• Labourer card (Green) - 5 years: This is for general labouring duties and requires a Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and CITB test.
• Apprentice card (Red) - up to 4 years: These cards are non-renewable and are for individuals enrolled on an apprenticeship. These cards expire once the course has been completed and will need to be replaced with a skilled card.
• Trainee card (Red) - 5 years: For workers registered in a qualification like a degree or NVQ, they will need a trainee card. These cards are not renewable and must progress to a skilled card.
• Experienced worker card (Red) - 1 year: These cards are not renewable and are for workers with experience but working towards a qualification.
• Experienced technical, supervisor or manager card (Red) - 3 years: Another non-renewable card, these are for experienced workers who are registered on a supervisory or managerial NVQ.
• Provisional card (Red) - 6 months: These cards are issued one time only and are for workers undergoing an assessment or probation period.
• Skilled worker card (Blue or Gold) - 5 years:  A blue card is for tradespeople with a Level 2 NVQ or apprenticeship. A gold version is for highly skilled trades with a Level 3 NVQ.
• Supervisory card (Gold) - 5 years: For site supervisors with Level 3 or 4 supervisory qualifications.
• Manager card (Black) - 5 years: For site managers or professionals with Level 4-7 NVQs.
• Academically qualified person card (White) - 5 years: For workers with academic construction qualifications, like degrees.
• Professionally qualified person card (PQP) (White): For members of recognised industry bodies. 

These durations make regular renewal essential. 

How do I know if my CSCS card is going to expire?

There is a wide range of different ways to check if your CSCS card is due to expire.

This includes:

• On the card itself: The expiry date is clearly printed on the front of the physical card.
• Via the CSCS app: This is where your digital CSCS card will be found, and it shows the card and expiry date.
• Your CSCS online account: All the information about your CSCS card, including its expiry date, can be found on your online account.
• Contact the CSCS contact centre: You can contact the CSCS centre and ask them for this information. 

How to renew CSCS cards

Renewing your CSCS card is a simple process. This is how it works:

• Check your eligibility: Confirm you still meet the qualification requirements for your card.
• Retake the CITB HS&E test (if needed):  Most of the time, you’ll need to retake the health and safety test, as it only lasts two years.
• Prepare your documentation: Make sure you have all your qualification certificates to hand, as well as the CITB test number.
• Apply for a renewal via the app or online: Upload all the documents to the renewal form.
• Pay the fee: Pay the renewal fee, which is £36 for your new card.
• Receive your card: Your digital card should appear instantly in the app, and your physical card will be with you in a few days.

Do I need to retake the CITB HS&E test?

Yes, in most cases, the CITB HS&E test will need to be redone. This is because these tests are only valid for two years, and the majority of cards are valid for five years - meaning the test will have expired by the time of renewal.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, most CSCS cards last five years, but this will vary depending on the card type. Renewing on time ensures you always remain eligible and maintain strong compliance. At Contractwise, we protect contractors and subcontractors across the construction industry with our wide range of CIS services, including payroll audits that minimise the risk of damaging HMRC reclassification. For more information on how we can help, contact our team today.