If you're eyeing a career in construction in the UK, obtaining a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is your first step towards a brighter future. Often dubbed the 'green card' or ‘green labourer card’, this certification demonstrates your competence and understanding of health and safety practices within the construction industry.
1. Determine the Right Card for You: Identify the type of work you'll be doing in construction as different roles require specific CSCS cards. Whether you're a labourer, supervisor, or manager, there's a corresponding card to match your expertise. If you are new to the construction industry, you are likely to require the ‘green labourer’ card.
2. Understand what you need to pass, to get a CSCS Card: Most candidates who want the CSCS card do not realise that you need to have a certificate in health and safety in a construction environment, and to have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (CSCS) Test, before you can apply for your CSCS card.
A lot of people often mistake that simply passing the HS&E (CSCS) Test is all that is require to get the green labourer card. They then find out that they need to also have a certificate in health and safety in a construction environment, and so have to find this course. This approach can lead to using up more time and often spending more money.
At ACE Training, candidates can complete the QNUK Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment and the HS&E (CSCS) courses before taking the HS&E (CSCS) Test, all in 1 day, providing convenience in saving you time and money, enabling you to complete both the certificate and take the HS&E (CSCS) Test.
3. Prepare for Both Assessments:
ACE Training can’t guarantee that you will pass everything to get the CSCS card. The importance of possessing the Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment certificate is that it equips candidates with fundamental knowledge of safety protocols on construction sites, as well as giving you as a critical understanding of safety for the CSCS test. Learning to be safe is just as important as getting the CSCS card!
There are a number of study guide books available for people to use to learn and prepare themselves prior to taking the Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment and the HS&E (CSCS) courses, which will help improve your chances of success. The Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment involves a multiple choice assessment with 45 questions.
The CITB HS&E (CSCS) test involves a 50 question multiple choice exam.
There is also a CITB App available which is highly recommended to use before taking the HS&E (CSCS) Test.
4. Pass the Test & Apply for Your CSCS Card:
If you pass both the QNUK Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment and the HS&E (CSCS) Test, you can apply for your CSCS card, by submitting your text certificate as proof. This will take 7-10 working days.
5. Stay Up to Date
Securing a CSCS card is not just about obtaining a certification, stay informed about any changes or updates in health and safety regulations to maintain your competence in the construction industry. Follow these steps, invest in your education, and embark on a fulfilling career in construction with confidence.