How to Apply for CSCS Green Card After Level 1?

This intensive one-day, remote-learning course offers flexibility and covers crucial site safety topics including:

• Risk assessment and hazard control

• Working at height

• Manual handling

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Fire, electricity, and gas safety
  
  

Successful completion, which typically includes an online exam, provides the necessary certificate. Remember, you must also pass the separate CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test to secure your Green Card. This certification is vital for gaining access to most UK construction sites.

The Ultimate Guide to the CSCS Green Card (Labourer Card)

The UK construction industry places a huge emphasis on safety and competence. For anyone looking to start a career in construction, particularly in entry-level roles, the CSCS Green Card, officially known as the Labourer Card—is often the essential first step. While not a legal requirement, most major contractors and house builders require workers to hold a valid card before being allowed onto a site. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what the card is, the application process, key requirements, and how to book the necessary test.

What is the CSCS Green Card?

The CSCS Green Card is issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), an organisation dedicated to maintaining high standards of health, safety, and competence within the UK construction industry.

• Purpose: The card provides proof that the holder has attained a minimum level of health and safety knowledge required to work safely on a construction site. It is specifically designed for workers performing general labouring duties (hence its alternative name, the Labourer Card).

• Significance: Holding this card instantly increases your employability with professional construction firms. It acts as a universal passport, demonstrating your commitment to basic site safety standards and helping to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Validity: The CSCS Green Card is typically valid for five years from the date of issue.

How to Apply for a CSCS Labourer Card?

The application process for the CSCS Green Card is structured and requires the completion of two primary components. You must complete these two steps before applying for the card itself.

The Two Mandatory Steps

1. Achieve a Recognised Health and Safety Qualification: You must provide evidence that you have completed an approved health and safety course. The most common and accepted qualification is the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (often completed as a one-day course).
   
   

   • Note: The alternative is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course, which is valid for five years. The Level 1 Award is a lifetime qualification, although you will still need to renew the card every five years by meeting the other requirements.

2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test: You must pass the correct level of the CITB HS&E test within two years of applying for the CSCS card. For the Labourer/Green Card, this is the Operatives Test.
   
   

The Application Process

Once you have your qualification certificate and your CITB Test ID number (from your passed test), you can apply for the card. The quickest and easiest way is typically via the official CSCS methods:

• My CSCS App: The most convenient method for individual applicants. You can upload digital copies of your qualification certificate and proof of passing the CITB test via the app.

• CSCS Online: Employers, training providers, or third parties typically use the CSCS Online service.
  
  

Required Information & Documents:

• A scanned copy or clear photo of your Health and Safety qualification certificate.

• Your CITB Test ID number from your passed Operatives Test (must be passed within the last two years).

• A credit or debit card to pay the CSCS card application fee (the fee is separate from the test/training costs).
  
  

Once approved, you will receive your digital CSCS card immediately through the My CSCS app, and your physical card will be sent to your postal address.

Renew or Replace a CSCS Card

Since the CSCS Green Card is only valid for five years, maintenance and renewal are crucial to ensure continued site access.

Renewing Your CSCS Green Card

To renew your card, you must demonstrate that your health and safety knowledge is up-to-date.

1. Retake the CITB HS&E Operatives Test: You must pass the Operatives Test again within two years of your renewal application. The purpose is to confirm you are current on all health and safety regulations, which are constantly updated.
   
   

2. Retake/Re-qualify for the Health and Safety Qualification (if required): If you completed the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course for your original application, you must retake this course as it expires after five years. If you hold the RQF Level 1 Award, this is a lifetime qualification and does not need to be retaken for renewal, but you must still pass the CITB test.
   
   

3. Submit the Renewal Application: You can renew your card up to six months prior to its expiry date and up to six months after its expiry date via the My CSCS app or CSCS Online.
   
   

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it to CSCS immediately. You can apply for a replacement card online through the My CSCS app or website. A replacement fee will apply, and you will receive a new card with the same expiry date as the original. If your lost card has expired, you must follow the full renewal process.

The CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test

The CITB HS&E Test (often called the CSCS test) is a cornerstone of the application process for nearly all CSCS cards.

The Operatives Test (For the Green Card)

• Format: The test is a computer-based, multiple-choice assessment taken at a registered test centre.
  
  

• Content: It assesses your knowledge across various health, safety, and environmental topics relevant to a construction site. Key areas include general site safety, working at height, manual handling, fire prevention, and environmental protection.
  
  

• Duration: The test lasts 45 minutes.
  
  

• Questions: You will be asked 50 questions in total.
  
  

• Pass Mark: To pass the Operatives Test, you must correctly answer at least 45 out of 50 questions (a 90% score).

Preparation is key. Official revision materials, mock tests, and handbooks are widely available through CITB and high-street booksellers to help you prepare.
 

Book the CSCS Green Card Test

The CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test must be booked directly through CITB (or an approved booking service). CSCS itself does not book the tests.

How to Book the Operatives Test

1. Identify the Correct Test: For the Green Card, you must book the Operatives Test.
   
   

2. Choose a Method:
   
   

   • Online: Book through the official CITB website. This is the simplest way to check test centre availability and times.

   • By Phone: Call the CITB booking line.
     
     

3. Information Required for Booking:
   
   

   • Your full name and UK postal address.

   • Which type of test you need (Operatives Test).

   • Which test centre location you wish to attend.

   • Your chosen payment method (the test costs an official fee, and test centres may charge an administration fee).

   • Details of any required additional support (e.g., translator, British Sign Language interpreter, reading support).
     
     

4. On the Day: Arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes early and bring photographic ID with your signature. Upon passing, you will receive a Score Report with your CITB Test ID, which you will need for your CSCS card application.

By successfully completing the required health and safety training and passing the CITB Operatives Test, you will have fulfilled the prerequisites to obtain your CSCS Green Card, opening the door to employment on construction sites across the UK.

To apply for the CSCS Green Card, you must first complete the Level 1 Award course.

Related CITB Courses

• CITB Courses

• IOSH Courses

• IOSH Managing Safely Course

• IOSH Working Safely Course

• SMSTS Course

• SMSTS Refresher Course

• SSSTS Course

• SSSTS Refresher Course