CSCS Green Card Mock Test

If you work on a building site in the UK and your health and safety training stops at a Level 1 NVQ, SVQ or equivalent, you’ll need to apply for a green CSCS card. Anyone who works on a UK construction site or visits one should have a CSCS card. They’re are a national safety measure to keep construction workers free from harm.

A history of high rates of accidents on construction sites led to the introduction of CSCS cards in 1995 by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). They were launched under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) which issues a range of different categories of CSCS cards. There are cards to cover the variety of reasons why workers and visitors may wish to enter a construction site.

Here’s your guide to green CSCS cards and how to get one.

What is a green CSCS card?

A green CSCS card is a way of vetting employees and visitors to ensure they won’t compromise the safety of workers on site. Different grades of CSCS cards exist in various colours to show the level of training and qualifications each worker or visitor has.

There are cards for managers, apprentices, those in training and more. Cards must be applied for online or over the phone with the CSCS. A CITB test about health and safety in the workplace needs to be completed as part of your application.

The CSCS Test

The CITB test can be taken up to two years in advance and you can also use our CSCS mock test to prepare beforehand. If you don’t pass the test you can retake it. The test lasts for 45 minutes and has 50 multiple choice questions about health and safety in the workplace.

You will need to show proof of having completed and passed the CITB test to apply for your card. Accepted proof comes in the form of the CITB test certificate you’ll receive on passing.

Green CSCS cards exist for those who don’t have qualifications or training in industry-related health and safety beyond a level 1 NVQ, SVQ or equivalent. The green CSCS card is known as the Labourers’ card.

Renewal and Upgrades

Once you’ve got your green CSCS card it will last for 5 years. Green labourers’ cards cannot be renewed. Instead, when your card’s close to expiring, you can apply for a new card in a different colour card if you’ve gained qualifications or training since you last applied. If not, you will need to apply for another green card.

Here’s what you need to get one:

What are the requirements for a green CSCS card?

To apply for a green CSCS card for labourers you will need to have one of the following:

• 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

A CSCS-approved alternative qualification. These qualifications expire after a certain amount of time so they can only be used for the first application only. If you apply for another green card in future you will need to retake the qualification.

Check whether you qualify for a green card by entering your qualifications and role into the CSCS card finder which you’ll find on the CSCS website. To talk to the CSCS about your qualifications and the card you can apply for, call: 0344 994 4777.

How much does a green CSCS card cost?

It will cost you £49.50 to get a green card. You will need to pay £19.50 for the test when you book, then £30 for your CSCS green card during your card application. Your card lasts for 5 years so you won’t have to pay anything else to the CSCS during that period.

How do I get to the next grade of card?

The next card up from a green Labourers’ card is a blue Experienced Workers’ card. To qualify for a blue CSCS card you will need either:

• an NVQ/ SVQ Level 2 in a construction-related subject.
• or a nationally recognised apprenticeship such as a City & Guilds of London Craft Certificate, an employer-sponsored apprenticeship or another type of apprenticeship approved by the CSCS.

If you have completed either course by the time your green card expires you will be able to apply for a blue CSCS card. If you are registered for, or partway through, either of the courses when it’s time to get update your green CSCS card, you will be able to get a red card to tide you over until your training is finished. Once your course is complete you will be able to apply for a blue card. Find further details about the requirements for a blue CSCS card on the CSCS website.

How do I apply for a green CSCS card?

Before you apply for your green CSCS card you will need to use the CSCS card finder tool to double-check you are applying for the right card. Next, book your CITB Health, Safety and Environment test on the CITB website. Remember to leave enough time to revise and prepare for your test. Practice tests are a great way to prepare for the timed test before the real thing.

Once you have taken and passed your CITB test you can apply for your green CSCS card. To apply, you will need to log on to the CSCS website, create an account if you don’t already have one and follow the steps to apply.

If you prefer to apply over the telephone you can, although the CSCS says it takes longer to apply if you call. You can call the CSCS on 0344 994 4488 for telephone applications.

Whether you call or complete your application online you will need to have your CITB test certificate to hand plus proof of qualifications and a debit or credit card.

You will usually receive your green CSCS card within around 3-5 days, although it can take as long as 10 days at busy times. When you receive your card, pop it somewhere safe in your wallet because you will need to show it for entry to site.

My CSCS App

These days the CSCS’ My CSCS app makes everything even easier. Once you’ve finished your application, if you download the app, you’ll see you have a virtual version of your new CSCS green card. Your virtual green CSCS card can be used straight away so if you need the card to start a new job or get on-site, you won’t have to be left waiting around for a card to arrive – which is great.

Employers

If you’re an employer, you can complete bulk card applications for new recruits and existing staff online You can also book multiple CITB tests in one go on the CITB website. This is a great way to ensure all staff, whether new or existing, have the right qualifications to keep everyone safe. It also helps to make staff feel they are supported with a measure which can feel stressful for some.