Unsure whether you possess the relevant qualifications to apply for, or renew, your white CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card?
Fortunately, the national training and assessment experts at SB Skills Solutions are here to help. Below, we explain exactly what’s required to apply for a white CSCS card and how you can get your hands on one.
Plus, if you’re concerned about the recent Industry Accreditation (IA) CSCS card changes, our knowledgeable team can help you to understand and navigate these new rules, too.
What is a CSCS white card?
There are two different types of CSCS card that are referred to as ‘white cards’ due to their colour – the Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card and the Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card.
Both cards are valid for five years.
Academically Qualified Person white CSCS card
An AQP CSCS card demonstrates that the holder possesses an acceptable form of high-level construction-related academic qualification. This allowing them the opportunity to work on a construction site.
From here, the cardholder will then be able to train for a relevant NVQ (National Vocational Qualification).
Professionally Qualified Person white CSCS card
Unlike AQP cardholders, PQP cardholders can use their professional body membership to obtain credibility and recognition for their construction industry skills and knowledge, rather than achieving an NVQ or other equivalent qualification.
A PQP CSCS card can only be obtained by members of a CSCS-approved professional body, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
These cards are valid for five years but cannot be renewed at the end of this period. Instead, you must apply for a new PQP card.
What qualification do I need to obtain a CSCS white card?
The type of qualification you need to apply for a white CSCS card depends on whether you explore the academic or professional route. Simply carry on reading to find out which qualifications and accreditations can be used to apply for each one below.
Academically Qualified Person white CSCS card
To be eligible for an AQP card, the applicant must possess a degree, HND (Higher National Diploma), HNC (Higher National Certificate), CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) Certificate, or NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) diploma.
Professionally Qualified Person white CSCS card
To apply for a PQP card, applicants must be an appropriate member of a CSCS-approved professional body. This includes being a member and fellow of the CIOB, a registered member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and an accredited member of the Institute of Conservation (Icon).
To see whether your professional body membership is on the list of CSCS-approved bodies, please view the full list of accepted memberships on the PQP CSCS card page.
Regardless of which type of white CSCS card you want to obtain, you will also need to successfully complete the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) test for managers and professionals or the alternative CIC (Construction Industry Council) Health and Safety Test.
How do you get a CSCS white card?
Whether you want to obtain your AQP or PQP white CSCS card, you’re just a few steps away from achieving this goal! Find out how below.
Obtain relevant qualification or membership
To apply for an AQP card, you must possess the relevant high-level academic qualification, such as a HND or HNC.
To do this, you’ll need to attend a higher and further education college, so you must have previously achieved the necessary secondary school grades to be accepted onto this type of course.
Alternatively, to obtain your PQP card, you should ensure you possess a valid membership type for a CSCS-approved professional body.
A each CSCS-approved professional body will have their own membership requirements based on your current employment or education status and experience, it’s worth discussing your aspirations with them directly to discover the best route to membership for you.
Once you’ve achieved the required qualification or membership, you will also need to successfully complete the CITB HS&E test for managers and professionals or the alternative CIC Health and Safety Test before you can apply for your desired white CSCS card.
Apply online with CSCS
Once you’ve become a member of a CSCS-approved professional body or have achieved one of the accepted qualifications, you can apply for the relevant white CSCS card online.
Either log into your existing account or register as a new user, then find and fill in the relevant application form along with the necessary proof of your eligibility.
For AQP card applications, you must provide proof that you hold an accepted qualification, whereas PQP card applications should include proof that you hold current membership of the professional body at the accepted level.
This proof should show the membership certificate for the current calendar year, both sides of the membership card also with the current calendar year, and an up-to-date letter or email from the professional body confirming membership for the same year.
They’ll also require proof of receipt of payment for your membership for the same year alongside a dated screenshot of your current membership from your professional body’s website. If your membership isn’t renewed on time or is revoked, you could have your PQP card revoked without notice.
You’ll also need to provide CSCS with a passport-style photo of yourself and proof that you passed the necessary CITB or CIC health and safety test. The final step required for all CSCS cards is to then pay an application fee of £36.
Please bear in mind, however, that white CSCS card application requirements may vary according to your specific circumstances, so contact CSCS directly for more tailored and up-to-date guidance.
Renewing a CSCS white card in the future
The CSCS has provided limited information regarding the renewal of AQP white CSCS cards using IA.
Instead, they recommend using their card finder tool to search for your specific qualification and find out whether it can be used to obtain your white CSCS card.
As mentioned previously, a PQP white CSCS card cannot be renewed, so you’ll need to apply for a new one instead.
Contact SB Skills Solutions today
Looking for professional support with obtaining your white CSCS card? At SB Skills Solutions, we take the time to fully understand your construction industry role and career aspirations.
With this information, our team can use their invaluable experience and knowledge to help you achieve the necessary CSCS course training and qualifications. To learn more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today.
You can either give us a call on 01695 558 420, email us at info@sbskills.co.uk, or use our convenient online contact form to get in touch. Alternatively, you can always use our course booking feature to register your interest.
