Red CSCS Cards (Temporary, Trainee & Experienced Worker)
Red cards are the temporary cards. They cover people training towards a qualification or working through a probationary period, and most of them are short-dated and non-renewable — so it matters that you know which one you hold and when it runs out.
Apprentice
RedIndividuals registered on a recognised construction apprenticeship.
- Validity
- 4 years
- Renewable
- Not applicable — move to a Blue/Gold card on completing your qualification
- Test required
- CITB HS&E test for Operatives
What you need to apply
- Proof of registration from your managing agency or training provider
- Pass the required health and safety test or an approved alternative
Important notes
- This card is issued free of charge to support apprentices.
Trainee
RedPeople registered for a competence-assessed qualification, and holders of approved Level 2+ non-competence qualifications.
- Validity
- 5 years standard; 2 years for holders of a Level 2+ non-competence qualification (since 1 February 2025), renewable once to a 3-year card
- Renewable
- Yes, in the cases set out by CSCS
- Test required
- CITB HS&E test for Operatives (or the CIC test for academic qualifications)
What you need to apply
- Proof of registration onto a qualifying qualification
- Pass the Operative-level CITB HS&E test
Important notes
- Since 1 February 2025, holders of an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation-related non-competence qualification get a 2-year Trainee card, renewable to a 3-year card on proof of registration onto an NVQ/SVQ or agreed alternative.
Provisional
RedWorkers in a probationary period while an employer assesses their suitability.
- Validity
- 6 months
- Renewable
- No — one-off, cannot be applied for twice
- Test required
- CITB HS&E test for Operatives
What you need to apply
- Pass the CITB HS&E test within the past two years
- You must not have held a CSCS card before
Experienced Worker
RedExperienced trade-related site workers registered to complete an approved construction trade qualification.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Renewable
- No
- Test required
- CITB HS&E test
What you need to apply
- At least one year of relevant on-the-job experience in the last three years
- Registration for an approved NVQ/SVQ at Level 2 or higher
- Pass the CITB HS&E test
Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager
RedSupervisors, managers and technical workers with on-the-job experience who are working towards a qualification.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Renewable
- No — you must complete the qualification before the card expires
- Test required
- The CITB HS&E test appropriate to your role
What you need to apply
- At least one year of on-the-job experience in the last three years
- Registration for an approved TSM NVQ/SVQ at Level 3 (SVQ at SCQF Level 6) or higher
- Pass the appropriate CITB HS&E test
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a red CSCS card last?
- It depends which one: Provisional lasts 6 months, Experienced Worker 1 year, Experienced Technical/Supervisor/Manager 3 years, Apprentice 4 years, and Trainee 5 years (or 2 years for the non-competence-qualification route introduced in February 2025).
- Can I renew a red CSCS card?
- Mostly no. The Provisional, Experienced Worker and Experienced Technical/Supervisor/Manager cards are not renewable — they are designed to give you time to complete a qualification and move onto a Blue, Gold or Black card.
- Is the Apprentice card free?
- Yes — CSCS issues the Apprentice card free of charge to support people on recognised construction apprenticeships.
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
Still unsure? Work out whether you need a CSCS card at all, then check the 2025 and 2026 card changes before you apply.