What are the CSCS Gold Card Requirements

CSCS Gold Card is an advanced-level card for those in supervisory or management roles. This blog post will explain everything you need to know to start your career in construction as a supervisor. It will discuss the CSCS Gold Card, its types, requirements, the associated costs, the renewal process, and much more.

What is a CSCS Supervisor Card?

The CSCS Gold Card is an advanced-level card intended for construction site supervisors or those with an advanced skill set in occupations such as plumbing, bricklaying, roof installation, etc. It demonstrates your ability and knowledge to work as a site supervisor/foreman within the construction industry.

The CSCS Gold Card Supervisor indicates that you are qualified to oversee construction workers. This card helps you become eligible to advance your career as a supervisor. As a supervisor, you must ensure all construction site activities are done safely.

How Do I Get a Gold CSCS Card

Getting a CSCS Gold Card is a simple 3-step process.

Step 1: Complete the Relevant Level 3 NVQ

The first step is to complete a relevant CSCS Gold Card Course, a level 3 NVQ qualification. The following are the popular NVQs for this card.

• Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision (Building and Civil Engineering)

• Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling

• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Roofing Occupations

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering

• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Decorative Finishing - Painting & Decorating (Construction)

Step 2: Pass the CITB HS&E Test (Operatives & Specialists)

After completing the relevant NVQ, you pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test (Operatives & Specialists). Before you take the test, it's recommended that you take a free CSCS Gold Card mock test to test your knowledge. You can take unlimited free attempts until you're fully prepared for the real test.

Step 3: Apply for a Gold CSCS Card

Please go to the CSCS online portal and apply for the card. You can also apply for the card over the phone by calling the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) on 0344 994 4777 (8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday).

What are the Gold CSCS Card Types

There are two types of CSCS Gold Cards. CSCS Gold Card (Supervisory) and CSCS Gold Card (Skilled Worker).

CSCS Gold Card (Supervisory)

The CSCS Gold Supervisor Card is suitable for individuals currently working as supervisors on construction projects or those who aspire to similar roles.

How Long is the Gold CSCS Card Valid For?

The validity of this CSCS card is 5 years, after which it requires renewal.

Requirements for Getting a CSCS Gold Card (Supervisory)
You must:

1. Complete a construction-related supervisory/technical NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or 4.

2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test (Operatives & Specialists)

CSCS Gold Card (Skilled Worker)

This card is for experienced workers in the construction industry who have achieved advanced qualifications and skills in their trade. If you hold a CSCS Blue Card and want to upgrade, you can advance your career with a CSCS Gold Skilled Worker Card.

How Long is the Gold CSCS Card Valid For?

This card remains valid for 5 years. After that, you must renew it.

Requirements for Getting a CSCS Gold Card (Skilled Worker)
You must:

1. Complete any of the following qualifications:

• A construction-related NVQ level 3 or SVQ at SCQF level 6.

• An approved apprenticeship.

• Alternatively, you meet the criteria if you have finished an employer-sponsored apprenticeship.

2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test (Operatives & Specialists) within the past two years. At Hurak Learning, we help you reserve your CITB test. Book Now!

What is a Site Supervisor?

A supervisor is responsible for overseeing other workers. His major responsibility is ensuring all workers do their jobs efficiently and safely. Supervisors generally report to managers and employers and carry out site inspections.

How to Become a Recognised Site Supervisor

Most site supervisors first gain experience in the construction industry as labourers, bricklayers, or in other entry-level positions.

Ultimately, taking this path increases the trust and experience within the existing team. As you advance your skill set, you can improve your skills and gain more responsibility. That's how you usually get into the supervisory profession. As soon as you have some supervisory responsibilities, you can begin getting your Gold CSCS Card and supervisor qualification.

Can I Get a Gold CSCS Card with SSSTS?

You cannot get a Gold CSCS Card Supervisor with SSSTS only. You still need a level 3 NVQ or other relevant qualifications to get this card. However, some employers might ask for an SSSTS when you're applying for a site supervisor job. It's a 2-day course that can make you more valuable to employers and improve your chances of getting hired.

What does the Gold CSCS Card Cost?

The cost of applying for a CSCS card is the same for all types of CSCS cards, which is 36.

The total cost of getting a CSCS Gold Card involves the relevant NVQ or SVQ qualification fee, CITB test cost, and CSCS Gold Card application cost. Generally, the fee for enrolling on a Level 3 or 4 NVQ in construction could cost you anywhere from 300 to 1,000. Booking a CITB test will cost you 23.50. The CSCS card application fee is 36. Adding all of these costs would give you an estimate of how much it will cost you to get a CSCS card.

You can also apply for CITB grants. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) might provide financial help if you qualify for grants.

How Do I Renew My CSCS Gold Card?

Ideally, you must start the renewal process for your CSCS Gold Card six months before your card expires. However, you must not delay it more than six months after it expires.

This is a list of documents that you must produce to file a renewal application.

• Completed CSCS Card Renewal Application Form (Online)

• Current CSCS Card

• Proof of Identity

• Proof of Qualifications

• CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test

• Present Employment/Workplace Details

• A Passport-Size Photograph

• Credit/Debit Card to Pay the Renewal Fee

Next Step

After getting your Gold Card, if you desire to step further, you can work towards the CSCS Black Card, which allows you to manage operations on a construction site.

Download our Managers and Professionals Test Prep Book for free!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a gold CSCS card mean?

It is an advanced-level card authorised by CSCS to supervisors on a construction site or those with an advanced skill set in occupations such as plumbing, bricklaying, roof installing, etc. With this card, you can work as a site supervisor/foreman.

How do I renew my CSCS gold card?

You can easily apply for your CSCS Gold Card's renewal by visiting the CSCS official website. Create a CSCS Online Account and fill out the details. Review your application and pay the 36 card renewal fee.

What do I need to get a Gold Card?

To get a CSCS Gold Card, complete a construction-related supervisory/technical NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or 4. You must also pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test (Operatives & Specialists). Then you can apply for your CSCS card.

Can I get a Gold CSCS Card with SMSTS?

No. You cannot get a Gold CSCS card with an SMSTS qualification. You must fulfil the requirements to get a card: complete an NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or 4 and pass a CITB test.

What does a Gold Card do?

A CSCS Gold Card demonstrates a holder's skills, knowledge, and experience to perform supervisory duties at the construction site. Although having this card is not a legal requirement in the UK to get a job in construction, it opens more opportunities for you to get supervisory roles.

How much does a Gold CSCS Card cost?

Getting a CSCS Gold Card includes the NVQ or SVQ qualification fee, CITB test cost, and card application cost. The qualification fee is around 300 to 1,000, the CITB test cost is 23.50, and the cost of applying for a CSCS Gold Card is 36.

Can I get a Gold CSCS Card without an NVQ?

No, you generally cannot get a Gold CSCS Card without an NVQ. Gold CSCS Cards typically require an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in the relevant field.

What does a CSCS Gold Card mean?

This card indicates that you're qualified to work as a construction supervisor and approves your understanding of the health and safety practices required for your role.

How do you get a CSCS Gold Card?

You can apply for the CSCS Gold Card online if you have successfully completed the construction-related NVQ Level 3 and the CSCS test.

Which is the highest level CSCS Card?

The CSCS Black Card is the highest level of CSCS card, authorising you to hold a managerial position on a construction site.

How long does a gold cscs card last?

The CSCS gold card lasts 5 years, after which you must renew it.

Is getting a CSCS Gold Card to work as a supervisor mandatory?

While having a CSCS card isn't a legal requirement to enter a construction site, it's highly recommended. Having a CSCS Card gives you an advantage over those who do not have it, resulting in more job opportunities. So, getting a CSCS card is a smart move.

How much can I earn with a CSCS Gold Card?

In the UK, CSCS card holders earn an average salary of 25,350 per year or 13 per hour. Entry-level workers earn approximately 22,414 annually, whereas experienced workers earn around 35,023 annually. Considering that, CSCS Gold Card salary is somewhere around 28,000 to 30,000 per year.