How the Red TSM CSCS Card Helps You Get on Site
The Red Experienced TSM CSCS Card allows experienced supervisors and managers to maintain site access while working towards
June 17, 2024
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Need to get back on site quickly? The Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager CSCS Card can help experienced supervisors and managers access site while completing the NVQ needed for their full Gold or Black CSCS Card.
CADUK can complete your NVQ profiling and registration quickly, then provide the confirmation you need to apply to CSCS, subject to suitability and the correct CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
The Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager CSCS Card is a temporary card for experienced workers who need access to site while they complete the qualification required for their full CSCS card.
It is commonly used by experienced supervisors and managers who cannot obtain their full Gold or Black CSCS Card until they complete the correct NVQ.
The card helps break the cycle where you need site access to collect NVQ evidence, but you also need a card to get back on site. Once you are registered on the right NVQ and have passed the appropriate CITB HS&E test, you can apply for the Red TSM Card and complete your qualification while working.
The Red TSM Card is not a way to avoid the NVQ. It is a temporary route for experienced people who are registered on the correct qualification and actively working towards completion.
The Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager CSCS Card exists because experienced people can sometimes get stuck in a difficult position.
To get a full Gold or Black CSCS Card, you need to complete the correct NVQ. But to complete an NVQ, you usually need access to site so you can provide real work evidence from your current role.
If you cannot get back on site without a CSCS card, the Red TSM Card can help bridge that gap. It shows that you are experienced, registered on the correct NVQ and working towards the qualification needed for your full card.
Most contractors and agencies working to the CSCS scheme should understand what the Red TSM Card is, although site acceptance is always at the discretion of the company or project.
CADUK helps experienced supervisors and managers choose the correct NVQ route, complete a free suitability check and register onto the qualification needed to support a Red TSM Card application.
1. Choose the closest NVQ route
Start with the supervisor or manager NVQ that best matches your current role, Apply for the NVQ through this website. If you are unsure, choose the closest route and we will check it with you.
2. Complete a free profiling call
One of our assessors will give you a friendly, relaxed call to make sure you have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to complete the NVQ confidently.
3. Register onto the NVQ and pass the CITB HS&E test
Once enrolled, we’ll send you confirmation of your NVQ registration. You will also need to pass the correct CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
4. Apply for the Red TSM Card through CSCS
Apply directly to CSCS, upload confirmation that you are registered on the correct NVQ and show that you have passed the relevant CITB HS&E test within the last 2 years.
Red TSM Card applications can be delayed or rejected if the information submitted to CSCS does not match the card requirements.
CADUK helps reduce these issues by checking your role before enrolment, confirming the correct NVQ route and providing the registration confirmation you need for your CSCS application.
The Red TSM Card can support experienced supervisors and managers while they complete the correct NVQ. Choose the route below that best matches your current responsibilities.
Choose this route if you are an experienced supervisor, foreman, ganger or assistant site manager and need a temporary card while completing a Level 3 or Level 4 supervision NVQ.
Please note: if you register onto a Level 3 or Level 4 supervisor NVQ, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Specialist test before applying for the Red TSM Card.
Choose this route if you are an experienced site manager, project manager, contracts manager, senior inspector or construction leader and need a temporary card while completing a Level 6 or Level 7 management NVQ.
Please note: if you register onto a Level 6 or Level 7 manager NVQ, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Managers and Professionals test, often called the MAP test, before applying for the Red TSM Card.
To apply for the Red Experienced TSM Card, you need to be registered on the correct NVQ for your role. Use the options below to choose the right supervisor or manager route.
You may need a Red Experienced TSM Card if you are experienced enough for a supervisor or manager NVQ but cannot get back on site without the correct CSCS card.
The problem is simple: you need site access to collect NVQ evidence, but you may need a CSCS card before employers or agencies will let you back on site.
The Red TSM Card helps bridge that gap while you complete the qualification needed for your full Gold Supervisor or Black Manager CSCS Card.
You need to be registered on the correct supervisor or manager NVQ and you must have passed the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
If you are completing a Level 3 or Level 4 supervisor NVQ, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Specialist test.
If you are completing a Level 6 or Level 7 manager NVQ, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Managers and Professionals test, often called the MAP test.
Your test pass must be less than 2 years old when you apply for the Red TSM Card.
The CITB test depends on the NVQ route you are registering onto.
If you are completing a Level 3 or Level 4 supervisor NVQ, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Specialist test.
If you are completing a Level 6 or Level 7 manager NVQ, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Managers and Professionals test, often called the MAP test.
Your test pass must be less than 2 years old when you apply for the Red TSM Card.
Once you apply, CADUK can usually complete your profiling call and register you the same day, if the NVQ is suitable and achievable.
After registration, we can provide confirmation of your NVQ enrolment so you can apply to CSCS for the Red TSM Card.
At the time of writing, the CSCS card application fee is around £36. You apply directly to CSCS after you are registered on the correct NVQ and have passed the correct CITB HS&E test.
Cards are usually processed within 7 to 10 business days, although timescales can vary depending on CSCS processing and whether your application documents are correct.
The Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager CSCS Card is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed.
CADUK gives candidates up to 12 months to complete their NVQ. Once you are back on site and able to provide evidence, many experienced candidates complete in 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the NVQ level, role, motivation and evidence available.
During the card’s validity period, you should complete your NVQ and progress to the relevant full Gold Supervisor or Black Manager CSCS Card.
The correct NVQ depends on your current role and responsibilities.
Supervisor routes include the Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision and the Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision. Manager routes include Level 6 and Level 7 construction management NVQs.
If you are unsure, CADUK will check your role during the profiling call and point you towards the most suitable route.
It is a bit like a provisional card for experienced supervisors and managers while they complete the NVQ needed for their full Gold or Black CSCS Card.
It is still a temporary Red CSCS card, not a replacement for the full card. It shows that you are experienced, registered on the correct NVQ and working towards the qualification required for your full CSCS card.
Once your NVQ is complete, you can apply for the relevant Gold Supervisor or Black Manager CSCS Card, depending on your role and qualification.
These related guides explain the full card and NVQ routes linked to the Red Experienced TSM Card.
Apply for the NVQ that feels closest to your current role and one of our assessors will check your suitability before enrolment.
If another route is more appropriate, we will point you in the right direction before you start. You can also call us and we will help you identify the best route.
Or call us on 01952 287 366
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