Red CSCS card
Trainee card
People registered for a construction qualification, or who have completed an approved non-competence qualification. Below: the qualification and test you need, how long the card lasts, and what it costs.
- Colour
- Red
- CSCS card
- Card fee
- £36
- £42 from 1 February 2027
- Test fee
- £23.50
- CITB HS&E test
- Practice
- Free
- 50-question mock test
- Who it's for
- People registered for a construction qualification, or who have completed an approved non-competence qualification.
- Qualification
- Five-year card: proof of registration on a competence-assessed qualification (NVQ/SVQ registration within two years; HNC, HND or degree within four). Two-year card: an approved Level 2+ non-competence qualification achieved in the last five years.
- Test
- Operative-level CITB HS&E test within the last two years (the CIC test is accepted only for academic qualifications).
- How long it lasts
- Five years (registered for an NVQ/SVQ) or two years (completed a non-competence qualification).
- Renewable
- The five-year card cannot be renewed. The two-year card can be replaced by a three-year card once you are registered on an NVQ/SVQ; that three-year card cannot be renewed.
- Cost
- £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027), plus the CITB test.
Apply through CSCS Online or the My CSCS app. Approved cards usually arrive within five working days. Check exactly which card your job needs with the CSCS Card Finder.
Who carries this card
- Anyone registered on a construction NVQ/SVQ, HNC, HND or degree and working on site while studying
How to apply, step by step
- Check the Trainee card is the right one for your job with the CSCS Card Finder.
- Get the qualification or evidence it needs: five-year card: proof of registration on a competence-assessed qualification (NVQ/SVQ registration within two years; HNC, HND or degree within four). Two-year card: an approved Level 2+ non-competence qualification achieved in the last five years.
- Pass the test: operative-level CITB HS&E test within the last two years (the CIC test is accepted only for academic qualifications).
- Apply through CSCS Online or the My CSCS app, uploading your qualification evidence and a photo that meets CSCS rules.
- Pay the fee — £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027).
Why applications get held up
- The CITB test was taken at the wrong level for the card applied for.
- The test pass is more than two years old.
- The qualification is not one CSCS recognises for that card — check it with the Card Finder first.
- The name on the qualification does not match the name on the application.
- The photo does not meet CSCS requirements.
Next step up: Blue Skilled Worker card
Common questions
- What is the difference between the Trainee and Apprentice cards?
- The Apprentice card is for people on a formal apprenticeship. The Trainee card is for anyone registered for (or who has completed certain) construction qualifications outside an apprenticeship.
- How much does the Trainee card cost?
- The card costs £36 (£42 from 1 February 2027) when you apply direct through CSCS. On top of that you pay £23.50 for the CITB test, and the cost of any qualification the card needs.
- How long does the Trainee card take to arrive?
- Approved cards usually arrive within five working days of a successful application. Apply before you need it — sites check cards at the gate.
- Which CITB test do I need for the Trainee card?
- Operative-level CITB HS&E test within the last two years (the CIC test is accepted only for academic qualifications). Book it through CITB; the pass must be no more than two years old when you apply.