Green CSCS Card UK 2026: Labourer Card, CITB Test Only, No NVQ Required, £36
What Is the Green CSCS Card?
The green CSCS card is the Labourer card — the entry-level CSCS card for workers carrying out general labouring and site operative duties on UK construction sites. It is the most accessible CSCS card because it is the only mainstream card that does not require an NVQ or any other vocational qualification.
To get the green CSCS card, you need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test and pay the £36 card fee. That is it. No college course, no NVQ assessment, no apprenticeship.
The green card is valid for 5 years and costs £36.
Who Needs a Green CSCS Card?
The green Labourer card is designed for workers who carry out general site duties rather than a specific skilled trade. This includes:
- General site labourers
- General operatives
- Site cleaners and banksmen
- Groundworkers carrying out non-specialist groundwork tasks
- Workers new to the construction industry
Important: The green card is for labouring only
If you carry out a specific trade skill on site — even if you describe yourself as a labourer — you need the blue Skilled Worker card, not the green Labourer card. For example, a plasterer who calls themselves a labourer still needs the blue card because they are performing skilled trade work. Many contractors will check that the card colour matches the actual work being done, and a mismatch can get you refused site access.
Green CSCS Card Requirements
The green card has only one qualification requirement:
Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test
- Format: 50 questions in 45 minutes
- Pass mark: 45 out of 50
- Cost: £22.50 + VAT
- Valid for: 2 years (you must apply for your card within this window)
No NVQ, no college course, no apprenticeship evidence is required. Once you have your CITB test pass certificate, you can apply for the green card immediately.
How to Apply for the Green CSCS Card
- Book the CITB HS&E Test at citb.co.uk/health-safety-environment-test. Book the operative-level version. Use the free CITB revision app to practise beforehand — the test is not difficult but preparation helps.
- Pass the test. You need 45 out of 50 to pass. Results are given immediately after the test.
- Apply online at cscs.uk.com. Select the Labourer card (green) and enter your CITB test reference number.
- Pay the £36 card fee by debit or credit card.
- Receive your card by post — typically within 5–10 working days of a successful application.
Cost of the Green CSCS Card
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| CITB HS&E Test | £22.50 + VAT |
| Green CSCS card fee | £36 |
| Total | ~£63 |
The green card is the cheapest CSCS card to obtain because there is no NVQ cost. The only costs are the CITB test fee and the £36 card fee.
How Long Is the Green CSCS Card Valid?
The green Labourer card is valid for 5 years. The expiry date is printed on the front of your card.
To renew your green card you need:
- A current CITB HS&E test pass taken within the last 2 years
Renew at cscs.uk.com before your card expires. The renewal fee is £36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an NVQ for a green CSCS card?
No. The green CSCS Labourer card is the only mainstream CSCS card that does not require an NVQ or any other vocational qualification. You only need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. This is what makes the green card accessible to new entrants to the construction industry.
How do I book the CITB test for the green card?
Book the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at citb.co.uk/health-safety-environment-test. The operative-level test costs £22.50 + VAT, consists of 50 questions, and has a pass mark of 45 out of 50. Your test pass is valid for 2 years, so apply for your CSCS card within that window.
How long is the green CSCS card valid?
The green CSCS Labourer card is valid for 5 years. To renew, you need to pass the CITB HS&E test again (within the last 2 years) and apply online at cscs.uk.com with the £36 renewal fee.
Can a groundworker use a green CSCS card?
It depends on the nature of your work. If you are carrying out general groundwork tasks without a specific trade skill, the green Labourer card may be accepted. However, groundworkers who hold an NVQ in Excavation and Laying Drainage or a related discipline should apply for the blue Skilled Worker card instead, as this better reflects their qualifications and may be required by certain contractors.
What is the difference between the green and blue CSCS card?
The green card is the Labourer card — it requires only the CITB HS&E test and no NVQ. It covers general labouring and site operative duties. The blue card is the Skilled Worker card — it requires the CITB test plus a relevant NVQ Level 2 or 3 in a specific trade. If you carry out skilled trade work (carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, etc.) you need the blue card, regardless of what title you use for yourself on site.
Can I upgrade from a green CSCS card to a blue CSCS card?
Yes. Once you have completed a relevant NVQ or SVQ at Level 2 or 3 in your trade, you can apply for the blue Skilled Worker card. You will need a current CITB HS&E test pass and must apply and pay the £36 card fee at cscs.uk.com. There is no formal upgrade process — you simply apply for the blue card when you meet the qualification requirements.
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