Labourer Card Renewal and Application Guidelines
New Applications
2 Years Validity
First-time applications do not require evidence of labouring work.
Card Renewals
5 Years Validity
Available to workers who pass requirements and provide proof of labouring role.
• Expired within one year: If your previous Labourer card has expired within one year, you can renew it for five years by providing proof of working in a labouring role.
• Expired over one year ago: If your previous card expired more than one year ago, you must submit an appeal with evidence of your work as a Labourer or reapply as a new applicant.
Evidence & Proof of Work
When applying for a five-year Labourer card after holding a two-year card, or when renewing a card that has not been expired for more than one year, evidence must be supplied.
Accepted Evidence
- A formal letter from your employer (or main contractor for self-employed workers) written on company-headed paper.
- A fully completed official CSCS Labourer Declaration form.
Self-Employed Applicants
Self-employed construction workers can have a main contractor for whom they have worked complete and vouch for them via the standard declaration form.
Who Needs a Labourer Card?
These restrictions ensure cards align with the Building Safety Act, addressing the oversupply of Labourer cards and ensuring only genuine active Labourers hold them. Non-construction or office-based workers who rarely visit sites do not require a card.
Cleaners on Construction Sites
• No CSCS card required for cleaners working in site offices or welfare facilities.
• Labourer Card required for general cleaning duties on live construction sites.
• Blue Skilled Card required for specialist cleaning (e.g. industrial cleaning) which requires a Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services Skills.
Card Requirements & Alternative Qualifications
Approved Qualifications List
All applicants must pass the CITB health, safety and environment test for operatives and hold any one of the following:
- An RQF Level 1/SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
- An SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate
- The NOCN/CSkills Awards Construction Health and Safety (F/618/0738) unit
To obtain one of the required qualifications listed above, please visit our Health and Safety Awareness Course booking portal.
Validity of Qualifications
Five-year validity qualifications must have been completed within four years of the application date to be accepted.
Recognised Alternatives
IOSH Safety, Health, and Environment for Construction Workers is valid for three years and must be within its validity period at the time of application.
How to replace your CSCS Green Card?
Request a replacement for your lost, stolen or broken CSCS Card by submitting your details in the online application service.
Renewing your Green CSCS Labourer Card:
Renew your card (valid for 5 years) by passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last 2 years and holding a valid Level 1 Health & Safety Awareness certificate (or equivalent). The CSCS Card booking is £65 which includes the £36 CSCS fee, booking fee and VAT.
Still not sure which test to take? Contact Support.