What qualification do I need for a Blue CSCS card?

A construction-related NVQ or SVQ at Level 2 (SVQ at SCQF Level 5), or completion of a recognised apprenticeship such as an employer-sponsored apprenticeship or a City & Guilds Craft Certificate.

How long does a Blue Skilled Worker card last?

Five years, and it can be renewed. Note your CITB HS&E test pass must be recent — CSCS requires it to have been passed within the last two years at the point of application.

My old card was Industry Accreditation — can I renew it?

No. Industry Accreditation (grandfather rights) closed: IA cards issued from 1 January 2020 expired on 31 December 2024 and cannot be renewed through IA. You now need the relevant NVQ/SVQ qualification.

Blue CSCS Card (Skilled Worker)

The Blue Skilled Worker card is the standard card for qualified tradespeople — bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, groundworkers and the rest — who hold a construction-related NVQ/SVQ at Level 2 or have completed a recognised apprenticeship.

Blue Skilled Worker

Blue

Workers who have achieved a construction-related NVQ/SVQ Level 2 (SVQ at SCQF Level 5), or completed an employer-sponsored or CSCS-recognised apprenticeship, including a City & Guilds Craft Certificate.

Validity: 5 years
Renewable: Yes
Test required: CITB HS&E test for Operatives

What you need to apply

Construction-related NVQ/SVQ Level 2 (SVQ at SCQF Level 5), OR completion of a recognised apprenticeship
Pass the CITB HS&E test at the relevant level for your occupation, within the last two years

Important notes

Industry Accreditation (IA) cards issued from 1 January 2020 expired on 31 December 2024 and cannot be renewed via IA — an NVQ/SVQ route is now required.

Practise the Operatives mock test →

Frequently asked questions

What qualification do I need for a Blue CSCS card?: A construction-related NVQ or SVQ at Level 2 (SVQ at SCQF Level 5), or completion of a recognised apprenticeship such as an employer-sponsored apprenticeship or a City & Guilds Craft Certificate.
How long does a Blue Skilled Worker card last?: Five years, and it can be renewed. Note your CITB HS&E test pass must be recent — CSCS requires it to have been passed within the last two years at the point of application.
My old card was Industry Accreditation — can I renew it?: No. Industry Accreditation (grandfather rights) closed: IA cards issued from 1 January 2020 expired on 31 December 2024 and cannot be renewed through IA. You now need the relevant NVQ/SVQ qualification.

Next steps

Once you have passed the right test, see how to apply for and renew your CSCS card. Not sure this is the right card? Compare all 13 card types or use the official CSCS Card Finder.

Card details verified against cscs.uk.com, July 2026. Always confirm current requirements with CSCS before applying.

Cards people confuse with this one

Gold CSCS Card (Advanced Craft & Supervisory)2 cards in this colour Green CSCS Card (Labourer)Workers carrying out unskilled labouring duties only. Not for skilled occupations — CSCS states skilled workers holding a Labourer card will be refused site access.

Still unsure? Work out whether you need a CSCS card at all, then check the 2025 and 2026 card changes before you apply.