Checked 5 November 2026. Fees, card rules and validity periods are as CSCS’s pages stated them on 5 November 2026. CSCS says the card fee goes up from £36 to £42 on 1 February 2027. CITB’s test facts come from Wayback copies of its pages (April to July 2026), because citb.co.uk blocks automated reading; check CITB’s site before you book. CSCS changed the Labourer card on 1 February 2025 and says scheme rules may change.
The CSCS green card is the CSCS Labourer card. It is for people who do unskilled labouring work on a building site. CSCS says you may be refused entry to a site if you do not hold the right card for your job. This guide shows you how to get the green card in four steps, using only the rules on the CSCS and CITB websites. It also explains the cost, how long it takes, and how to renew the card.
ProSyllabus is an independent study site. We are not part of CSCS, CITB (the Construction Industry Training Board) or Pearson VUE. We do not sell cards, courses or test bookings. Every rule on this page comes from the official pages listed at the end.
CSCS pages read 5 November 2026; CITB pages from Wayback copies dated April to July 2026.
What is the CSCS green card?
CSCS does not use the word "green" in its card names. The green card is the one CSCS calls the Labourer card. On the CSCS website the Labourer card is shown in green with the word LABOURER on it. The CSCS qualification standard for the Level 1 course also says the qualification must be rigorous and "not just be a passport to get onto site/ receive a green card".
CSCS says the Labourer card "is for unskilled workers only and must not be used by those in skilled occupations". Skilled workers who hold a Labourer card will be refused site access. If you do a trade, you need a different card. CSCS issues thirteen types of card. Three of them, the green, red and blue cards, are compared below.
| Green card | Red card | Blue card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card name (CSCS) | Labourer | Trainee | Blue Skilled Worker |
| Who it is for | Unskilled labouring work only, for example moving materials, digging, mixing concrete or mortar, cleaning the site | People registered for a construction qualification such as an NVQ/SVQ, HNC, HND or degree that CSCS accepts for a skilled card, or with an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation-related non-competence qualification from the last five years. Check your qualification with CSCS before you enrol | Skilled workers with a construction-related NVQ/SVQ level 2 (or SVQ at SCQF level 5), or a completed apprenticeship such as a CSCS-recognised apprenticeship or a City and Guilds Craft Certificate |
| Qualification you need | Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or an accepted alternative | Proof of registration on the qualification, dated within the last two years for an NVQ/SVQ or four years for an HNC, HND or degree (or the Level 2 qualification for the two-year card) | The NVQ/SVQ level 2, SVQ at SCQF level 5, or apprenticeship |
| CITB test | Operatives test, passed in the last two years | Operatives test (or the CIC Health and Safety Test for academic courses), passed in the last two years | The level for your job (often Operatives), passed in the last two years |
| How long the card lasts | First card: two years | Five years; or two years, then a new three-year card only with proof of registration on an NVQ/SVQ or an agreed alternative | Five years |
| Card fee (CSCS) | £36 | £36 | £36 |
Not sure which card fits your job? CSCS says to use its Card Finder or the My CSCS app. Its applying page says the app will confirm the right card for your occupation. If you are already doing, or have done, a qualification for a skilled job, CSCS says you do not need a separate Level 1 course: use that qualification and the right CITB test to apply for the card that matches your role.
How to get a CSCS green card: the 4 steps
| Step | What you do | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get the Level 1 Award | Take the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (Level 4 in Scotland), or a course CSCS accepts instead | A local college, training provider or Jobcentre Plus (CSCS does not run courses) |
| 2. Pass the CITB test | Book and pass the CITB HS&E Operatives test. People also call it the CSCS test. 50 questions, 45 minutes, 45 right to pass | Book with CITB, not CSCS. £23.50 |
| 3. Apply for the card | Apply for the Labourer card with your Level 1 certificate and your CITB test ID number. Pay the fee by debit or credit card | The My CSCS app or CSCS Online only. £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027) |
| 4. Get your card | After approval you can use the digital card in the app straight away. CSCS says the plastic card should arrive within five working days | Show it at the site entrance |
You can do steps 1 and 2 in either order. What matters is that both are in place when you apply, and that your CITB test was passed within the last two years.
Step 1: the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
To get a Labourer card, CSCS says you must pass the CITB test and also hold one of these:
- The Level 1 (Scotland Level 4) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
- The NOCN/CSkills Awards Construction Health and Safety (F/618/0738) unit
- The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland Elementary Health and Safety Certificate
- A CSCS-approved alternative course (see the table below)
CSCS does not deliver training. It says to contact your local college, a training provider or Jobcentre Plus. It lists the awarding organisations that offer the Level 1 Award and says they can advise on training providers, assessment, pricing and funding. The list on 5 November 2026: ABBE, AIM, City & Guilds, EAL, ETCAL, Gateway Qualifications, Highfield, Lantra Awards, LASER, NOCN, OCNLR, Pearson, ProQual, QNUK, Qualifications Scotland, RSPH, Smart Awards and TLM. CSCS adds that AGORED Cymru and Qualsafe Awards no longer offer it, but their past certificates are still accepted.
CSCS calls the Level 1 Award a "lifetime validity" qualification. It does not expire. That is its big advantage over the alternative courses.
What the Level 1 course covers
CSCS publishes the standard for the course. It is a Level 1 unit with a total qualification time of 29 hours, of which 21 are guided learning hours. It has five learning outcomes. The standard gives awarding organisations an example of how much of the assessment each one could take:
Source: CSCS qualification standard "Health and safety in a construction environment", version 4, October 2021, assessment guidance. These weightings are an example for awarding organisations, not a fixed rule. For a multiple-choice assessment the standard says learners must score at least 80% overall. Ask your awarding organisation how your course is assessed.
Alternatives to the Level 1 Award
CSCS accepts some other courses instead of the Level 1 Award, for the Labourer card only. Most of them expire. CSCS says courses that expire can only be used once, so you may need to retake one when you renew, or do the Level 1 Award, which lasts for life. But CSCS also says whether the same course can be used again depends on how long it lasts and when you apply (see the rule below the table). These two CSCS statements do not sit easily together, so check with CSCS before you pay for a new course.
| Course (provider) | How long it counts | How it is taught |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety Awareness Course (CITB) | Five years | Classroom or online |
| Safe2Site (COSAC) | Five years | Online |
| DSA 1 Day Health and Safety Awareness Course (Drilling and Sawing Association) | Five years | Classroom |
| Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers (IOSH) | Three years | Classroom and virtual face to face. IOSH e-learning is not accepted |
| Health and Safety Awareness in Construction (NOCN) | Five years | Classroom |
| NPORS Site Safety Awareness Course (NPORS) | Five years | Classroom |
| SPA Core Construction Course (Safety Pass Alliance) | Five years | Classroom |
Three more (JTJ, Priestman Associates, Rushmoor Borough Council) are closed to new people and accepted for renewals only. One more rule: a five-year alternative must have been completed within four years of your application. The IOSH course must still be inside its three years when you apply.
Step 2: book and pass the CITB test (the "CSCS test")
The CSCS test and the CITB test are the same thing. CSCS says the "CSCS test" is a common name for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test. CITB owns and runs it. You book it with CITB, not with CSCS. For the green card you need the Operatives test.
| Fact | CITB Operatives test |
|---|---|
| Questions | 50 |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 90%: at least 45 of 50 correct |
| Fee | £23.50 |
| What it covers | Five core knowledge areas: working environment, occupational health, safety, high risk activities, specialist |
| How recent the pass must be | Within the last two years when you apply for your first card (CSCS) |
For the Operatives test, CITB offers voiceovers in 14 languages. The questions on screen stay in English. If there is no voiceover in your language, you can ask CITB for a translator. CSCS also accepts a SOLAS Safe Pass card instead of the Operatives test, if it was completed within two years of your application.
CITB says that to improve your chances you should take a relevant training course and work through all the sample questions in its revision materials (the GT100 book, download or app) before you book. CITB also has a free demo test that shows the question styles. Booking, moving or cancelling a test, refunds and support on the day are covered in our CITB HS&E test guide, and which test each other card needs is in our CSCS test or CITB test guide (links below).
FreeTests: Working environment · Occupational health · Safety · High risk activities
CITB HS&E Test Practice: free sample
Answer 4 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 4 minutes · free · no sign-in.
4 questions to answer
Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in needed
Your result shows how long each question took you.
Step 3: apply for the card on My CSCS
CSCS says the only official places to apply are the My CSCS app and CSCS Online. Websites that apply for you "often include admin fees and other additional costs". Before you start, CSCS says to have these ready:
- A scan or clear photo of your Level 1 Award certificate (or the accepted alternative).
- Your CITB test ID number. It is at the top of your pass certificate. The pass must be from the last two years.
- A debit or credit card for the £36 fee. CSCS says the fee rises to £42 from 1 February 2027.
If you apply with an alternative to the CITB test, such as SOLAS Safe Pass, CSCS says you must also send a passport-style photo. For your first green card you do not need to prove that you work as a labourer. That proof is needed only when you renew.
Step 4: get your card
CSCS says that once your application is approved, you can use your digital CSCS card in the app straight away to get on site. Its card pages say the plastic card should arrive within five working days of approval. Your first Labourer card lasts two years.
How much does a CSCS green card cost?
There are three costs. Two are fixed by CITB and CSCS. The course price is set by each training provider.
| Item | Who sets the price | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Award course | The training provider | Varies. CSCS says the cost of training depends on who delivers it and where in the UK |
| CITB HS&E Operatives test | CITB | £23.50 |
| CSCS Labourer card | CSCS | £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027) |
| Test + card together | Our arithmetic | £59.50 now; £65.50 from 1 February 2027. Plus the course |
Help with the course cost: CSCS lists some funding options. If you are unemployed, it says to speak to your work coach at the Jobcentre. If you are employed, ask if your employer is registered with CITB and can claim a grant for your training. Local training providers may also know about local funding.
How long does it take?
Timeline: from nothing to a green card
- The Level 1 course. The CSCS standard sets 29 hours of total qualification time, including 21 guided learning hours. How these are spread out depends on your provider.
- The CITB test. 45 minutes on the day. Book a date that leaves time to revise; CITB recommends being confident with the topics before you book.
- The application. Done in the My CSCS app. After approval the digital card works straight away.
- The plastic card. CSCS says it should arrive within five working days of approval.
- Deadline. CSCS says your CITB test must be passed within the last two years when you apply.
CSCS and CITB do not publish an overall time from start to card. Course dates and test slots depend on your provider and your test centre.
Two worked questions
Worked question 1 · the two-year test window
Amira passed her CITB Operatives test on 14 March 2026. She finishes her Level 1 Award later. What is the last day she can use that test pass to apply for her first green card?
Show the answer
- CSCS says the CITB test must be passed "within the last two years" when you apply.
- Two years after 14 March 2026 is 14 March 2028.
- The Level 1 Award does not expire, so it is not the limit here.
Answer: she must apply by 14 March 2028, with her Level 1 certificate ready. After that she needs to pass the test again.
The dates are made up. The rules are CSCS’s, as read on 5 November 2026. Always check the dates on your own pass certificate and card.
Worked question 2 · when to renew the first green card
Dan’s first Labourer card expires on 30 September 2028. He still works as a labourer. When can he renew it, and how recent must his CITB test be?
Show the answer
- CSCS says cards can be renewed only six months before, and up to a year after, the expiry date on the card.
- Six months before 30 September 2028 is 30 March 2028. One year after is 30 September 2029.
- For renewing the first two-year card, CSCS accepts the Operatives test pass from the previous three years. If he renews on the first possible day, his test pass must be dated no earlier than 30 March 2025.
- He also needs a completed Labourer card renewal declaration form, or a letter from his employer, to show he works as a labourer.
Answer: between 30 March 2028 and 30 September 2029, with the declaration form and an Operatives test pass from the previous three years.
The dates are made up. The rules are CSCS’s, as read on 5 November 2026. Always check the dates on your own pass certificate and card.
Practise for the CITB test (CSCS test)
The CITB test is 50 questions in 45 minutes, and you need 45 right. That means you can get only five wrong. ProSyllabus sells an independent CITB HS&E practice test for operatives: three timed mocks of 50 questions in 45 minutes, with your score by area and a short reason for every answer. The questions are our own, written from UK health and safety law and HSE guidance. None comes from CITB’s GT100 book or the real test, and it is not the official test. It covers four of the five Operatives areas (working environment, occupational health, safety, high risk activities), not the fifth area, "specialist". A practice score does not promise a pass.
Renewing a green card, and lost cards
Your first Labourer card lasts two years. If you still work as a labourer, you can renew it in the My CSCS app. CSCS asks for a completed Labourer card renewal declaration form, filled in by your employer (or the main contractor, if you are self-employed). A letter from them on company headed paper is also accepted. CSCS says the letter must show your full name with your date of birth or your CSCS registration number, and your employer’s or main contractor’s contact details. Upload the form or letter with your application; CSCS does not accept it by email or any other way. If the form shows you are not working as a labourer, CSCS says the application will be queried or declined.
| Situation | What CSCS says |
|---|---|
| Renewing your first two-year card | Declaration form needed. The CITB test used for your first card is accepted for three years. The Labourer card page says the renewed card lasts a further five years; the renewal page says a further three years |
| Renewing a five-year card | A CITB Operatives test pass from the last two years (or SOLAS Safe Pass from the last three years), plus proof that you work as a labourer |
| Held a Labourer card before February 2025 | You may renew for five years with proof that you work as a labourer and a CITB test pass from the last two years |
| When you can renew | From six months before to one year after the expiry date. If your card expired more than a year ago, you need to appeal with proof of labouring work |
| Lost, stolen or damaged card | Replace it in My CSCS: open the card in My Cards and choose "Replace Card". It costs £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027) and keeps the expiry date of the old card |
The two CSCS pages disagree on how long a renewed first card lasts (five years or three years). We show both. Check the card length in the My CSCS app when you renew.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CSCS green card?
It is the CSCS Labourer card. It is green and is for people who do unskilled labouring work on construction sites. Skilled workers need a different card.
How do I get a CSCS green card?
Get the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (or an accepted alternative). Book and pass the CITB HS&E Operatives test. Then apply in the My CSCS app or on CSCS Online and pay the £36 fee.
Is the CSCS test the same as the CITB test?
Yes. CSCS says the "CSCS test" is a common name for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. CITB runs it, and you book it with CITB.
How much does a CSCS green card cost?
The CITB test is £23.50 and the card is £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027). That is £59.50 together now, and £65.50 from 1 February 2027. The Level 1 course is extra; its price is set by the training provider.
How many questions are in the CITB test, and what is the pass mark?
The Operatives test has 50 questions in 45 minutes. You need at least 45 right (90%) to pass.
How long does the green card last?
Your first Labourer card lasts two years. If you still work as a labourer, you can renew it with a declaration form. CSCS’s pages give the renewed card as five years on the Labourer card page and three years on the renewal page.
Does the Level 1 Award expire?
No. CSCS calls it a lifetime validity qualification. Most of the alternative courses expire after three or five years. CSCS says an expiring course can only be used once, but also that reusing it depends on how long it lasts and when you apply (a five-year course must be under four years old; the IOSH course must be inside its three years). Check with CSCS before you pay for a new course.
Can I do the Level 1 course online?
CSCS’s pages do not say how the Level 1 Award must be taught. Ask the awarding organisation or training provider. Among the alternatives, CSCS lists the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course as classroom or online and COSAC Safe2Site as online; IOSH e-learning is not accepted.
Can I take the CITB test in my own language?
For the Operatives test CITB offers voiceovers in 14 languages. The questions on screen stay in English. If your language has no voiceover, you can ask CITB for a translator.
How long until I get my card?
After CSCS approves your application, you can use the digital card in the My CSCS app straight away. CSCS says the plastic card should arrive within five working days.
I lost my green card. What do I do?
Replace it in the My CSCS app: go to My Cards, choose the card and select "Replace Card". It costs £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027) and keeps the old expiry date.
Are the ProSyllabus practice questions real CITB questions?
No. They are our own questions, written from UK health and safety law and HSE guidance. They are not from CITB’s GT100 or the real test.
Sources
- official — CSCS: Labourer card (who it is for, validity, renewal, Level 1 Award, awarding organisations, alternative courses, FAQs), read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Qualification standard "Health and safety in a construction environment", Level 1, version 4, October 2021 (PDF), read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Applying for CSCS cards (My CSCS app, £36 fee, £42 from 1 February 2027, digital card), read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Types of CSCS cards, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Renew or replace a CSCS card, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Replacing a CSCS card (lost, stolen or damaged), read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: The "CSCS test", everything you need to know, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: CITB Health, safety and environment test and alternatives, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Alternatives to the CITB Health, safety and environment test, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Blue Skilled Worker card, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Trainee card, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CSCS: Funding for training, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CITB: About the Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test (£23.50, 50 questions, 45 minutes, rescheduling and cancelling), Wayback copy of 11 Jul 2026, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CITB: Operatives test (five core knowledge areas, pass mark 90%, at least 45 of 50), Wayback copy of 8 May 2026, read 5 Nov 2026
- official — CITB: Support for the HS&E test (voiceovers in 14 languages, translators, readers), Wayback copy of 21 Apr 2026
official = a document published by the conducting body. reported = a news or coaching site we could not check against an original. Where sources disagree this page says so rather than picking one.
