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CSCS Courses

Construction Test > CSCS Courses

When you renew your CSCS card you have a chance to obtain a new CSCS card at a higher level. Before your card expiry date arrives, it’s a good idea to think about which CSCS course might best suit your need for further professional development.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) was specifically set up by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to facilitate the CSCS card initiative so they’re not a training provider.

Unfortunately, the CSCS do not offer any courses or training to assist with the acquisition of further skills or qualifications for CSCS cards however the CITB do.

You’ll be pleased to know the CITB offer all sorts of courses on Health and Safety topics related to CSCS criteria.

Training courses provided by the CITB can be completed online via their eCourses program or in-person at one of the CITB’s National Construction College training centres. The CITB also have a number of approved training partners and can deliver bespoke in-house training at a location of your choice.

Read on to find out all you need to know about CSCS courses and what they involve.

Online CITB Courses

The CITB’s eCourses are ideal because they allow you to study from home, at times that are convenient for you. Once you’ve paid for the online course of your choice, log into your account at a suitable time and begin your training course! Course costs can be paid by you or by using a voucher from your employee.

CSCS course for a Green CSCS card

CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course (CITB HSA)

For a green Labourer’s card, the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course can be studied either online or in person. Completion of the course will provide you with the qualification you need to apply for a green labourers card.

Known as the CITB HSA course, the course is equal to the RQF Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. You’ll:

  • learn how to protect yourself and your colleagues whilst working on site.
  • gain an understanding of potential hazards.
  • receive practical advice
  • complete an online exam at the end of the course.

How much does it cost?

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness CSCS Course costs £99. A Tier 1 grant payment is accessible through your employer for £30.

How long does it last?

The CITB HSA course takes approximately 4 hours to complete. You can spread the time over up to 12 months or finish the course in one sitting.

What are the qualifications for a green Labourer’s card?

  • RQF Level 1/SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.
  • SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate
  • NOCN/CSkills Awards Construction Health and Safety (F/618/0738) unit
  • CSCS-approved alternative qualification.

Where does the course fit in the list of green CSCS card requirements?

The CITB HSA qualifies under the CSCS-approved alternative qualification in the green card criteria.

Other options to the CITB HSA accepted by the CSCS:

The following training providers offer training courses accepted by the CSCS for the green card but its always important to check the latest requirements on the CSCS website.

  • COSAC
  • Drilling and Sawing Association
  • IOSH
  • NOCN
  • NPORS
  • SPA – Safety Pass Alliance

CSCS Course for managers

Site Management Environmental Training Scheme (SMETS)

If you want to improve your overall knowledge of environmental management and legislation, the Site Management Environmental Training Scheme (SMETS) could be for you. Designed for those either already working in managerial positions or planning to move into a management role, the CIB SMETS will:

  • cover topics within the context of UK construction sites.
  • prepare you for management of environmental aspects of a construction site.
  • assist you to put your legal, moral and social responsibilities into practice.

The course is an online course most suited to site managers and site supervisors. At the end of the course you will complete an online exam and receive a certificate which lasts for 5 years.

Topics covered in the SMETS include:

  • Sustainable construction and the environment
  • Water protection and management
  • Energy management
  • Ecology and biodiversity
  • Archaeology and heritage
  • Soil management and contamination control
  • Statutory nuisance
  • Waste management and more.

How much does it cost?

The Site Management Environmental Training Scheme costs £149. A Tier 2 grant payment is accessible through your employer for £149.

How long does it last?

The SMETS takes approximately 7.5 hours to complete. You can spread the time over up to 12 months or finish the course in one day.

In-person CITB courses

Held at a CITB National Construction College training centre, you can look forward to a superb CITB training course in either:

  • Kent
  • Norfolk
  • Scotland

Alternatively, you can arrange for face-to-face, bespoke training sessions to be delivered to you and your team at your workplace or in a location of your choice.

The CITB run in-person courses in a wide range of areas, including health, safety, plant maintenance, street works, scaffolding and lots more.

For heath and safety, the most popular courses are:

Other CITB health, safety and environment courses include:

  • Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations training
  • Incident Investigation
  • Site Safety Plus/ Health and safety awareness
  • Sustainability and environment
  • Entering Confined Spaces and more.

The Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

This two-day course is designed for site supervisors. You will uncover your legal responsibilities for health, safety, welfare and environmental issues.

Learning is facilitated through a stimulating mixture of group work, case studies, classroom discussion, group presentations, individual presentations and a proportion of self-study outside course hours.

Topics covered during the course include:

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Behavioural Safety
  • Challenging Real-life Site Issues For Supervisors
  • Effective Toolbox Talks
  • Supervision of Occupational Health

The SSSTS costs £305 and grants from employers are accepted. The Site Safety Plus certificate you receive on completion lasts for 5 years.

If you wish, you can arrange to have the Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme delivered in your workplace or at a site of your choice, as a tailored face to face CSCS course.

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

You can attend this 5-day course over 5 continuous days or weekly. The SMSTS is for site managers, supervisors, project managers, business owners and clients.

By attending the course, you will acquire an understanding of health, safety, welfare and environmental issues on construction sites. Learning takes place through an engaging combination of classroom discussion, group work, case studies, group presentations, individual presentation and some self-study in your own time

Topics covered during the SMSTS include:

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Behavioural Safety
  • Risk Assessments/ Method Statements
  • Electricity
  • Excavations
  • Working at Height
  • Scaffolding
  • Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations
  • Recent Changes in Accepted Working Practices

and more

The SMSTS costs £615 and grants from employers are accepted. The Site Management Safety Training certificate you receive on completion lasts for 5 years.

For group training for employees, you could choose to arrange for the Site Management Safety Training course to be delivered as face-to-face staff training at your place of work or a venue of your choice.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Browse a full list of CITB training courses online or call the CITB on: 0344 994 4433 for more information.

CITB Apprenticeships

CITB apprenticeships are a fusion of practical experience and college learning. You’ll find apprenticeships are available for a wide range of construction trades, covering everything from bricklaying to carpentry.

Most take 2-4 years to complete, providing you with a completed apprenticeship at Level 2, 3 or 4. A Level 2 is equal to a GCSE, a Level 3 to A-Levels and Level 4 to a Foundation Degree.

Level 4 apprenticeships are designed for those who want to gain management skills or specialist skills in design or technical topics.

Apprenticeships are carried out with a construction company, paying a minimum wage of at least £95, with pay rising as your skills increase. Discover more about CITB apprenticeships or give the CITB a call on 0344 994 4433 for further advice.

Other places to train

Don’t forget local colleges, universities, training centres, Jobcentre Plus and other places which support career progression, will help you find a reputable training provider with courses that will help you meet the requirements for the CSCS card you want. Remember some cards also require specific industry experience so be sure to check the card criteria carefully.