How to get your CSCS Labourer Card
Did someone tell you that you need a CSCS Labourer card to start or continue your work, and you’re not sure how to get one? This blog aims to talk you through it and inform you about what you need to do to get your CSCS Labourers Card, also known as a CSCS Green Card.
What is a CSCS Labourers Card (also known as a CSCS Green Card)?
The Green CSCS Card is a CSCS Labourer card. This card allows individuals to work on construction sites in entry-level positions. The CSCS Labourer Card shows employers you have acquired the essential health and safety knowledge through training courses and have a solid understanding of the best practices on a construction site.
Do I need a CSCS Labourer Card?
Many employers require the CSCS card for compliance purposes. Whilst not a legal requirement, the CSCS Labourer card is strongly recommended for those seeking to work within the construction industry as a labourer. Most building sites require a valid CSCS Labourer card to be able to carry out work.
The construction industry in the UK, was once notorious for its challenging safety conditions. It has undergone significant transformations in recent decades. Driven by a combination of legislation, public scrutiny, and industry-wide initiatives (like the CSCS qualifications), there’s been a focused effort to improve health and safety standards. From the CSCS certifications for workers to rigorous site inspections, the UK’s construction sector is now setting benchmarks in safety protocols, continuing to actively strive to shed its previous reputation and ensure the wellbeing of its workforce.
How do I apply for a CSCS Card?
Before applying for the CSCS green card, you need to prove you can carry out duties competently by having an awareness of health and safety on construction sites. This typically means you must complete a specific course. The most commonly taken course for this card is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course. This course provides fundamental knowledge about potential hazards on construction sites and best practices to ensure safety.
To get your CSCS Labourers card, you will need to complete three steps:
- Achieve a level 1 health and safety qualification, the most popular being the CITB Health & Safety Awareness course. You can complete it through a virtual course on Zoom or with one of our professional trainers in a classroom environment
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (touchscreen) test within the past two years. You can book this online via the link
- Apply for the card online or over the phone (0344 994 4777)
CSCS will notify you that your application for your Green Labourers card has been approved and you will receive your card in the post, directly from them, usually within 3-5 working days. Your card will be registered on the ‘CITB Card Checker’. This enables construction sites to check easily that those working on site have the recommended health and safety training.
Virtual CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course
We now offer the Health and Safety Awareness course via Zoom, where delegates can attend and complete a professional trainer led course without leaving their home. Attending the course virtually can still get you your CSCS card.
Try our Mock Health and Safety Awareness Assessment and get a better idea of what to expect during your course.
CITB Card Checker - How to use it
A few days after your training provider has submitted the course paperwork to CITB for the Health and Safety Awareness course, they will upload your result to the CITB Card Checker. Therefore,
you can then enter your surname and national insurance number to see your results. Take a screenshot and use it as evidence of completing the course instead of waiting for your certificate to arrive.
Below is a video that shows you the steps for using the CITB card checker.
My CSCS mobile app
Everything you can do on the CITB Card checker website, you can also do on the new ‘My CSCS’ app for mobile devices. Get your CSCS card information in seconds, and you can use this to prove that you are qualified to work in your trade.
You can download the my CSCS app via:
The Apple app store
The Google store