CSCS card colours

CSCS card colours explained: what each one means and who needs it

Every CSCS card colour at a glance — green, blue, gold, red, black, white, yellow and platinum — with who holds each and how to get one.

Quick answer

There are 8 main CSCS card colours. Each represents a different qualification level and role type. Blue (Skilled Worker) is the most common — held by the majority of trade workers on UK sites.

Timeline: Card colour is decided by your role and qualification — not preference.

Cost: £22.50 CITB test + £36 card fee for most colour types (Yellow Visitor: card fee only).

Watch out: The card colour must match the role being performed — not the worker's preference. Gate staff check this at induction.

Step-by-step guide

1. Identify your current site role
What role are you actually being engaged to perform — labourer, trade operative, supervisor, manager, or visitor?
2. Identify your highest completed construction qualification
Level 1 Award, NVQ Level 2, NVQ Level 3, NVQ Level 6/7, degree, chartered membership, or none.
3. Match role and qualification to a colour
Use the CSCS card finder or the SubbHubb requirements checker. Common pairings: labourer + Level 1 = Green, trade + Level 2 = Blue, advanced craft / supervisor = Gold, manager = Black.
4. Confirm contractor acceptance
Some sites accept partner scheme cards (e.g. CISRS for scaffolding) instead of or alongside CSCS. Confirm before applying.
5. Apply through cscs.uk.com
Submit with your CITB test pass and qualification evidence. Online applications take 5–10 working days.

Requirements

Green — Labourer: General labourers — Level 1 Award + CITB HSE test. Valid 5 years.
Red — Trainee: Apprentices and trainees on a CITB-approved programme. Valid for the training duration.
Blue — Skilled Worker: Qualified tradespeople — NVQ Level 2 + CITB HSE test. Valid 5 years.
Gold — Advanced Craft / Supervisory: Senior trades and supervisors — NVQ Level 3 / HNC + CITB HSE test. Valid 5 years.
Black — Manager: Site managers — NVQ Level 6/7 or degree + Managers CITB test. Valid 5 years.
White — Professionally Qualified: Architects, engineers, surveyors — degree or professional membership + Managers CITB test. Valid 5 years.
Yellow — Site Visitor: Non-construction visitors — no CITB test required. Valid 5 years. Visitor access only.
Platinum — Chartered Professional: Chartered members of RICS/RIBA/ICE/CIBSE + CITB HSE test. Valid 5 years.

What employers usually check

Card colour matches the role being performed
Card is currently valid and not close to silent expiry
Card holder name matches induction documents and photo ID
Partner scheme cards accepted on this site (CISRS, ECS, CPCS, etc.) where relevant

Common mistakes

Holding a Green Labourer card but working in a trade role — employers may refuse access or question your competence for the work
Applying for a Blue card before the NVQ is fully certificated — assessment sign-off is not the same as a certificate
Assuming any Gold card covers supervisory roles — only the Supervisory and Technical Gold route does
Using a White card for site management — it covers professionally qualified people in design and professional services, not site management

Use this in SubbHubb

Use the requirements checkerMatch your role and qualification to the correct CSCS card colour.Upload your CSCS cardKeep card colour, number and expiry in your Site Passport.

FAQ

Can I hold a Blue and Gold card at the same time?

No. You hold one CSCS card at a time. If you hold a Gold, use it — it covers you for Skilled Worker level roles as well.

Is a Green card acceptable for trade work?

No. The Green Labourer card is for labourer roles only. Performing trade work with a Green card does not reflect your qualification level and may cause problems at induction.

What colour card do scaffolders use?

Scaffolders typically use CISRS cards, which is the industry-specific scheme for scaffolding. CSCS may still be required alongside it on some sites — check the job requirements before applying.

Can I upgrade my card colour?

Yes. When you complete a higher qualification, apply for the card that matches the new level. There is no formal upgrade process — you apply for the appropriate new card with your new qualification evidence and a current CITB test pass.

Related jobs, cards and requirements

Use the requirements checkerCheck which cards or training may apply to your role and site activity.Browse construction jobsFind live construction work and compare job requirements before applying.Create a free Site PassportTrack cards, expiry dates and job readiness in one worker profile.