CSCS sets the rules for every card, and they can change. We explain them in plain words below and link to the CSCS card pages. We check your own route when you enrol.
| Card | Who it is for | The NVQ CSCS asks for | Our guide |
|---|
| Blue: Skilled Worker | Skilled trades | A construction related NVQ at Level 2 (or an apprenticeship) | Blue card guide |
| Gold: Supervisor | Supervisors | A construction related supervisory NVQ at Level 3 or 4 | Gold card guide |
| Black: Manager | Managers | A construction management NVQ at Level 4, 5, 6 or 7 | Black card guide |
The test you also need
For each of these cards, CSCS also asks you to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last two years, at the level for your job. We do not run that test; you book it with CITB.
Already working, but no NVQ yet?
CSCS has an Experienced Worker card for people with on the job experience who are registered on an approved NVQ. It lasts one year and cannot be renewed, so you finish the NVQ while you hold it. See the CSCS Experienced Worker card.
SMSTS and SSSTS are not cards
SMSTS and SSSTS are CITB safety courses. CSCS does not accept them for a card on their own. Many people take one as well as an NVQ. See our SMSTS and SSSTS online.
NVQs for a plant card (CPCS)
Our plant NVQs usually support a blue CPCS card. The NVQ is one of the things CPCS asks for.
| Course | Level | Card it usually supports | Typical assessment | Price |
|---|
| 360 Excavator NVQ: Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Compact Cranes, Overhead Cranes, Hoists, Lorry Loaders, Skip Handlers: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Erecting and Dismantling: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Forklift and Telehandler: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Forward Tipping Dumper, Dump Truck, Concrete Pumps: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| In-shore and Marine Plants: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Slinger/Signaller | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Loading Shovel, Skid Steer Loader: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Mobile Crane, Crawler Cranes and Tower Cranes: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Ride-on Roller: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Road Plants and Machineries: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Road Railers: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Road Sweeper, Pavement Sweeper: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Traffic Marshal: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations | Level 2 | blue CPCS card | 4–6 weeks | £550 + VAT (£660 inc VAT) |
| Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Supervising Lifts (Construction) | Level 4 | blue CPCS card | 4–10 weeks | £900 + VAT (£1,080 inc VAT) |
| Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts | Level 5 | blue CPCS card | | £950 + VAT (£1,140 inc VAT) |
Related guides
