If you need to obtain a CSCS card but do not have the relevant qualification, please contact us and we will advise you what you need to do.
If you need to obtain a CSCS card but do not have the relevant qualification, please contact us and we will advise you what you need to do.
Since September 2017 GQA Qualifications has been an issuer of CSCS cards for those achieving a GQA Construction related qualification, including, but not limited to occupations such as Labourers, Bricklayers, Steel Fixers and Site Supervisors.
Additionally, GQA is the only organisation issuing cards for the Glass and Glazing industries.
This arrangement covers new issue Temporary and Apprenticeship cards (Red), Full cards (Blue, Gold and Black) and all renewals for expiring and expired cards. It applies to GQA candidates and achievers and all other Awarding Organisations offering Glass and Glazing and Construction industry related qualifications.
The card application form contains more detail on how to apply, and a full and comprehensive set of scheme rules is available from GQA.
The following three images show the card types available from GQA (from 2 June 2025) for the Construction industry, covering all GQA Qualifications related trades in the sector.
Red Card – the GQA Red CSCS Q-Card can be either a temporary card, a trainee card or an apprentice card. The card is valid for 12 months (trainee and temporary) and 2 years (apprentice) and they are not renewable.
To be eligible for a Red card you need to have proof of registration on a relevant, role specific qualification (temporary or trainee card) or a relevant, formal, Government funded Apprenticeship programme (Apprentice card). In addition you must have passed either the GQA CSCS H&S test or the CITB H&S test within the last 2 years.
Blue, Gold or Black Card – the GQA Blue, Gold or Black CSCS Q-Cards are ‘full’ cards issued based on achievement of a role specific qualification and are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. In addition you must have passed either the GQA CSCS H&S test or the CITB H&S test within the last 2 years.
Green Card – the GQA CSCS Q-Card is also available to achievers of the GQA Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety. The Labourer card is valid for two years on first application. Workers who continue in labouring roles can renew for five years by providing evidence they are employed in a labouring role. A GQA H&S test or CITB Health, Safety and Environmental test used for the initial two year card application only is valid for three years, allowing it to be used for renewal.
Do not apply for this card if you work in a skilled occupation – it is for unskilled workers only and shows employers the holder is not on a recognised training pathway. You will be refused entry to site if you work in a skilled occupation but hold a Labourer card.
Eligibility :
Temporary and Apprentice Cards require proof of registration on a role specific qualification and completion of either the CITB Health, Safety and Environmental touch screen test or the GQA Health and Safety test. This H&S evidence must have been completed within the 2 years preceding application. Full cards require proof of role specific qualification achievement and the same H&S evidence as above.
Please note we will require proof from the relevant Awarding Organisation that registration/certification evidence is authentic and reserve the right to pass on any related costs.
For further information, please see the GQA Q-Card Scheme Rules and Requirements.
Additional information about CSCS Cards can be found by visiting CSCS.UK.com and the Partner Card Schemes page CLICK HERE for more information or the BuildUK.org website CLICK HERE for the latest FAQs.
The GQA CSCS Q-card indicates that the card holder has demonstrated knowledge and skills in accordance with national occupational standards, with information on achievements, and any related GQA accredited training being accessible by scanning the card on the CSCS Smart Check app. Cards can also be validated by calling the GQA Office on 01142 720033.
Construction roles with a GQA issued qualification (see list of occupations at the bottom of this page) and all roles within the Glass and Glazing industries, including a number of roles previously issued with CRO cards.
A number of GQA Approved Centres offer the GQA version, the CITB touch screen test can be booked online here.
‘Yes, all GQA CSCS Cards issued from January 2021 will follow the same colour scheme as other CSCS cards.’
The cards have a QR code on them which can be read by the CSCS Smart Check app. GQA contact details are also included on the card.
As of June 2025, CSCS Q cards will contain a chip and be “smart”.
From time to time we hear of fraudulent cards being in circulation. The best way to ensure that cards are genuine is to scan them using the CSCS Smart Checker app.
If you are a site manager and believe a card is fraudulent then in the first instance please phone GQA Qualifications on 0114 272 0033 or email them on info@gqaqualifications.com
CITB has an ongoing campaign to ensure sites are aware of any changes to types of cards, the GQA Q-Card carries the CSCS logo to comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements under the “one Industry Logo” action in 2015.
No, from September 1st 2017, the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass Industry is GQA Qualifications.
GQA aim to issue cards within 7 working days of receiving required information and payment.
Cards are posted by recorded delivery. Cards are sent to the address supplied on the application form or as requested by the training centre. Please note that recorded delivery requires someone to be present to accept and sign for the card. We cannot be held responsible for any delays resulting from no-one being present in the household, or for non-collection from any Royal Mail delivery office. GQA reserves the right to charge for any cards re-issued as a result of non-collection / receipt.
There is no current provision for GQA to contact card-holders; the expiry date of the card will be clearly visible on the card and its the cardholder’s responsibility to apply for a renewal.
Complete the application form here
Any incorrect / incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. GQA will carry out visual checks of all supporting evidence and validity checks on all qualification and H&S evidence provided as part of the application. Attempts to use false documentation as part of an application will be treated seriously and made known to relevant parties, including CITB.
If an application is rejected for incomplete or incorrect information the applicant will be informed and advised of what is required to allow the application to be progressed.
Yes, GQA Qualifications has an Appeals Procedure, information will be provided on request.