Carpenter CSCS Card

If you’re a carpenter, you may be surprised to be asked to get a CSCS card for a carpenter. CSCS cards are in widespread use by the UK construction industry. They detail who you are and verify you are qualified to carry out your job safely.

Commissioned by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the card functions as an excellent form of compliance because you need to meet robust requirements to acquire one. The use of CSCS cards has spread quickly through the industry and you won’t be able to get on a UK construction site without one.

Reducing workplace accidents whilst offering superb proof of skills plus eligibility to work in role, UK carpenters are increasingly asked to get a CSCS card.

From how to apply, to what application involves, here’s all you need to know about CSCS cards for carpenters.

How to apply for a CSCS card for carpenters

When you apply for a CSCS card for a carpenter, you will need to have passed a test about the health and safety requirements for your role first. The test is called a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test or a CSCS test. You can practice the test as many times as you wish before you take the test.

If you don’t pass the test, you can take it again. It takes £19.50 to sit the test. Once you’ve passed, you can complete the application for your CSCS carpenter’s card. The test lasts for 45 minutes and you won’t be able to get a CSCS card until you complete the test because the test certificate must be shown during your application.

Before you take the test, find out which card you will qualify for using the card finder tool on the CSCS website. This step is really important because there are many different CSCS cards for everything from trainees to managers. The test you take must be suitable for the card you wish to apply for so use the card finder tool before you do anything else.

Signing up

Once you’ve passed your test, you can sign up to the CSCS website and apply for your CSCS card for a carpenter online or over the phone. Online applications are completed on the CSCS website by opening your account and following the instructions on screen. For telephone applications, call the CSCS on: 0344 994 4777, Monday to Friday.

You will need to have proof of your qualifications ready when you apply, plus your CITB Test Certificate and a debit/credit card to pay the £30 fee for your card.

Once completed, it should take 3- 5 working days for the card to arrive, although it could take as long as 10. The good news is you can use your new carpenter’s CSCS card straight away by opening your virtual CSCS card on the My CSCS app.

Which type of CSCS card do you need for a carpenter?

There are many different types of cards so only the card finder tool will confirm the best card to suit you. Generally, most carpenters will qualify for a blue, gold or black card. You will have to provide evidence you meet the requirements for the card when you apply.

Blue CSCS card for carpenters

Blue CSCS cards require:

• an NVQ/ SVQ Level 2

or

• a nationally recognised apprenticeship in a directly related subject

Blue cards are awarded to skilled workers and need to be renewed every 5 years.

Gold CSCS card for carpenters

To apply for a gold CSCS card you must have:

• an NVQ/ SVQ Level 3 for Occupational Work Supervision or a related subject at a supervisory or technical level

or

• an NVQ/ SVQ Level 4 for a related subject at a supervisory or technical level.

Gold CSCS cards are for carpenters with specialist skills or those working in a supervisory position. You will need to renew the card after 5 years

Black CSCS card for carpenters

You will qualify for a black CSCS card if you have:

• NVQ or SVQ Level 4 in industry management
• SVQ Level 4 in a technical industry-related subject
• NVQ or SVQ Level 5,6 or 7 in industry management or a technical industry-related subject

Black cards are awarded to those working in managerial positions.

Black or White CSCS card for carpenters

If you have a:

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

or are a competence assessed member of a CSCS-approved professional body, you can apply for a white card. White cards are recognition of an academic qualification which demonstrates knowledge but does not show the practical expertise awarded with a black card.

Trainees, Apprentices & more

If you are a trainee carpenter, apprentice carpenter, on placement or do not meet any of the requirements above, there are other CSCS cards for you.