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CSCS Card tests – Job Centre Plus referral candidates only

Having a valid CSCS card and passing the CITB test are both mandatory requirements for working in the construction industry because they grant employees access to UK construction sites as non-skilled workers.

To apply for a CSCS card you are required to pass the appropriate level of CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test within the last two years.

The test aims to examine knowledge across a wide range of topics to improve safety and productivity on site and is an important way for construction workers to show employers they can be safe on the job.

Colchester Institute is an official Pearson CITB Test centre and all CSCS Card – Health Safety and Environment Tests take place at our Colchester and Dovercourt Adult Skills centres.

Green CSCS Card
Red CSCS Card
Blue CSCS Card
Gold CSCS Card
MAP Tests and Black CSCS Cards
CSCS Card - Health Safety and Environment Tests
LocationColchester
Dovercourt
DurationThe test can be undertaken in one day but 48 hours notice is required to book the test.
Study ModePart-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester
Dovercourt
Start DateAvailable at any time throughout the year. Please contact us for further details
PricePrice on Application
Green CSCS Card

Green CSCS Card

The CSCS green Labourer’s card is perfect for anyone currently working or who wants to work in construction, as well as those already in the industry looking to refresh their qualifications. The Green Labourer’s Card is a requirement of working on a UK building site.

Candidates must already hold a Health & Safety in Construction qualification before taking the CSCS Green Labourer’s Card – Health Safety and Environment Test.

Colchester Institute offers the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment at all of our centres and candidates requiring this will be recommended to enrol.

Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

They cannot obtain their CSCS card until proof of certification is on file with CITB. We appreciate that learners will come from diverse education and employment backgrounds.

Most candidates will progress directly to employment in the construction industry. They could also progress to NVQ qualifications in specialist areas such as carpentry/joinery, bricklaying, plumbing as well as many other roles in the construction sector.

 

Red CSCS Cards

Red CSCS Cards

Apprentice – Available to people in the process of completing or who have completed a CSCS-recognised apprenticeship. The Apprentice card is issued free of charge and demonstrates proof you are registered on a valid apprenticeship scheme and have passed the CITB HS&E test (or an approved alternative).

It’s valid for four-and-a-half years and cannot be renewed. You are expected to complete the apprenticeship by the time the card expires.

Blue CSCS Cards

Blue CSCS Cards

The Blue Skilled Worker card is valid for five years and for those who have achieved a construction related NVQ/SVQ level 2 or SVQ at SCQF level 5 or completed an apprenticeship, such as an Employer sponsored apprenticeship, a City and Guilds Craft Certificate (CGLI) or a CSCS Approved Apprenticeship Standard.

Gold CSCS Cards

Gold CSCS Cards

Gold Skilled Worker – The Gold Skilled Worker card is authorised for five years and eligible for renewal. It shows you are highly skilled within your field in the construction industry.

For some trades, if you have the experience, but don’t have the qualifications, you can obtain a Blue, Gold or Black CSCS card through Experienced Worker NVQ equivalencies.

You can apply for this card if you have either:

  • Achieved a Construction Related NVQ/SVQ level 3 or SVQ at SCQF level 6
  • Fulfilled an approved apprenticeship (e.g. With NJCBI)
  • Completed an employer-sponsored apprenticeship, including attaining a City and Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate
MAP Tests and Black CSCS Cards

CSCS Managers and Professionals (MAP) Tests and CSCS Cards (Black cards) 

The black CSCS card demonstrates your competence as a manager within the construction industry. 

The test aims to examine knowledge across a wide range of topics to improve safety and productivity on site and is an important way for construction workers to show employers they can be safe on the job. 

The Manager card is available for managers and those in technical occupations subject to: 

  • Achievement of a relevant Construction Management/Technical related NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6 or 7 
  • An SVQ at SCQF Level 10 or 11 in Construction Management/Technical related qualification 

This card is valid for five years and all applicants must pass the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment test. 

Tests for everything in the operative test, plus additional material relevant to managers and professionals. This test is required when applying for the Black Managers card and the Academically or Professionally Qualified person cards. 

If you have passed the CIC Health and Safety Test 

CSCS have approved the acceptance of the CIC Health and Safety Test as equivalent to the CITB Manager and Professional (MAP) Level Health, safety and environment test for the purpose of applying for an Academically Qualified Persons card or a Professionally Qualified Persons CSCS card. The CIC Health and Safety Test must have been passed within two years of the application being made for either card. 

The CIC Health and Safety test is only acceptable to apply for the Academically Qualified Persons card or Professionally Qualified Persons CSCS card and is not accepted for any other CSCS card. 

Book a Careers Advice Appointment

The Adult Careers Service at Colchester Institute. Providing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

Colchester Institute is pleased to offer this free, confidential and impartial service for all adults (19+) employed and unemployed.

The Adults Careers Service can help you take the next step in finding the advice you need to make the right decision about your learning and working life.

For your free IAG session at a centre near you, please contact us using the telephone number or email below:

01206 583333
acs@colchester.ac.uk

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2025-26 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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