How to Renew Your CSCS Card: Everything You Need to Know

Renewing your CSCS card is a vital step in maintaining your ability to work on construction sites across the UK. Whether you hold a Green Labourer Card, a Blue Skilled Worker Card, a Gold Supervisory Card, or another CSCS card type, understanding the renewal process ensures that you stay compliant with site requirements and health and safety standards.

This guide explains how to renew your CSCS card, who is eligible, what documents you need, how long the renewal takes, how much it costs, and how to renew it online.

Let’s begin by understanding what renewal means and why it matters.

What Is CSCS Card Renewal and Why Is It Important?

A CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme card) is widely recognised as proof that a worker has the required training, qualifications and health & safety awareness to work safely on construction sites in the UK. Every CSCS card has an expiry date, and renewal is necessary to continue accessing sites and carrying out site-based tasks.

Renewal matters because:

 1. Your CSCS card proves you’re competent and qualified

Construction companies rely on CSCS cards to ensure workers understand safety procedures and meet the correct skill level for their role. A card that has expired may no longer be accepted on-site.

 2. Out-of-date cards can cause access issues

If your CSCS card expires, you may find yourself turned away from the site until you renew it. Many contractors require valid proof of training and competence at all times.

3. It keeps your training and knowledge up to date

Renewal ensures that your health, safety and environmental awareness is current. This is particularly important given how frequently safety standards evolve.

4. Renewal supports ongoing career progression

If you’re upgrading from a Green CSCS Labourer Card to a Blue or Gold CSCS card, the renewal process allows you to update qualifications and progress as a skilled or supervisory worker.

Understanding CSCS card renewal requirements helps reduce delays and ensures your renewal is approved the first time.

If you are ready to renew your CSCS card, you can do so through our online renewal service: Renew your CSCS card.

How to Renew Your CSCS Card (Step-by-Step Guide)

The renewal process is straightforward once you understand the steps.

Below is the complete step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Check Your CSCS Card Expiry Date

Every CSCS card displays its expiry date. You can also check it by using our CSCS online card checker. Most CSCS cards can be renewed up to 6 months before the expiry date.

If your card has already expired, don’t worry—most cards can still be renewed, although you may need to resubmit qualifications or retake the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test.

Cards you can renew after expiry:

• Green Labourer Card

• Blue Skilled Worker Card

• Gold Supervisor or Advanced Craft Card

• Red Trainee or Provisional Cards (depending on validity)

If you have an expired card and are unsure whether you qualify for renewal, see how to renew different CSCS cards.

Step 2: Confirm That Your Qualifications Are Still Valid

To renew your CSCS card, you need to provide proof of qualifications that match the type of card you’re renewing.

For example:

• Green CSCS Labourer Card renewal requires the Level 1 Health & Safety Awareness qualification (valid for 5 years).
  
  

• Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card renewal requires an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
  
  

• Gold CSCS Card renewal requires an NVQ Level 3 or Level 4, depending on your category.
  
  

• Supervisory and managerial role renewals may require updated qualifications.

If your qualification has expired or is no longer recognised, you may need to complete an updated course before renewing your card.

Step 3: Book and Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test

Regardless of which type of CSCS card you hold, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Operatives Test (or the appropriate Specialist/Supervisory version). This is commonly referred to as the CITB test.

Why do you need the CITB test again?

The CITB test ensures all workers maintain up-to-date safety knowledge. It is required every time you renew your card, even if your qualifications remain valid.

Preparing for the CITB test:

You can use:

• CITB revision material

• CITB test preparation books

• CITB mock tests

Passing the CITB test is essential; without it, your renewal cannot go ahead.

Step 4: Submit Your CSCS Card Renewal Application

Once you have:

• Your valid qualifications

• your CITB HS&E test result

—you can apply to renew your CSCS card.

You will need:

• Your test result number

• Details of your qualifications

• Personal identification

• A digital copy of your training certificate (if required)

• Payment for the renewal fee

Most people now choose to renew their CSCS card online, as it is faster, simpler and allows you to upload documents instantly.

Your renewed card will normally be valid for five years, depending on the card type.

If you are ready to renew your CSCS card, you can do so through our online renewal service: Renew your CSCS card.

How to Renew Different Types of CSCS Cards

Different cards have slightly different requirements. Here’s a clear guide to the main card types.

How to Renew a Green CSCS Card (Labourer Card)

The Green CSCS Labourer Card is one of the most commonly renewed cards across the industry.

Requirements:

• Valid Level 1 Health & Safety Awareness qualification (or equivalent)
  
  

• CITB Health, Safety & Environment Operatives Test (passed within the last 2 years)

If your qualification has expired, you may need to complete a new Level 1 HSA course before applying.

How to Renew a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card

The Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card requires skilled qualifications.

Requirements:

• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)

• CITB HS&E test (Operatives or Specialist, depending on trade)

If your NVQ has not expired, renewal is straightforward.

How to Renew a Gold CSCS Card

There are two types of Gold cards:

• Gold Supervisory CSCS Card

• Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card

Requirements:

• Level 3 NVQ (Advanced Craft)

• Level 3 or Level 4 NVQ (Supervision)

• Appropriate CITB test (Supervisor or Specialist)

Gold cards often require more documentation since supervisory roles must demonstrate updated competence.

How to Renew an Expired CSCS Card

If your card has expired, you can usually still renew it—there is no penalty for renewing late.

However, you will still need:

• Up-to-date CITB test

• Valid qualifications

If your card has been expired for a long time, you may need to re-take the relevant qualification.

You can renew your CSCS card through our online renewal service: Renew your CSCS card.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a CSCS Card?

CSCS card renewal fee

The CSCS card renewal fee is typically £36, the standard price set by CSCS.

CITB test cost

To renew your card, you must take the CITB test, which costs £23.50.

Total estimated cost

Most workers pay around £59.50–£75, depending on whether any additional qualifications or replacement certificates are required.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a CSCS Card?

On average, renewing a CSCS card takes:

• 10–20 minutes to apply online

• Up to 24 hours for processing (if documents are correct)

• 3–5 working days for delivery

If additional documents are required, the renewal may take longer. Fast-track options depend on the provider.

Renewing Your CSCS Card Online

More workers choose to renew their cards digitally because it is quick, efficient, and prevents delays associated with paperwork.

Benefits of renewing your CSCS card online:

• Instant document upload

• No postal delays

• Faster card delivery

• Easier renewal tracking

• Accessible on mobile

Online applications generally provide the most reliable and quickest method of renewal.

What You Need Before Applying

Before beginning your renewal, you should have:

• Your CSCS card number

• CITB HS&E test result (passed within 2 years)

• Proof of qualifications (if required)

• Valid ID

• Payment method

Meeting the CSCS card renewal requirements ensures your application is processed without delays.

Common Reasons a CSCS Card Renewal Is Rejected

Most renewal refusals come down to missing or outdated documentation. Here are the most common issues:

1. Expired qualifications

Your NVQ or Level 1 HSA qualification may need updating.

2. Wrong CITB test taken

Each card type requires a specific HS&E test.

3. Incorrect card type selected

Choosing the wrong CSCS category leads to delays.

4. Trying to upgrade instead of renew

Upgrading requires new qualifications—not just renewal.

5. Missing documents

All certificates must be uploaded correctly.

Understanding these common mistakes can help your renewal go smoothly.

Apply for Your CSCS Card Renewal Today

You must have completed the CITB HS&E test within the last 2 years to renew your CSCS card.

If you still need to pass the test, you can book it through our CITB test booking service.

If you already have a valid test result, complete our CSCS card renewal form and renew your card today.

Frequently Asked Questions About CSCS Card Renewal

Can I renew my CSCS card early?

Yes. You can renew up to 6 months before expiry.

Can I renew a CSCS card for free?

No. There is no free renewal option, although some employers may cover the cost.

Do I need to retake the CITB test?

Yes. This is required for every renewal.

Can I work with an expired CSCS card?

Some sites may allow a short grace period, but most major contractors require a valid card at all times.

Does my CSCS card renewal last 5 years?

Most CSCS cards are valid for five years, depending on the type.