CSCS Card Renewal

With CSCS cards now pretty much a mandatory requirement for contractors across the UK, it’s essential you ensure your CSCS card is up to date.

The industry has thrown its full weight behind the government-backed scheme by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) so your CSCS card is viewed as a solid piece of compliance for your employer to prove you have the right level of skill for the work you want to do.

As with all industry compliance, there are strict rules and timescales to follow for CSCS card renewal. Thus, it’s important to know what you need to do to update your CSCS card correctly.

An expired CSCS card could see you banished from the site or prevented from starting new employment. Let’s make sure you’re fully informed and your CSCS card is renewed on time. Here’s your complete guide to renewing your CSCS card.

How to renew a CSCS card

CSCS card renewal preparation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have everything in order before you renew.

• Remember to leave extra time to complete the renewal process if you’re planning to apply for a card at a different level because you’ve gained further qualifications or skills since your last application. You will need to provide evidence of your new skills when you renew and take a higher level CSCS test.
• You can renew your card via an online application form or over the phone, postal applications are no longer accepted. Online applications are the quickest and most popular way to renew.
• You will also need to pay a fee to renew your card which must be paid as part of the completion of your renewal application.
• If you have changed your occupation since your last renewal, you must let the CSCS know. In fact, you have a duty to inform the CSCS of any change to your personal details. This might include your name, address or phone number. You can do so by calling the CSCS Contact Centre on 0344 994 4777.
• You cannot apply to renew your CSCS card more than 6 months before or after the expiry date.
• The expiry date is displayed on the front of your original CSCS card.
• You will need to take and pass the CITB Health Safety and Environment test at the correct level for the card grade you are applying for, as part of the application process for all CSCS cards. However, if you have already passed the required test for the card grade you wish to apply for, in the last 2 years, you will not need to take the test again. Tests are facilitated at external test centres located at over 300 sites across the UK.
• You will need to pay around £20 to take the CITB Health Safety and Environment test as part of the renewal process. During the test, you will be asked questions about good practice in health and safety within the construction industry and environmental awareness issues. More about CSCS tests
• Free practice tests are available so you can ensure you’re ready to answer the 50 CSCS questions in the allotted 45 minutes.
• Employers can complete bulk applications online on the CSCS.
• Your card should arrive within 10 days, some cards may take a little longer during busy times. If your card does not arrive within 4 weeks, call the CSCS on 0344 994 4777 immediately. An application left for longer than 90 days will incur a further charge of £36 for another card to be sent.

Renewing different types of CSCS cards

CSCS green card renewal

Awarded to labourers for achieving basic construction skills, you’ll need to renew your green CSCS card every 3 years.

It’s important to note the CSCS green card refers to the Green Labourer card, not the Basic Skills Green Card which the CSCS stopped renewing and issuing in 2018. If you want to renew a Basic Skills Green Card you will need to apply for the most relevant card grade now in use which may be the updated CSCS green card. Learn more about CSCS card types

CSCS red card renewal

If you’ve been working at an experienced level as a worker or trainee whilst you complete your qualification or apprenticeship, your red CSCS card cannot be renewed.

You cannot renew your CSCS red card because the card’s expiry date coincides with the end of training so you should now be able to apply for the relevant card to match your newly acquired skills.

CSCS blue card renewal

A recognition of qualification to at least NVQ/ SVQ Level 2 or a completed, recognised apprenticeship in the industry, renewal of your blue CSCS card for skilled workers must be done every 5 years.

CSCS gold card renewal

For supervisors and those with advanced craft skills, your CSCS gold card needs to be renewed every 5 years.

CSCS black card renewal

Senior managers with a qualification in site management to L4 or L5 will need to renew their CSCS black card every five years.

Which number should you call for renewal?

For all enquiries related to CSCS card renewal call the CSCS Contact Centre on 0344 994 4777.

How much is CSCS card renewal?

CSCS card renewal cost for renewal within 6 months of expiry date: £49.50

CSCS card renewal cost for renewal 6 months (max.) after the expiry date: £57

The cost to renew your green, blue, gold or black CSCS card if you are within 6 months of the expiry date is £49.50 (£30 for the card and £19.50 for the test). Renewal 6 months after the expiry date is £57 (£36 for the card and £21 for the test).

When to renew your CSCS card

Should you renew your card early? You have a 6-month time limit to renew your CSCS card after the expiry date has passed so it’s a good idea to renew your card early (so long as it is not more than 6 months early) and you’ll save almost £8.