How Long Does a CSCS Card Last?

Find out how long CSCS cards last, which cards expire sooner, and how to renew yours in time to stay site-ready and compliant.

How Long Does a CSCS Card Last?

If you work in the UK construction industry, holding a valid CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is often essential for gaining access to site work. These cards prove that you have the required training and qualifications for your job role. But once you’ve got a CSCS card, how long does it actually last?

The short answer is that most CSCS cards are valid for five years, but this can vary depending on the type of card you hold. In this article, we explain how long each type of CSCS card lasts, how to check your expiry date, and what you need to do when it's time to renew.

What Is a CSCS Card?

A CSCS card acts as evidence that a worker has the necessary health and safety knowledge and job-specific qualifications to work on a construction site. It is not a legal requirement, but most contractors and major housebuilders demand it before allowing access to a site.

There are different colours and types of CSCS cards, depending on your trade, experience, and level of responsibility. These include:

  • Green card (Labourer)

  • Blue card (Skilled Worker)

  • Gold card (Supervisor or Advanced Craft)

  • Black card (Manager)

  • Red card (Trainee, Apprentice, Provisional)

  • White card (Professionally Qualified Person)

How Long Does a CSCS Card Last?

For most standard cards, such as the Green, Blue, Gold, and Black cards, the validity period is five years. After this, the card must be renewed.

However, some CSCS cards have shorter durations depending on the circumstances of the holder.

Green Labourer Card

  • Valid for five years

  • Requires the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test within the last two years

  • Must be renewed before expiry to avoid delays accessing sites

Blue Skilled Worker Card

  • Valid for five years

  • Requires a recognised construction-related NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

  • Renewable provided your qualifications remain valid

Gold Supervisor or Advanced Craft Card

  • Valid for five years

  • Requires NVQ Level 3 or Level 4, depending on role

  • Can be renewed online if qualifications are still recognised

Black Manager Card

  • Valid for five years

  • Requires a Level 5, 6 or 7 NVQ in construction management

  • Renewable if the holder remains in a qualifying role

Red Trainee Card

  • Valid for five years, not renewable

  • Designed for individuals studying towards a recognised qualification

  • After expiry, you must progress to a card linked to your qualification (such as Blue or Gold)

Red Provisional Card

  • Valid for six months, not renewable

  • Intended for new entrants or those trying out construction roles

  • You must move onto a permanent card by the end of this period

White Professionally Qualified Person Card

  • Valid for five years

  • Issued to individuals who are members of certain recognised professional bodies

  • Renewable by providing updated proof of professional membership

How to Check the Expiry Date of Your CSCS Card

Your CSCS card will show the expiry date clearly on the front. It is advisable to check this regularly and plan your renewal at least six months before it expires. Renewing early helps avoid last-minute delays and ensures uninterrupted access to construction sites.

You can also check your card’s validity online using the CSCS Card Checker tool on the official website or by downloading the CSCS Smart Check app.

What Happens If My CSCS Card Expires?

If your CSCS card expires and you have not renewed it, you may be denied access to construction sites, even if you are fully qualified and experienced. Expired cards are not considered valid proof of competence.

In most cases, if your card expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by providing the necessary documents and passing a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you may need to make a new application and meet the full entry requirements again.

How Do I Renew a CSCS Card?

To renew a CSCS card:

  1. Make sure your relevant qualifications are still valid

  2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (within the last two years)

  3. Apply online via the CSCS website or call the CSCS helpline

  4. Provide your personal details, proof of qualifications, and card number

  5. Pay the renewal fee (currently £36)

Most renewals are processed within a few days and your new card will be sent by post.

Final Thoughts

Most CSCS cards last for five years, with the exception of certain temporary or provisional cards. Checking your expiry date and renewing in advance ensures you avoid unnecessary delays, missed work opportunities, or site access issues. The process is simple and cost-effective, and with the right qualifications in place, renewal is usually straightforward.

Holding a valid CSCS card remains one of the easiest ways to demonstrate competence and commitment to safety on construction sites across the UK.