How to Get a Blue CSCS Card
Table of contents
Introduction
What is a CSCS Blue Card?
Why You Need a Blue CSCS Card
Job Roles
How to Get a Blue CSCS Card
How Long is the CSCS Blue Card Valid for?
How Much Does a CSCS Blue Card Cost?
How to Get a Blue CSCS Card Without An NVQ?
Blue CSCS Card Vs Other CSCS Cards
FAQs
Final Words
A CSCS blue card is one of the most popular types of CSCS cards issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) in the UK. Also known as a skilled worker card, it is issued to skilled workers with the relevant training, experience, and competency.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the CSCS blue card in detail; including its requirements, benefits, and how to get one.
What is a CSCS Blue Card?
With an increasing focus on enhancing health and safety conditions in the construction industry, the CSCS scheme has introduced a Blue CSCS Card for construction workers engaged in specialised tasks. The Blue CSCS Card is designed especially for skilled and experienced workers, responsible for performing specialised roles, such as bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and others.
Having a Blue CSCS Card indicates that the holder has achieved a certain level of competence in their specific role and are capable of performing demanding roles on a construction site. Widely recognised and accepted by construction companies and employers across the UK, the blue CSCS card helps you stand out among others and get better jobs.
Why Should You Get a Blue CSCS Card?
Holding a Blue CSCS Card is evidence that the cardholder has completed the necessary training to undertake critical roles in the construction industry.
- Possessing a valid Blue CSCS Card can increase job opportunities as it serves as proof of your skills and training.
- Holding a Blue CSCS Card indicates that the holder understands the significance of health and safety on construction sites.
- It can help you get high paying jobs in the construction industry.
Examples of Job Roles That Require a Blue CSCS Card
The Blue CSCS Card is a requirement for roles that involve skilled and technical work. Below is a list of job roles you can pursue after getting a Blue CSCS Card.
- Carpenters
- Scaffolding builders
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Bricklayers
- Plasterers
- Painters
- Steel Fixers
- oofers
- Floorers
- Decorators
This list does not cover all the possible job opportunities available after acquiring a Blue CSCS Card; there could be additional positions worth exploring.
How to Get a Blue CSCS Card
To get a Blue CSCS Card, there are certain requirements that you must meet.
Valid CSCS Card
To get a CSCS Blue Card, you must have a valid CSCS Labourer Card.
Level 2 NVQ/SVQ or SVQ at SCQF Level 5 Qualification
For a Blue CSCS Card, you need a construction-related Level 2 NVQ/SVQ or SVQ at SCQF Level 5. Alternatively, completing an apprenticeship sponsored by an employer also qualifies you for this card.
Pass a CITB HS&E Test
The next step is to pass a CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test for Operatives. It’s an MCQ-based test requiring you to correctly answer 45 questions out of 50. Candidates are required to complete this exam in 45 minutes.
At Hurak Learning, we help you with reserving your CITB test. Book Now! Also, you can take a CSCS Blue Card mock test for practice before attempting a CITB test.
You can also download our 400+ Exam Questions book.
CSCS Card Application
After obtaining the required qualifications and passing the CITB test, the final step is to apply for a CSCS Blue Card. This can be done either through the CSCS website or by post. To learn this process in detail, please check out our blog on How to Get a CSCS Card after Passing the Test.
How Long is the CSCS Blue Card Valid for?
A CSCS Blue Card is valid for 5 years. After that, you can renew the card through a CSCS card renewal process, which costs you £36. To renew your CSCS Blue Card, you must have a valid CITB HS&E Test for Operatives.
How Much Does a CSCS Blue Card Cost?
The total cost of getting a CSCS Blue Card is £58.50; £36.00 for the CSCS card application and £22.50 for the CITB test.
How to Get a Blue CSCS Card without An NVQ?
The most popular way is to apply for a CSCS Red Card if you want to get a Blue CSCS Card without an NVQ. Besides that, there are three other routes:
A City & Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate
A Trailblazer Apprenticeship with CSCS Approval
Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route or the On-Site Assessment (OSAT) route
If you’re interested in learning about getting a CSCS Blue Card without an NVQ, feel free to read this blog.
Blue CSCS Card Vs Other CSCS Cards
Just like other CSCS cards, the Blue CSCS Card also proves your competence and qualifications to perform certain roles in the construction sector. The Blue Skilled Worker Card is evidence that you qualify to work efficiently on the construction site – just like a green card and other CSCS cards. However, the blue CSCS card also verifies your competence for trade roles.
Other CSCS cards represent different levels of competence or specialisations within the construction industry. For instance, a Green CSCS Card is specifically designed for newcomers, such as trainees and apprentices, who are just starting in the field. On the other hand, individuals in supervisory and management positions are better suited for a Gold CSCS Card. Similarly, a Black CSCS Card is mainly used by highly qualified professionals who have attained senior supervisor and managerial positions within the industry.
Blue CSCS Card Vs Other CSCS Cards
Just like other CSCS cards, the Blue CSCS Card also proves your competence and qualifications to perform certain roles in the construction sector. The Blue Skilled Worker Card is evidence that you qualify to work efficiently on the construction site – just like a green card and other CSCS cards. However, the blue CSCS card also verifies your competence for trade roles.
Other CSCS cards represent different levels of competence or specialisations within the construction industry. For instance, a Green CSCS Card is specifically designed for newcomers, such as trainees and apprentices, who are just starting in the field. On the other hand, individuals in supervisory and management positions are better suited for a Gold CSCS Card. Similarly, a Black CSCS Card is mainly used by highly qualified professionals who have attained senior supervisor and managerial positions within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should get a Blue CSCS Card?
The Blue CSCS Card is designed for individuals seeking technical and skilled job roles in the construction industry.
How long does it take to get a Blue CSCS Card?
Typically, after completing and submitting your application, CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) takes 3-5 days to issue your Blue CSCS Card.
Final Words: Blue CSCS Card
Getting a Blue CSCS Card proves your competence in health and safety within the construction industry. It opens doors to safer and more skilled opportunities on the worksite.
If you have a CSCS Green Card and want to progress further we strongly recommend you work towards getting this card.
Related
- CSCS Card Renewal: All You Need to Know About Renewal Of Your CSCS Card
- CSCS Card Types: Figure Out Which One Is Right For You
- All You Need To Know About A CSCS Card And How To Get One: A Comprehensive Guide
- CSCS Labourer Card: The Key to Starting Your Career in Construction
- Do’s and Don’ts of Construction Safety
- Health and Safety Risks on Construction Sites
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