The CSCS Green Card Explained: How to Get One in 2026
If you want to work on a UK construction site, the CSCS card is usually the first thing you will be asked for. The Green Card — properly the Labourer card — is the entry-level version and the one most new site workers need. Here is exactly what it is and how to get one.
What is the CSCS Green Card?
CSCS stands for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. The card proves you have a baseline understanding of health and safety on site. The Green (Labourer) card is the entry-level card for general site operatives and labourers. Most main contractors will not let you through the gate without a valid CSCS card, which is why it is effectively a passport into construction work.
Who needs one?
- Labourers and general site operatives
- Anyone starting out in construction with no trade qualification yet
- Workers moving into construction from another industry
- Trades people who have not yet obtained a skilled CSCS card
The two steps to getting your Green Card
Getting the Green Card is refreshingly simple — two steps:
- 1Complete the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification (a one-day course).
- 2Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test.
Once you have both, you apply for the card itself. Our CSCS course covers the Level 1 qualification and prepares you for the CITB test so you pass first time rather than paying to resit.
The two things people mix up
The Level 1 qualification and the CITB HS&E test are two separate requirements. You need both before you can apply for the card. Our course sorts the qualification and gets you test-ready in a single day.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Level 1 course (with us) | From £89 |
| CITB HS&E test | £22.50 |
| CSCS card application | £36 |
So the all-in cost of getting onto site with a Green Card is modest — usually under £150 including everything — and it is one of the best-value qualifications in any industry given it unlocks immediate paid work.
How long does the card last?
A CSCS Labourer card is typically valid for five years, after which it is renewed. Many workers use the Green Card as a first step and later move to a skilled or trade-specific card as they gain qualifications.
Get site-ready fast
Because the Green Card is so much in demand, getting one quickly means getting to work quickly. Our CSCS Green Card course runs regularly in Leicester and gets the qualification and test preparation done in a day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a CSCS Green Card?
The Level 1 course is a single day, and the CITB test can often be booked within days. Many people are card-ready within a week of starting.
Do I need the CITB test as well as the course?
Yes. The Green Card requires both the Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and a pass in the CITB HS&E test. Our course covers the qualification and prepares you for the test.
How long is a CSCS Green Card valid?
The Labourer (Green) card is generally valid for five years before it needs renewing.
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