For some, the many different CSCS cards and the routes to gaining those cards can be extremely confusing, so we have put together a short article outlining clearly the route to gain some of the CSCS Cards currently available.
Anyone that works on site today should hold a CSCS Card, whether that be a Blue Skilled operative card, a Black Managers card or the Green Labourers card. The CSCS cards are proof that individuals working on a construction site have the appropriate training and qualifications to carry out their job.
CSCS Green Labourers Card
The CSCS Green Labourers card is for those that are often relatively new to site work, do not currently hold an NVQ or practice a trade on site. To gain the CSCS Green Labourers card, an individual is required to pass a CITB Health & Safety Test, carried out at a local test centre (approximately 1 hour long book here) and to pass a 1 day approved Health & Safety Training course such as our Health & Safety in Construction Course
Once both elements listed above have been achieved you can then apply for your CSCS Card through CSCS, which will be valid for 5 years before it needs renewing.
CSCS Blue Skilled Card
The CSCS Blue Skilled Card is seen as the natural progression from the Labourers Card. The card is for operatives that are skilled within their trade and practice this skill whilst on site. To gain the Blue Skilled CSCS Card, the individual is required to pass a CITB Health & Safety Test. This test must be specialist to their trade, for instance a roofer would be required to complete the ‘Working at Height’ health & safety test. The candidate must also achieve a Level 2 NVQ in their trade, for instance a Level 2 NVQ in Roof Slate & Tiling
Once both elements listed above have been achieved you can then apply for your CSCS Card through CSCS, which will be valid for 5 years before it needs renewing.
CSCS Gold Supervisors Card
The CSCS Gold Card is again seen as a natural progression from the Blue Skilled Card. The CSCS Gold card is for operatives that are practicing supervision whilst on site. To gain the CSCS Gold Supervisors card, the candidate must pass a CITB Health & Safety Test. This test must be the Supervisors Test. The candidate must also a Construction related Supervisory NVQ at Level 3 or above.
Once both elements listed above have been achieved you can then apply for your CSCS Card through CSCS, which will be valid for 5 years before it needs renewing.
CSCS Black Managers Card
The CSCS Black Managers card is once more seen as a natural progression from the CSCS Gold Supervisor Card. The Black Managers Card is for practicing construction related managers that need to attend site. To gain the CSCS Black Managers card, the candidate must pass a CITB Health & Safety Test. This test must be the mangers test. The candidate must also achieve a Construction Related Management NVQ at Level 5 or above for instance the Level 6 Contracts Management NVQ or the Level 6 Site Management NVQ
Once both elements listed above have been achieved you can then apply for your CSCS Card through CSCS, which will be valid for 5 years before it needs renewing.
If you need any help with your CSCS card, please give us a call on 01473 830255 and we will be happy to assist.