How to Get a Gold Supervisory CSCS Card

If you are in a supervisory position within the construction industry, then the Gold Supervisory CSCS card provides proof of your competence to employers.

Here, we explain what you need to apply for a Gold Supervisory CSCS Card, how to apply, and the benefits it can offer you.

What is the Gold CSCS Card?

The Gold Supervisory CSCS card is issued by Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and is one of several different types of CSCS cards .

The CSCS has the aim of increasing safety on construction sites, and ensuring that people working in construction work to proper industry standards, carrying out their roles safely and effectively.

The CSCS card system recognises the competencies of card holders. The Gold Card applies to people at a supervisory level.

Which Trades Require a Gold CSCS Card?

Basically, if you are going to supervise workers within the construction industry, you will need a Gold Supervisory CSCS card.

CSCS cards are for construction-related occupations only, and you require a Gold Card to supervise a broad range of trades within construction, including:

• Bricklaying
• Carpentry and joinery
• Roofing
• Steel fixing and erecting
• Steel 
• Electrical installation
• Plastering

How Long Does it Take to Get a Gold CSCS Card?

First, you need to take a relevant NVQ or SVQ course.

Once you have completed and passed your course, then you can apply for the Gold CSCS card.

NVQ courses vary in length, and some contain both mandatory and optional units, which will make a difference to how long it takes you to complete your chosen course.

Typically, a supervisory NVQ takes around six to nine months to complete and includes an onsite assessment visit.

What Qualifications Do You Need for a Gold CSCS Card?

There are two main types of qualification you need to apply for a Gold Supervisor CSCS card.

But, if you have already achieved the Level 3 or Level 4 NVQ, within the last two years, then you do not need to take the CITB HS&E test.

This is because the NVQ covers the essential health and safety elements that are in the HS&E test.

What are the Benefits of the Gold CSCS Card?

Because the aim of CSCS is to drive up and maintain industry standards, employers and managers are looking for construction workers who have achieved these recognised qualifications.

Even if you are already an experienced supervisor working in the construction industry, without the Gold Supervisory CSCS card, you cannot demonstrate you have a nationally recognised level of competence in your role.

Gaining a Gold CSCS card is going to provide far more career opportunities for you, and help you compete more effectively on the job front.

Plus, all employers in construction must comply with Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015, which means they must ensure that all workers have the correct level of skills, knowledge and experience.

Therefore, you are unlikely to be able to work on most sites without a relevant and valid CSCS card.

How Do You Apply for a Gold CSCS Card?

You can apply for your Gold CSCS card directly to CSCS. The recommended route to do this is to apply online.

You will need a copy of your qualification certificate, showing you have passed the relevant courses and the test ID number of your CITB Health, Safety & Environment test.

How much does this all cost?

There is no industry standard of pricing as it all depends on the NVQ you undertake and the company you choose. To find out about the price of NVQs with SB Skills Solutions, give us a call on 01695 558 420.

The Health, Safety and Environment test for operatives will cost you £21 through Pearson Vue and the card application fee is £36.

How Do You Renew Your Gold CSCS Card?

The Gold Supervisory CSCS Card is valid for five years. You must renew this card after five years if you want to continue using it.

You can do this by applying online to CSCS. When you renew, you must be able to prove you have the qualifications that match the card’s requirements. The good news is that NVQs do not expire, so if you have these qualifications, they are for life.