White CSCS Card

Formal qualifications in construction-related subjects will mean you should be eligible for a white CSCS card. NVQs and SVQs are not included in the list of qualifying further education courses. Instead they are awarded with a black card.

What’s the difference between a white CSCS card and a black CSCS card?

We’ll explain the difference between the two cards and all you need to do to apply for a white CSCS card or a black card in this guide. Here’s all you need to know about who qualifies for white CSCS cards and how to get one.

What is a white CSCS card?

White CSCS cards are awarded to those with academic or professional qualifications in a construction-related subject. There are two types of white CSCS cards:

• Academically Qualified Person Card (APA Card)
• Professionally Qualified Person Card (PQA Card)

Academically Qualified Person Card

The APA or Academically Qualified Person Card is awarded for completion of the following academic qualifications:

• Degree
• HND
• HNC
• CIOB certificate
• NEBOSH diploma

The Academically Qualified Person Card lasts for 5 years. After 5 years the card will need to be renewed.

Professionally Qualified Person Card

The Professionally Qualified Person Card, also known as the PQP card is given to those who are competence assessed members of a CSCS-approved professional body. The Professionally Qualified Person Card cannot be renewed. If you still want to have a PQP card after your existing card expires, you will need to apply for a new one.

When you make your application, you will need to show numerous documents to prove you are a current paying member, at the required level.

CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test

To apply for either a black or white CSCS card you will need to take a CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test. The test, designed for managers and professionals, is obligatory whether you are applying for the first time or renewing.

You will have 45 minutes to complete the test and be asked about: general safety, health and welfare, the environment, high-risk activities, legal considerations and management topics. There will be 50 questions to complete in the allotted time.

You won’t be able to complete your card application until you have passed the test so it’s a good idea to book your CSCS test before your card is due to expire.

Your CSCS white card can be renewed up to 6 months before or after it expires. Meanwhile, the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test can be taken up to two years before you apply for your card. To make sure you pass, use practice tests before sitting the real thing.

What about Construction Related Occupation cards?

Construction Related Occupation cards have been phased out. The last Construction Related Occupation cards were issued in 2017 so after April 2022, they’ll no longer be valid. If you need to renew an existing CRO card, use the CSCS card finder to see which card you should apply for. As long as existing Construction Related Occupation cards are in date, they remain valid.

Black vs White CSCS card – which is better?

Both white CSCS cards and black CSCS cards are held by those working at various levels of management.

Black cards evidence practical expertise in construction. You can only get a black card if you have an NVQ or SVQ at a Level 4, 5 or above. White cards are proof of knowledge assessed through written tests although you will also have completed some practical tasks.

The difference between the two is one requires proof of having been assessed for practical expertise and the other, proof of having passed written exams.

The qualifying criteria for a black card are:

• NVQ or SVQ Level 4 in Construction Management
• SVQ Level 4 in a technical construction-related subject
• NVQ or SVQ Level 5,6 or 7 in Construction Management or a technical construction-related subject

Applications for both white and black CSCS cards require completion of the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test.

What is the point of CSCS cards? Are they a legal requirement?

CSCS cards provide evidence you can carry out your role safely for both yourself and your colleagues/ staff. They are not yet a legal requirement but they are used across the UK construction industry as a standard form of compliance.

The CSCS operates under the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) which is a government partner. They are a necessary requirement for working on-site and you may not be able to work on a UK building site without one.

How do I get a white CSCS card?

To apply for your white CSCS card you will need to take and pass your CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test. Keep the certificate you receive on passing because you will have to show it during your application to prove you have completed the test.

Once you’ve taken the Managers and Professionals CITB test you can apply for your new white card online or over the phone with the CSCS.

If applying over the phone, you need to call: 0344 994 4777. Lines are open Monday to Friday. For online applications, log into your account on the CSCS website and follow instructions to apply or renew. For the fastest method, the CSCS recommend applying online. Upload your documents in advance for easy application.

If you haven’t yet got a CSCS account, log onto the website and open one.

Your card should arrive within 3-5 working days, 10 at the most. To use your new card immediately, download the My CSCS app where you will find your virtual CSCS card.

How much does the white CSCS card cost?

It will cost you £49.50 in total to get a new white CSCS card. If you renew during the 6-month period after the expiry date has passed, you’ll have to pay £57. The cost covers the price of the CSCS test (£30 or £36 for renewal within the 6-month grace period) plus the cost of your new CSCS card (£19.50 or £21 for renewal within the 6-month grace period).

You will need to make a brand new application if you miss the 6-month grace period.

How do I renew a white PQA or APA card?

Renewal of a white CSCS card depends on the type of white card you have. The Professionally Qualified Person Card, also known as the PQA card, cannot be renewed. If you still want to renew, you will need to re-apply for a PQA card instead.

The Academically Qualified Person Card, often referred to as the APA card, can be renewed by completing the steps outlined above. You can renew your card no more than 6 months before or after it expires.