What Is The Red CSCS Card?
The Red CSCS Card is the most basic CSCS Card. It denotes to your employers and the owners of building sites that you are registered for a Construction NVQ or SVQ and are currently training towards a skilled qualification or that you have graduated with a recognised construction qualification. You are eligible for a CSCS Red Card as soon as you have passed your CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test.
Why do I need a Red CSCS Card?
The Red CSCS Card is your first step on the road to achieving the construction roles that you want. The NVQ is an industry wide standard for skills, competence and experience. By owning a CSCS Red Card you will prove both your current level of achievement and your enrolment in a trade specific NVQ that will allow you to progress through the CSCS Card scheme. CSCS Cards of all types are increasingly in demand by site owners and employers. Without the right CSCS Card you are less likely to find the roles you are looking for.
How the Red CSCS Card Works
Your Red CSCS Card will display your photograph; your full name; and your registration number. It will also have a CSCS Smart Card Chip embedded in it. The Chip has all your personal details (name; nationality; date of birth; current level of NVQ) stored on it and can be read when the Red CSCS Smart Card is inserted into a Smart Card Reader. The Reader and Chip facility allows managers and employers to check that the holder of a Red CSCS Card is who they say they are - and hence is properly qualified for their role.
Variants of the Red CSCS Card
There are some variants of the Red CSCS Card, which are supplied to experienced construction workers who have missed their opportunity to take an industry qualification: or to appropriately qualified persons outside of the NVQ system.
The Experienced Worker Red CSCS Card denotes that an unqualified worker is enrolled for a relevant Construction NVQ and is studying towards it. The Red Experienced Worker CSCS Card is valid for one year (while you study for your Construction NVQ) and is not renewable.
The Trainee Red CSCS Card is available for individuals who have registered for a Construction NVQ and passed the relevant CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test.
The Graduate Red CSCS Card is open to candidates who have graduated from a university or college with a relevant qualification. Your Red Graduate CSCS Card is valid for three years and has no trades or qualifications attached to it. You will need to pass the MAP Health, Safety & Environment Test (Managerial and Professional).
The Red Experienced Technician, Supervisor or Manager CSCS Card is for experienced supervisory, technical and management personnel who have the experience but not the Construction NVQ, The Card is issued while you study for Construction NVQ Levels 3, 4, or 5.
What do I need to get a Red CSCS Card
You will have to have passed a CSCS Test before you can apply for your Red CSCS Card. Please call 0844 682 0844 or
click here to book your CSCS Test
To qualify for a Trainee Red CSCS Card you will have to be registered for a Construction NVQ. If you have not applied for a Red CSCS Card already you can do so by calling 0844 682 0844 or visit
www.cscsdirect.co.uk
Loss, Replacement and Validity of Your Red CSCS Card
Your Trainee Red CSCS Card is valid for three years, and may be renewed for a further three years on application. The Red CSCS Card for Graduates is valid for three years and can be renewed after three years. The CSCS Red Card for Experienced Technician, Supervisor or Management personnel is valid for three years and is non renewable. The Red Card for Experienced Workers is valid for one year and is not renewable. Where Red Cards are not renewable, it is expected that you will replace them with the appropriate Skilled Worker or Management Card once you have achieved the relevant Construction NVQ.
Next Steps after Achieving Your Red CSCS Card
You can open up further employment opportunities for yourself by moving from your Red CSCS Card to a Green CSCS Card. Talk to CSCS DIRECT about the next level of your Construction NVQ and the next steps to take in your career.
