logo
logo
Sign in

How to Apply for a CSCS Course

avatar
John Hunt

How to apply for a CSCS course, test and card

For years, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has been the major body in charge of qualifying construction workers as competent in health and safety regulations to gain access on construction sites. Offering services and products such as CSCS courses, tests and cards, it is important to know the purpose of each service and what the differences are between them. This article will discuss how to apply for each service.

What is a CSCS card?

A CSCS card is a form of physical proof that gives construction workers access onto construction sites and projects across the UK. The card demonstrates that you have the knowledge, skills and ability to perform tasks on-site in accordance with health and safety regulations. In the construction industry, CSCS cards can range from temporary, red apprentice level all the way to black managerial positions, ensuring the whole spectrum of the industry is qualified.

How to apply for CSCS card:

With different CSCS cards requiring different entry qualifications, not one single CSCS card will share the same application process. However, all CSCS card holders are required to have passed a CITB test within the last 2 years of your card application. Without this, it will not be possible to gain a CSCS card and ultimately, access on-site. Application can be done by phone or via online.

What is a CSCS course?

A CSCS course is a ‘Health & Safety in a Construction Environment’ course that focuses on performing your work safely as well as the understanding the need to prevent injuries. The units involved in the health & safety training course will focus on the workers’ responsibilities for their own safety and the safety of others, focusing on topics such as typical construction hazards, working at height and work equipment. The course test contains 5 sections with a total of 40 questions and has a minimum pass grade of 80% (80% in each section).

How to apply for CSCS course:

Nearly anyone can apply for a CSCS course, with the only true entry requirement being that all candidates must be 16+. Applying for a CSCS course can be done by phone or via online.

What is a CSCS test?

CSCS tests are designed to give individuals working in the construction industry the required knowledge needed to be aware of construction hazards and prevent dangerous incidents on-site. For each CSCS card, workers are required to pass a CSCS test which is divided into 3 different types: for Operatives, for Specialists and for Managers & Professionals. CSCS tests are 45 minutes in duration with a total of 50 questions. Workers are required to get a score of at least 45/50 in order to successfully pass.

What is the difference between a CSCS test and a CITB test?

There is actually no difference between a CSCS test and a CITB test. Even though they are represented by different bodies, they are one in the same.

How to apply for CSCS test:

Similar to the CSCS course, CSCS tests are open to all applicants 16+. However a parental consent form can be completed for those under 16 that still want to take a CSCS test. Applying for a CSCS test can be done by phone or via online.

Summary

When knowing the difference between CSCS cards, tests and courses, applying for the CSCS service you need should be less confusing. In our efforts to digitise construction training, at Construction Helpline, we are proud to offer online services as well as traditional phone options to provide as much convenience for customers when applying for CSCS services. CSCS Course

CSCS Card

collect
0
avatar
John Hunt
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more