Main CSCS Card Types

The construction industry uses different CSCS cards depending on a worker’s role and experience. The table below shows the main card types and the typical qualifications required.

Green CSCS Card – Labourer

The Green CSCS Labourer Card is designed for workers carrying out basic construction site tasks.

Who is it for: Labourers and entry level construction workers.

Typical qualification: Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction or an equivalent recognised course.

CITB HS&E Test: Operatives Test.

This card is commonly used by workers who assist trades, move materials and carry out general site support tasks.

Blue CSCS Card – Skilled Worker

The Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card is for people who carry out skilled construction trades.

Who is it for: Skilled tradespeople.

Typical qualification: Level 2 NVQ in a construction trade.

CITB HS&E Test: Operatives Test.

Typical occupations include bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, painters and decorators, groundworkers and plant operators.

This card confirms that the worker has the competence and experience required for their trade.

Gold CSCS Card – Advanced Craft

The Gold CSCS Advanced Craft Card is designed for highly experienced tradespeople who have progressed beyond standard skilled worker level.

Who is it for: Senior or highly experienced tradespeople.

Typical qualification: Level 3 NVQ in a construction trade.

CITB HS&E Test: Operatives Test.

This card is often held by workers who have developed advanced technical skills in their trade and may take on additional responsibilities on site.

The Advanced Craft card is sometimes confused with the Gold Supervisor Card, but it is intended for experienced tradespeople rather than supervisors.

Gold CSCS Card – Supervisor

The Gold CSCS Supervisor Card is designed for people who supervise construction work and organise teams on site.

Who is it for: Site supervisors, gangers, working foremen and assistant site managers.

Typical qualification: Level 3 or Level 4 NVQ in construction supervision, such as the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision or the Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision.

CITB HS&E Test: Specialist Test.

This card confirms that the holder has the knowledge and experience required to supervise construction work safely and effectively.

You can learn more about the qualifications required on our construction supervision NVQ page.

Black CSCS Card – Manager

The Black CSCS Manager Card is intended for construction managers and senior site management roles.

Who is it for: Site managers, project managers and construction managers.

Typical qualification: Level 6 or Level 7 NVQ in construction management, such as the Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management, the Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management, or the Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management.

CITB HS&E Test: Managers and Professionals Test.

This card confirms that the holder has the competence required to manage construction projects, resources and teams.

You can learn more about these qualifications on our construction management NVQ page.

White CSCS Card – Academically Qualified Person (AQP)

The White CSCS Academically Qualified Person card is intended for professionals who have gained construction qualifications through academic routes.

Who is it for: Construction professionals such as engineers, architects and quantity surveyors.

Typical qualification: Construction related degree or professional membership.

CITB HS&E Test: Managers and Professionals Test.

This card allows academically qualified professionals to access construction sites where their expertise is required.

Red CSCS Cards – Temporary cards

CSCS also issues temporary red cards for workers who are working towards a qualification.

One example is the Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (TSM) CSCS Card.

Who is it for: Experienced supervisors or managers who need to return to site while completing their NVQ.

Typical qualification: Candidate must be registered for the relevant NVQ.

CITB HS&E Test: Applicant who are registered on a Supervisor-level (Level 3-4) NVQ need to complete the Specialist test, Applicants who are registered on a Manager-level NVQ (Level 6-7) will need to complete the ‘MAP’ (Managers and Professionals) test.

This card allows experienced workers to remain active on site while they complete the qualification required for the Gold or Black CSCS cards.

Progressing through CSCS cards

Many construction workers move through different CSCS cards as their career develops and their responsibilities increase.

A typical progression might look something like this:

• Green CSCS Card – labourers starting out in construction
• Blue CSCS Card – skilled workers who have completed a trade NVQ
• Gold CSCS Card (Supervisor) – supervisors organising work and overseeing teams
• Black CSCS Card – site managers responsible for projects and site operations

Looking for a supervisor or manager NVQ?

CADUK specialises in NVQs for construction supervisors and managers.

If you are working as a construction supervisor and want to explore the NVQs available for supervisory roles, you can browse our construction supervision NVQ page.

If you are working at site manager level or progressing into construction management, you can view the qualifications available on our construction management NVQ page.