Black CSCS Card

Routes to the Black CSCS Managers Card

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) aims to increase safety on construction sites and ensure that those in the construction industry work to an industry standard and have the ability to carry out their role safely and effectively.

The Black CSCS card demonstrates that you have the skills,  knowledge, experience and capability to manage in a construction environment.

The only way to access a Black CSCS (manager level) card is to complete a construction-related NVQ or SVQ.

See the bottom of this page for the NVQs CADUK offer that lead to the Black CSCS Card.

What about the Profiled Route (Grandfather Rights)?

Industry Accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. This was closed to new applicants in 2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis, until now.

All cards issued under Industry Accreditation/Grandfather Rights will expire on 31st December 2024 and only those that have completed a competence-based assessment (NVQ) will be able to renew their card.

After 31st December 2024, all Black CSCS card holders who accessed the card through IA/Grandfather Rights will need to complete a construction-related NVQ at Level 5, 6 or 7.

I have a degree, can I apply for the Black CSCS card?

The Black CSCS card is linked to a Level 5, 6 or 7 NVQ which demonstrates occupational competence and confirms the skills, knowledge and experience of an individual that has been gained over time in a real-world construction site environment. 

The Black CSCS card is therefore is not accessible to those that have achieved an academic qualification (i.e a degree) but only have limited, or no actual experience on-site.

If you have a construction related HNC, HND or degree you are however eligible to apply for the White AQP (Academically Qualified Persons) CSCS card.

Do I need to pass the CITB Health and Safety test?

Yes. Up until a few years ago, learners that had achieved a Construction Management NVQ within two years were exempt from having to to pass the CITB  Health Safety and Environment Test.

This exemption has unfortunately now closed and all Black CSCS card applicants now need to complete the CITB Managers and Professionals (MAP) Health, Safety and Environment Test.  You can book this test online by clicking here.

An NVQ is a UK regulated qualification and therefore does not ever expire. The Black CSCS card however is valid for five years, after which time you will need to pass the latest CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test in order to renew the card.

is it a legal requirement to hold a CSCS card?

There is no legal obligation to have a card before you work on a construction site, however all the major contractors who are members of UKCG have agreed that workers on their sites need to have a CSCS card. The law requires that those participating in construction work must be competent.

But, I'm already employed without a CSCS card?

If you’re in work at the moment it’s the perfect time to ‘future-proof’ yourself by completing an NVQ Level 5, 6 or 7 and accessing the Black CSCS card. It’s much harder to complete an NVQ once you’re out of work and you may find it difficult to access the work without the Black CSCS card!

Holding the Black CSCS card will undoubtedly increase your work opportunities and earning potential in the UK. Most recruitment agents in the Construction industry specifically state that the applicant “must be a CSCS card holder”.

Employers in Construction need to demonstrate compliance to Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM 2015) by ensuring that everyone working on the project has the correct level of skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their role safely.

Many of these companies actually state on their websites that they are “working towards a 100% CSCS accredited workforce”. Adopting this scheme throughout the business maximises their tendering success by demonstrating that their projects are run safely, with high quality standards.

I need a CSCS card urgently, what can I do?

While a Construction related NVQ is being achieved, the Red ‘TSM’ Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager CSCS card can be applied for. This card is available to Supervisors and Managers with on the job experience (normally at least one year in the last three). The card is issued on a on a temporary basis, it is valid for three years and cannot be renewed. A relevant construction NVQ must be achieved within this time.

How long will it take to complete an NVQ?

Achievement of these management-level NVQs is largely down to the candidate’s own motivation.

We provide support for a period of 12 months from the date of registration, however these qualification is realistically achievable in less than 4 weeks given the appropriate commitment.

Many of our Level 6 & 7 candidates are complete within 4-12 weeks.

Which NVQs will enable me to apply for the Black CSCS card?

CADUK offer the following NVQs at Level 6 & 7 that provide access to the Black CSCS card:

Check out our latest articles

and Google reviews

The following articles are related to the Black CSCS card. Continue further down the page to view some of our Google reviews left by previous learners on Level 5, 6 and 7 NVQs.
David Andrews MCIOB
David Andrews MCIOB
Doha Metro (Qatar)
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I have completed my NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management and I cannot speak highly enough of all members of their team. They provided me with an excellent service throughout and it was money well spent. I gained a vast amount of knowledge from each completed unit and it has already shown its benefits with instant career progression. Thank you to you all at CADUK.
Neil James MCIOB
Neil James MCIOB
West Midlands Safari Park
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Great service, support and tutorship throughout. I have developed more than I ever expected going through my Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management. I would highly recommend CADUK to anyone wishing to develop themselves and gain a recognised construction based NVQ qualification.
Michael O'Byrne MCIOB
Michael O'Byrne MCIOB
Colmore Tang Construction Ltd
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I recently completed the NVQ Level 7 in Senior Construction Management and immediately went on to get my CSCS Black Management Card. I then successfully applied for MCIOB, Chartered Construction Manager. The support and encouragement I got from the team was fantastic. This has opened up a lot of doors for me and I highly recommend using CADUK.
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Ewan Davies-Smith MCIOB
Ewan Davies-Smith MCIOB
Babcock International Group
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I have completed my NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management and I cannot speak highly enough of all members of their team. They provided me with an excellent service throughout and it was money well spent. I gained a vast amount of knowledge from each completed unit and it has already shown its benefits with instant career progression. Thank you to you all at CADUK.
Colin Christian MCIOB
Colin Christian MCIOB
Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Ltd
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Just completed an NVQ7 with CADUK and found the whole process well managed and straightforward. Easy to apply, and the portfolio system allows you to work seamlessly across a number of platforms. Good support and communications throughout from the team at CADUK and the assigned tutor for your course. A great experience and highly recommended for anyone trying to balance study with a full time role.
Darren Allen MCIOB
Darren Allen MCIOB
Bluu Qatar
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The opportunity to study with CADUK provides a platform for the future in the Middle East. It's the most direct route into the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) that is recognised worldwide. For me personally obtaining the Level 7 was money well spent. I achieved a qualification that suited my lifestyle and allowed me to obtain corporate identity within an established institute. Keep up the good work CADUK, you make a difference in people's lives!
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