CSCS Labourer Card

CSCS Labourer CardThe CSCS Labourer Card is one of the first steps on the ladder in your career as a construction worker. Also known as the CSCS Green Card, most construction sites will require you to hold this card if you are seeking work as a labourer on-site. Mainly relevant for workers looking for entry-level positions, the CSCS Labourer Card is part of the CSCS scheme which seeks to ensure that all workers on a construction site have the appropriate qualifications for their position and meet necessary health and safety requirements.

About the CSCS Labourer Card

The CSCS scheme has a range of cards that reflect the different skill levels, qualifications, and occupations in the construction industry. As you progress in your career in construction you will need to update your CSCS card to the appropriate type.

The CSCS Labourer Card is an important first step in your career as a construction worker. Owning a CSCS Green Card will enable you to apply for labourer jobs on a range of construction sites within the UK. This is an entry-level card that will give you access to a variety of roles. This including bricklaying, tiling, plumbing, electrics or carpentry in a supervised capacity with a qualified worker.

While the CSCS Labourer Card is an entry-level card, it does require you to have a relevant qualification. Before applying, make sure you take a look at our step by step guide on how to apply for a CSCS Green Card below.

Is the CSCS Labourer Card a legal requirement?

Currently, it is not a legal requirement to hold a CSCS Labourer Card to work as a labourer on a UK construction site. However, there are a growing number of contractors that state the ownership of a CSCS card in their essential criteria for those applying for a job on-site. Therefore, for labourers seeking a job in construction, we highly recommended that you make an application for a CSCS Green Card.

How to apply for a CSCS Labourer Card

So you’ve decided that you want to work as a labourer on a UK construction site and need a CSCS Green Card but where do you start? Here is what you need to do.

1. Complete a relevant qualification

Before applying for the CSCS Labourer Card you will need to hold an accepted qualification. The QCF Level 1/SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment or SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate are the main qualifications that are accepted. You can check to see if these qualifications are available at your local college or Jobcentre Plus. You can also contact one of the awarding bodies here.

A range of other qualifications is accepted in the application for the CSCS Green Card in addition to those stated above. However, not all accepted qualifications are lifetime qualifications. You may need to complete a refresher course when you need to renew your CSCS Labourer Card. See here for a full list of accepted qualifications for the CSCS Green Card.

To apply for the CSCS Labourer Card you will need to send evidence of your qualification to the CSCS. The easiest way to do this is to e-mail a copy of your certificate to [email protected]

2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, also known as the CSCS Test

The CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test is a multiple-choice exam. It assesses your health and safety knowledge and is a requirement for the CSCS Green Card. There are different tests for different occupations and skill levels (which we will go into more detail in the ‘CSCS Labourer Test’ section below).

The test needs to be taken at an approved test centre. This can be found via the online booking system or by calling the booking line on 0344 994 4488. The CITB Health, Safety and Environment is completed on a computer via a touch screen. The CSCS will receive the results of your test directly once completed. You need to have passed this test within the last 2 years to be eligible to apply for the CSCS Labourer Card.

3. Make your payment

After you have sent evidence of your qualification and passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test the final step is to make your payment. You can pay for your CSCS card by credit or debit card over the phone or you can send a cheque in the post. The number to call to make the payment is 0344 994 4777.

Once the CSCS has processed your documentation and the payment has been processed they will send your CSCS Green Card in the post. It should take around 20 days for the card to arrive. Contact the CSCS directly if your CSCS card has not arrived within 5 weeks. After 90 days your application will close and further payment required to reprocess your application.

CSCS Labourer Card Cost

The CSCS Labourer Card costs £36. As you will also need to take the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test to be eligible for the CSCS Green Card this expense also needs to be accounted for in the cost of the card. It costs £21 to take the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test. If you need to re-take the test you must pay this amount again.

The CSCS Green Card is valid for five years and is renewable. There will be an expiry date on the card to inform you of when you will need to renew it.

CSCS Labourer Card Test

An essential requirement to apply for the CSCS Green Card is to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for Operatives. The test is multiple-choice and will take place on a computer using touch screen technology at an approved test centre. The test intends to assess your knowledge about important safety features on a construction site. It includes questions on a range of topics related to health, safety, and environmental factors.

To prepare for the CSCS Test for Operatives there is a range of options available. Sign up here to gain access to all the material you need to pass the test. You can also purchase a revision guide, either from the CSCS website or high-street bookseller, or you can download the CITB mobile app. The benefit of the mobile app is that you will have all of the revision material in the palm of your hand You will also be able to access this material in 14 different languages. The CITB mobile app also enables you to take practice tests to help you prepare and helps you to focus your revision on areas that you have struggled with. There is also the option to book your test via the mobile app.

Summary

The CSCS Labourer Card is your ticket to starting your career in construction. The CSCS Green Card provides evidence to employers that you have an approved qualification and that you have met the necessary health and safety requirements for your role. The application for the CSCS Labourer Card requires you to have a relevant qualification, pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last 2 years, and pay £36 for the card. See the full list of qualifications accepted in the application for the CSCS Green Card here.

Once you have the CSCS Labourer Card you will be eligible to work as a labourer on a UK construction site for 5 years. When your card expires, you can either renew the card or apply for the next CSCS card that is relevant to the qualifications and skills you have gained during your employment.