You may have seen our dedicated article about the Blue CSCS card, well this, time, we are drawing focus to the Red CSCS card and hope to address any questions and concerns you may have about it.
As you may already know, the concept behind the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the cards it provides, ultimately aims to keep construction workers and construction sites safe. How does it accomplish that? These cards are provided to those who are deemed competent at what they do, experienced in their field and have reached a level of skill that can be reflected in the type of card they hold. It is a nationally recognised standard of competence and identity in the construction industry. But What is the Red CSCS card all about?
What is a Red CSCS Card?
A red card is a temporary card provided to people based on their skills and experience in working on construction sites. Many sites only allow individuals who are CSCS card holders, therefore, these cards can be important for current and future employment.
There are about 5 different types of Red CSCS cards, and they are temporary (non-renewable) and can be valid for up to 5 years. To truly know what this card is, we need to analyse the different types available.
Types of Red CSCS Cards
Trainee Red CSCS Card
The trainee card is one that is valid for up to 5 years, specifically for trainees to hold. In order to hold this card, you also must be registered in some form, to complete a construction-related qualification, this must be accepted by the CSCS in order to apply for your trainee card. (You can learn more about CSCS and the necessary qualifications here)
As with most cards, you need a valid CITB Health, Safety & Environment test (HS&E), this means you must have passed it within the last 2 years for it to still be valid.
The Red CSCS Trainee card is a temporary card and valid for 5 years because, after this time, the expectation will be that you have increased your knowledge and experience to move on to other CSCS cards.
Apprentice Red CSCS Card
You can apply for this card if you have started in an apprentice-type role, recognised in the construction industry. This type of card is valid for 4.5 years. Again, it is a temporary card with the expectation that within the timeframe above, you will have finalised your apprenticeship.
CSCS is now offering this card for free with a desire to remove any barriers preventing people from starting their careers.
You may also be exempt from the typical pre-requirement of a CITB HS&E test, you can learn more about CSCS apprentice exemptions here.
Provisional Red CSCS Card
You are only eligible for this card if you’ve never had a CSCS card prior to this one and you are currently working on probation. Attaining this card does require a valid HS&E test
The provisional card is valid for 6 months and is non-renewable, prior to its expiration, you must be registered or have achieved a construction-related qualification that is recognised, and appropriate to the role. Then, after having this, you can apply for your correct CSCS card for the job.
Experienced Worker Red CSCS Card
This card is provided to those with real-world job experience and can prove registration to an NVQ Level 2 or higher. The experience required is at least 1 year (within the last 3 years) and you also must have a valid HS&E test.
This card is valid for 1 year, in which you will expect to complete your current NVQ in that timeframe, this will then progress you on to a CSCS Skilled card.
Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager Red CSCS Card
Different to the Experienced Worker card, this Red CSCS card can be applied for if you have proof of registration at an NVQ Level 3 or higher, again you will also need at least 1 year of on-the-job experience (from your last 3 years). Unless exempt, you will also need a valid HS&E test.
This card expires after 3 years and cannot be renewed, upon progressing from this, you can look towards a supervisory or management CSCS card.
