Queries Regarding CSCS Card, CSCS Course & CITB Test

There are many myths, confusion and misunderstandings surrounding CSCS Cards, CSCS Courses and CITB Test. It is important to have clear understanding about them so as to find the right solution for your need. Today, let’s explore the common queries that people usually have regarding the three.

 

CSCS Cards

 

What does CSCS Stand for?

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certificate Scheme. It is an authoritative body which issues identifying cards to workers who have had both the training and experience in doing their job on a construction site effectively and in a safe manner. CSCS is a vital organization which ensures safety on building sites across the country and therefore their seal of approval in the form of CSCS Cards is highly revered by major contractors in the UK.

 

What is a CSCS Card?

A CSSCS Card are identifying documents that convey to others that the bearer is qualified, trained and capable of doing his job within his role on a building site, safely and effectively.

Is it legal to have a CSCS Card?

It is not legally required to have a CSCS Card to work in the construction sector. However, most major contractors and construction companies only employ those who have one to maintain a culture of safety in workplace, reducing any chances of accidents.

 

What qualifications do I need to get a CSCS Card?

To be able to get a CSCS Card, you must have the appropriate training and qualifications required for the specific job that you are undertaking. While this will depend on the CSCS Card that you are applying for, you must have completed or be enrolled for an NVQ.

 

NVQ or National Vocational Qualification are different qualifications which are a combination of theoretical and practical training targeting work areas and their associated modules and examinations. The various ‘levels’ in an NVQ training represents the level of skills and knowledge that you have acquired.

 

Apart from this, you will also need to have passed your CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test or CSCS Test as it is more widely known. This test serves as a proof that you know the basics of keeping yourself and others at the building site safe. At Construction Safety Support you can easily book your CITB Test.

 

How can I apply for a CSCS Card?

Completing your NVQ does not mean you will automatically gain a relevant CSCS Card. Once you have procured the required qualifications, you only become eligible to apply for one. To get a CSCS Card you must either apply online or you can give us a call at 03303800996 .

 

What are the different types of CSCS Cards?

There are different types of CSCS Cards which can be acquired with different levels of NVQ training. These cards are color coded which showcase the level of qualifications, skills and experience that the bearer holds. A higher level of card allows you to perform advanced levels of tasks and access certain parts of sites that may not be open for other card holders.

 

The following is a table showing different CSCS Cards and the qualifications required to gain them.

 

	Color	Card Type	Required Qualifications	Who is it for
Permanent (The validity of these CSCS is of 5 years, after which they can renew)
	Green	Laborer	None. However, you need to have done CITB Health, Safety and Awareness Course or any other accepted course.	Workers who are only starting out and have little to no experience
	Blue	Skilled Worker	NVQ Level 2	Workers with some experience
	Gold	Advanced Craft	NVQ Level 3 or 4	Advanced: Those who are expert in their specified field
		Supervisory		Supervisory: Those with supervising experience at a construction site
	Black	Manager	NVQ Level 5,6 or 7	Experienced workers who have worked in a management position within the construction set up
	White	Academically Qualified Person (AQP)	Appropriate qualification from a recognized and accepted source other than NVQ (NEBOSH, HND, CIOB etc.)	For senior managers, directors or board members and those professionals whose work is connected to the construction site, eg. Architects, surveyors, engineers etc.
		Professionally Qualified Person (PQP)
	Color	Card Type	Qualifications/ Who’s it for	Validity
Temporary (These CSCS Cards cannot be renewed after their validity period get expired)	Red	Apprentice	Workers who are doing or have enrolled for a CSCS recognized apprenticeship program	4 years and 6 months
		Experienced Worker	Experienced workers who are enrolled for or doing a Level 2 or higher NVQ training	1 year
		Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager	Experienced workers with technical, supervisory or management experience and are enrolled on or are doing a Level 3 or higher NVQ training	3 years
		Trainee	Trainees who have enrolled themselves for any construction related qualification	5 years
		Provisional	Workers on a period of probation while employers determine their suitability for the job	6 months

 

Where can I apply for a CSCS Card?

You can apply for CSCS card online as well as contact us at 03303800996 for our assistance in the task.

 

How much do I need to pay for getting a CSCS Card?

To get a CSCS Card you need to pay a fee of ₤50.00 + vat while applying for the card with us. For renewing or replacing your card, you will have to pay a sum of ₤41.00 for your first and ₤53.99 for second attempt. For doing so for more than two times, however, you will have to reapply for the card.

 

What is a CSCS Card Checker?

CSCS has introduced an online tool for employers through which they can check if you hold the necessary credentials required for the job. They can do this by tallying your card details against your records stored with CSCS. You can also use this tool to check how soon do you need to renew your card or when do you need to refresh your training.

 

CSCS Courses

 

What are CSCS Courses? Are the same as CITB Courses?

You need to do a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Course or CITB Course in order to be eligible to apply for a CSCS Card. Hence, due to this close association, a CITB Course is often referred to as CSCS Course.

 

What are the different courses that I can do?

There are different CSCS Courses that you can do depending upon your need and experience. They are as follows:

Course	Duration	Course includes	Suitable for
Health and Safety Awareness Course	1 Day	Basic knowledge on subjects like manual handling, fire prevention, equipment handling etc.	Entry-level workers. Required for Green CSCS Card
Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in Construction	1 Day	Basic knowledge of occupational hazards prevention and skills like working at heights. Also lets you gain recognized Level 1 Award in construction	Entry-level workers. Required for Green CSCS Card
Health and Safety Online Course	1 Day	Elementary knowledge and skill development online	Entry-level workers. Required for Green CSCS Card
SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme)	2 Days	Health and welfare issues, safety management at a construction site and legal responsibilities of working	CSCS Gold Cards
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)	5 Days	Legal work responsibilities and impact of the legislative changes on construction-based workplace	CSCS Black Managers Card

 

 

Am I legally required to do a CSCS Course to work on a construction site?

Yes, anyone intending to work at a construction site is required by law to take up a CSCS Course. A CITB H,S&E Course and makes you aware of the various health threats that may arise in such a set up and teaches you the basics of safety management to help you stay protected and eliminate any safety risks at the workplace.

 

Can I take a CITB Test without doing a CSCS Course?

It is true that you can take up a CITB Test without doing a relevant CSCS Course. However, an H, S&E course allows you to learn from the experts with proper guidance and hands-on training as well, letting you imbibe skills and knowledge that etch in your mind.
That said, you can very well prepare for your test with the help of our study materials in the form of books or DVDs, as well as Mock Tests offered by us. To book a mock test or buy study or revision material from us, you can contact us at 03303800996 . 

 

What is the cost of doing a one-day CSCS Course?

All the CSCS Courses are priced differently depending upon the level of the course and its duration. To learn more about the courses offered by us you can visit our website or contact us via phone. We will be happy to help you out. Our contact number is 03303800996 .

 

Can I do a Health, Safety and Environment Course online too?

Yes, you can do our One Day Health and Safety Online Course from the comfort of your home. This elementary course is required to gain a CSCS Green Laborer Card. To book this course from us.

 

What can I do after completing a CITB Course?

Once you have completed your course you will be provided with a certificate which will act as a proof of your knowledge on the subject. It will also aid you in giving your CITB Test and applying for a relevant CSCS Card. This will further convey your expertise and knowledge in the matter of health, safety and environmental issues linked to the construction industry.  The course will thus help you to bring credibility to your work, help you to gain a better construction-based job and advance your career.

 

 

CITB Test

 

What is a CITB Test?

As a construction site worker, the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test forms an important part of your training. It ensures that you have the essential skills and knowledge required to keep yourself and those around you safe at a construction site.

It is mandatory to pass this test within the two years while applying for any CSCS Card.

There are three different types of CITB Tests which are required for individuals to assess different levels of CSCS Cards and thus responsibilities at a construction site. These are: Operatives Test, Specialists Test and Managers & Professionals CITB Test.

The test is 45 minutes long, comprising of 50 questions that test your understanding of various aspects of health, safety and environmental issues related to the construction industry. The test covers 5 core areas of knowledge which include health & Welfare, High Risk Activities, Legal & Management, Environment and General Safety. However, the advanced levels of tests like the Specialists, also include specific questions related to your chosen field of specialization.

 

What are CSCS Test and Touch Screen Test?

CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test is often referred to as Touch Screen Test or CSCS Test.

 

How can I prepare for my test?

At Construction Safety Support we provide you various helpful aids like DVDs, Study Materials and Revision Material to prepare for you test. You can also make use of the Mock Tests that we offer you to test your preparation beforehand and come out victorious in your actual test. To book your Mock Test or buy study material you can call us at 03303800996.

 

Where can I book a CITB Test and what is its cost?

You can book your CITB Test with us by paying an upfront fee of ₤41.00 while applying online. You can also contact us at 03303800996 for the same or for any other information that you may need.

 

I want to book this test for my employees. Can I do that?

Construction Safety Support offers bookings of CITB Test not only for individuals but also for groups of people. This is ideal for those contractors, builders and construction businesses who want to make their employees well-trained in safety and health matters pertaining to the industry. This further helps your organization to grow its reputation and credibility, thereby increasing business as well.

You can book CITB Test for groups at our website or place a call to us on 03303800996 for the booking.

 

Can I take this test online?

It is not possible to take up this test online. Construction Safety Support helps you to find a CITB approved test center near you from the myriad centers spread all over UK, from where you can give your test.

 

What are the documents that I need to take with me for my CITB Test?

On the day of your test, you need to bring with you a test confirmation proof in the form of an email or letter and an identification like your passport or driving license that clearly shows your photo and signature. In the event that you do not have either of these, you can also use any other accepted form of identification proof such as Credit or Debit Card, Student ID Card, Bank Statement, Work ID Card, UK Travel Documents, Proof of Age Card etc.

If you fail to produce any acceptable identifying document, you will not be allowed to sit for your exam.