No card, no site — but getting one is simpler and cheaper than the "agents" want you to believe. Three things, in the right order, and you're on site in a couple of weeks.
Checked August 2026 on official sources (CITB prices from 1 April 2026). Course price varies by provider and online vs classroom — shop around, the qualification is identical. The Level 1 Award never expires.
For the Green Labourer card, the CITB test alone is not enough — you also need the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (RQF Level 1 / SCQF equivalent). It's a one-day course, online or classroom, with a short exam at the end. Pass it once and it's valid for life. Book directly with an accredited training provider — compare a few, prices vary a lot for the same certificate.
A 45-minute touch-screen test, 50 multiple-choice questions, at test centres across the whole UK — slots usually within days. The pass mark is high (around 45 of 50 — CITB confirms the current mark when you book), so practise first: our free CSCS mock test works in 7 languages. Since February 2025 your Operatives test pass is valid for 3 years.
Apply online with your Level 1 Award certificate and your test pass. Pay £36 by card. Once approved, the digital card appears in the My CSCS app almost immediately — you can show it at the gate while the plastic card arrives by post.
Since February 2025 the first Labourer card lasts 2 years; renew it and you get 5 years if you confirm you're working as a labourer. And the Green card is the entry ticket, not the ceiling: with an NVQ Level 2 in a trade you move to the skilled Blue card — better sites, better money. When you're ready for that step, write to us — qualifications are where we come from.
"CSCS card without a test, £250, tomorrow" on Facebook or WhatsApp — it's a fake. Sites scan cards electronically with CSCS Smart Check; a fake is caught at the gate, and you can lose the chance to ever work for that contractor.
"Agents" charging £400+ for "sorting everything" — they book the same course, same test and same application you can book yourself, and pocket the difference.
Never give anyone your login details for CITB or CSCS accounts. You don't need an intermediary for any step on this page.
Join the Graftum Network free — we track your card's expiry and remind you before it runs out (remember: the first one lasts only 2 years). Plus a free professional CV and job opportunities on your trade, in your language.
Join free — 2 minutesRealistically £160–£260 all in: course £100–£200, test £23.50, card £36. Much more than that and someone's charging you a middleman fee.
CITB offers voice-overs and language support for several languages — ask when you book. And practise beforehand in your own language with our free mock test.
Usually 1–3 weeks: course one day, test within days, digital card in the app right after approval.
It's not the law — it's the industry standard. Major contractors require it at the gate, so in practice: no card, no site.
Different process, simpler — see our CSCS renewal guide. And for the electrician's ECS card, see the ECS guide.
Log your worked days, see what you're owed, keep your CSCS cards with expiry alerts, your CIS money and a dated proof when someone doesn't pay. Free forever, in 7 languages.
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