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The CSCS Green Card Explained
- Thomas Worthing
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 3
The CSCS card scheme was introduced to ensure that operatives working on site are trained and competent at managing their own share of safety. The green CSCS card is held by labourers, while other trades and roles hold different cards.
In this Article:
What is a Green CSCS Card?
Why is a Green CSCS Card Important?
What are the Requirements for a Green CSCS Card?
How to Get a Green CSCS Card Step by Step?
What is the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Course?
How Long is a Green CSCS Card Valid For?
Is a Green CSCS Card a Legal Requirement on Site?
What Jobs Can You Get with a Green CSCS Card?
What is a Green CSCS Card?
The green CSCS card, officially known as the labourer card under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, is an entry-level certification for individuals performing general labouring roles on construction sites. It was introduced to provide basic health and safety awareness. This card verifies that holders can work safely without posing a risk to themselves or others on site.
Unlike other CSCS cards, the green card is tailored for non-specialist roles, such as site preparation or material handling. It is recognised by major contractors across the industry. This card acts as your passport to large construction sites throughout the UK. Contractors typically require you to hold a valid card, as it helps reduce accidents and aligns with industry standards for safer workplaces.
Why is a Green CSCS Card Important?
A green CSCS card is essential for accessing most UK construction sites. Generally, if you are on a commercial site where the client is a company, you will need a CSCS card to work there. This is crucial if you want to work in the construction industry. Without a valid CSCS card, you would only be able to work on residential projects, which are usually smaller.
Physical Risks
Physical risks are higher in this sector compared to others. Holding a CSCS card demonstrates to employers that you have a basic understanding of the risks and safe practices required on a construction site. For workers, it enhances job prospects. Access to commercial sites, as opposed to only residential projects, broadens potential job opportunities.
What Percentage of UK Sites Require a CSCS Card?
Recent statistics show that 80% of UK sites mandate CSCS certification. One reason the scheme is widely adopted is that employers benefit from reduced insurance premiums and legal liabilities. This makes it beneficial for companies to get their employees certified.
What are the Requirements for a Green CSCS Card?
To qualify for a green CSCS card, you must pass the CITB Health Safety and Environment (HS&E) touch screen test and hold a relevant qualification. The most common qualification is the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment certificate. Other requirements include being over 16, providing proof of identity, and paying the application fee of £36. No prior experience is required; however, a basic level of English literacy is essential for the test.
You can usually achieve the qualification through either a 1-2 day in-person course or an online version. The key requirement is that the qualification must come from an approved awarding body and have the accreditation to meet the required CSCS standards.
How to Get a Green CSCS Card Step by Step?
Obtaining a green CSCS card involves three key steps:
Complete a Level 1 Health and Safety course.
Pass the CITB HS&E touchscreen test.
Submit your application online via the CSCS portal.
Start with our online course for flexible study. Then, book the 45-minute touch screen test at a CITB centre, which costs £22.50. Once you pass, apply with your certificate, test results, photo, and pay the card fee of £36. You can expect your card to arrive within 3-5 weeks, though it may arrive sooner. We advise using preparation apps and mock tests to improve your chances of success. If you fail the touch screen test, you will need to pay an additional fee and resit the exam.
What is the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Course?
The Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course is a regulated qualification (RQF/SCQF Level 1). It provides foundational knowledge of on-site hazards, risk assessments, and safe practices.
This course is one of the key components required for green CSCS card applications. It covers topics like manual handling, working at height, and emergency procedures. The course is delivered online for convenience and uses multiple-choice exams to assess learners' understanding of the topics covered.
The course duration is 6-8 hours and equips learners with practical skills to help prevent accidents on construction sites. Our course at Ward Training includes interactive modules with easy-to-follow guidance. This allows us to maintain high pass rates and quick progression to obtaining a green CSCS card.
How Long is a Green CSCS Card Valid For?
A green CSCS card is valid for five years from the issue date and cannot be renewed. Cardholders must reapply by retaking the HS&E test and updating qualifications if needed. This ensures that operatives maintain competence with any changes to regulations and updates to building safety standards.
Once your card has expired, you will likely not be allowed on site and could risk losing your job. After obtaining your green CSCS card, plan ahead by refreshing your skills through short refresher courses and preparing to resit your HS&E test before expiry.
Is a Green CSCS Card a Legal Requirement on Site?
Holding a green CSCS card is not a legal requirement under UK law. However, it is effectively a requirement for entry to most construction sites, as enforced by contractors under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Build UK and major contractors like Balfour Beatty insist on it to meet their duty of care obligations. This allows them to mitigate the risk of fines up to £20,000 for noncompliance. Although it is voluntary, the vast majority of contractors require site operatives to hold a CSCS card. This makes it indispensable for labourers aiming to secure work in the UK construction industry.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Green CSCS Card?
With a green CSCS card, you have the basic qualification required to secure entry-level roles such as general labourer, site cleaner, or gateman on construction projects. It opens pathways to apprenticeships or progression to skilled cards, with average salaries starting at £25,000 annually.
The UK construction sector is vast and includes labourer roles for almost every trade. Sectors such as groundworks, bricklaying, and civil engineering hire many labourers due to the physical nature of the work.
Get started with our Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course today and transform your construction career.
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