UK-wide · assessed on your site
CSCS Card Qualifications and Construction NVQs Across the UK
Get the NVQ behind your blue, gold or black CSCS card, assessed while you work. Plus IPAF, PASMA and Green CSCS training.
Which CSCS card do you need?
Your card depends on your job and your qualifications. Here is the short version. Each card has its own guide with the full requirements.
| CSCS card | Usually for | Qualification route |
|---|---|---|
| Green Labourer | People working as labourers or general operatives on site | Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment |
| Blue Skilled Worker | Qualified, skilled tradespeople working in their trade | A relevant NVQ or SVQ Level 2 |
| Gold Advanced Craft | Highly skilled craft workers with advanced qualifications | An NVQ or SVQ Level 3 in your craft |
| Gold Supervisor | People who supervise others on site | A construction-related supervisory NVQ or SVQ at Level 3 or Level 4 |
| Black Manager | Site managers, contracts managers and senior managers | A Level 6 or Level 7 construction management NVQ or equivalent |
CSCS sets the rules and they can change. The official card finder at cscs.uk.com confirms the right card for your occupation.
Construction NVQs by level
From operative trades to senior management, there is an NVQ route for every stage of a construction career.
Why work-based assessment
Work-based assessment
Assessed on site while you do your normal job. No classroom and no written exams.
Recognised qualifications
Nationally recognised NVQs respected across the UK construction industry.
Route to your CSCS card
The right NVQ is the qualification most skilled, supervisory and management cards are built on.
Flexible assessment
Visits and evidence gathering are arranged around your work schedule.
Support in your language
One-to-one help in English, Romanian and Italian.
How assessment works
- A free eligibility chat about your trade and experience
- Registration and a plan built around your current work
- Evidence gathered on site: photos, observations and witness testimony
- One-to-one support from a qualified assessor throughout
- Certification and, where applicable, eligibility for a CSCS card
Training courses
IPAF 3a & 3b
Training for mobile boom lifts (3a) and mobile scissor lifts (3b). You receive a globally recognised IPAF licence, valid for five years.
Course details →PASMA
Mobile access tower training covering assembly, inspection, use and dismantling to current industry standards.
Course details →Green CSCS / GQA
A route to the Green CSCS Labourer card through GQA, covering the fundamentals of site health and safety.
Course details →Areas we cover
We work with construction workers across England, Wales and the rest of the UK, including London, the Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire, the North East, the South West and East of England. See how assessment works in your area.
Frequently asked questions
Which CSCS card do I need?
It depends on your job and qualifications. Labourers usually need the green card, skilled tradespeople the blue card, supervisors the gold Supervisor card and managers the black card. The official CSCS card finder at cscs.uk.com confirms the right card for your occupation, and we can talk you through it.
What is the difference between an NVQ and a CSCS card?
An NVQ is a qualification that proves your competence. A CSCS card is the proof of that qualification (plus a health and safety test pass) that site managers check at the gate. Most skilled and supervisory cards need a relevant NVQ or SVQ.
Do I still need to take the CITB health, safety and environment test?
Yes. CSCS requires a pass in the correct CITB HS&E test for the card you are applying for, in addition to the qualification. There are different tests for operatives, supervisors and managers.
How does work-based NVQ assessment work?
Your assessor agrees a plan with you, then you gather evidence from your normal work: photographs, observations and witness testimony. There is no classroom and no written exam. Assessment is arranged around your working week.
Do I have to be working to take an NVQ?
Yes. An NVQ is assessed on the work you actually do, so you must be working in the occupation you want to be qualified in.
How long does an NVQ take?
It depends on your trade, the level and how quickly you can gather evidence. We agree a realistic plan with you at registration rather than promising a fixed time.
All frequently asked questions →
Ready to get qualified?
Call or message us to check your eligibility. There is no obligation.