How long is a CSCS card valid?

Construction workers whose site requires a card. Holding a CSCS card is not a legal requirement, but CSCS says most principal contractors and major house builders in the UK require workers on their sites to hold a valid card. The card must match the job: the Labourer card is only for labouring roles, and skilled workers holding one will be refused site access.

• Sites that check cards can refuse entry. CSCS Smart Check shows employers the card type, qualifications and expiry date.
• You can still renew up to one year after the expiry date printed on the card. After that you need to apply for a new card.
• Cards marked as non-renewable (for example Provisional, Experienced Worker and some Trainee cards) cannot be renewed at all. You will need to move to a different card, usually by gaining the right qualification.
• If your role or qualifications have changed, you may need to apply for a different card rather than renew the old one.

1. 1

   Check your card type

   Five years, renewable: Blue and Gold Skilled Worker, Manager, Supervisory, Academically Qualified Person (PQP holders apply for a new card). Not renewable: Apprentice (4.5 years), five-year Trainee, Industry Placement (2 years), Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (3 years), Experienced Worker (1 year), Provisional (6 months). Labourer: 2 years on first issue, then renewable if still labouring.

2. 2

   Check your health, safety and environment test date

   Most renewals need the right level of CITB HS&E test, or an approved alternative, passed within the last two years. Book it first if yours is older. CSCS lists the test fee as £22.50.

3. 3

   Renew inside the window

   CSCS cards can be renewed from six months before, and up to a year after, the expiry date printed on the card.

4. 4

   Apply through My CSCS or CSCS Online

   Individuals renew in the My CSCS app. Employers, training providers and third parties use CSCS Online. CSCS lists the card fee as £36 (the Apprentice card is free).

5. 5

   Have your qualification certificate ready

   For some occupations CSCS asks for a copy of the qualification certificate before renewing, so the right titles and endorsements appear on the card.

A simple reminder plan: 180 days, 90 days, 30 days, 7 days before the expiry date. The calculator above puts these in your calendar.

• The card type, registration number and expiry date for each worker, checked with CSCS Smart Check.
• The date and level of each worker’s HS&E test, since most renewals need one passed within two years.
• Copies of the construction qualifications each card is based on.

• Assuming every card lasts 5 years. Provisional cards last 6 months and Experienced Worker cards 1 year, and neither can be renewed.
• Letting the HS&E test go past two years old just before renewal.
• Using a Labourer card for skilled work.
• Waiting more than a year after expiry, after which renewal is no longer possible.
• Applying through unofficial resellers. CSCS recommends applying directly.