GQA CSCS cards confirm that individuals working in the Glass, Fenestration, and core construction sectors have the appropriate training and qualifications for their roles. Cards are based on recognised qualifications, such as NVQs/SVQs, and the relevant Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test.
Aligned with the Building Safety Act 2022, which defines competency as having the right Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours (SKEB), the CSCS card scheme supports legal and industry requirements to demonstrate workforce competence and improve safety standards.
It is essential to apply for the correct CSCS card that reflects your role and. qualification. Holding the wrong card may result in refused site access.
The following card types are available from GQA (from 2 June 2025) for the Construction and Glass and Glazing industries.
*It’s essential to apply for the correct GQA CSCS card that reflects your role and qualification. Holding the wrong card may result in refused site access.
Labourer
Skilled Worker
Temporary, Trainee, or Apprentice
Advanced Craft / Supervisor
Manager
Trainee
Take one of the following easy routes to obtaining the right CSCS card for your role. In each route the card will be sent to your home address and will also be available digitally.
When applying online make sure you have all the documentation ready to upload including driving licence/passport, Health & Safety Test certificate and qualification certificate.
The centre will provide a one-stop-shop service for the qualification, GQA Health & Safety Test and CSCS Card application process.
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Core construction roles and all roles within the Glass and Glazing industries that are issued with a GQA qualification, 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 CSCS 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.