SHEA and CSCS Card Changes: What You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about the upcoming changes to SHEA and CSCS Cards
An Overview
From 1 October 2026, passing a SHEA course will no longer give you a CSCS card.
Previously, your SHEA registration was automatically printed onto a CSCS Green Labourer card. Going forward, SHEA and CSCS will be separated. Health & safety awareness and occupational competence will be verified independently.
In practice, this means that most learners will need two things: a SHEA registration, plus the EUSR CSCS card that matches their role.
Nothing about the SHEA courses themselves will change, and if you already hold a SHEA card with the CSCS logo, it will still be valid until it expires.
What’s Changing?
Until October 2026, your SHEA registration is printed onto a CSCS Green Labourer card. Passing a SHEA course gives you both SHEA registration, and a CSCS card- for one fee.
Once the changes come into effect, you will receive a EUSR SHEA card without the CSCS logo. If you also need a CSCS card, you’ll apply for this separately- whichever card matches your job role. This means you’ll need to pay two fees– one for SHEA registration, and one for your CSCS card.
For many labourers, the relevant CSCS card will be the new EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card, which is available from August 2026.
Which CSCS Card Do I Need?
Your CSCS card depends on your job role, rather than which SHEA course you take.
Labourer
- Card: New EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card – £15 + VAT (available from 3 August 2026)
- You’ll need: A valid SHEA registration
- One card covers Gas, Water and Power
Skilled worker, supervisor or manager
- Card: Role-specific Blue or Gold CSCS card – £20 + VAT
- You’ll need: A valid SHEA registration plus a Level 2 (or higher) qualification, such as an NVQ, or a USRO-approved equivalent
Trainee / experienced worker
- Card: Trainee or Experienced Worker CSCS card
- You’ll need: A valid SHEA registration
- This card is designed for those working towards a qualification, or who are experienced but not yet fully qualified
Apprentice
- Card: Apprentice card – free (at the time of writing)
- This is the only card where a CITB HS&E Operative test pass is accepted in place of SHEA
Please note: employer endorsement is no longer an available route. Industry Accreditation (employer vouching for your experience) ended in December 2024.
What’s Not Changing?
- SHEA courses: the content, delivery and assessment will be unchanged
- SHEA validity: 5 years for SHEA Gas, and 3 years for all other SHEA schemes
- Existing SHEA cards: if you have a card that was issued prior to 30 September 2026, the card will retain the CSCS logo until expiry. This includes replacements for lost or damaged cards
Key Dates
- 3 August 2026: New EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card made available
- 30 September 2026: The last day SHEA passes will come with an automatic CSCS card
- 1 October 2026: SHEA and CSCS are fully separated, and the new application process applies
What Should I Do Now?
- Booked on a SHEA course prior to 1 October 2026? Nothing changes for you. Your card will stay valid until it expires.
- Booking on a SHEA course after 1 October 2026? Check which CSCS card matches your job role, and factor in the second fee. Skilled workers should gather qualification evidence ready for their application.
- Not sure which card you need? Contact us and we’ll point you to the right one.
View Our EUSR SHEA Courses
FAQs: SHEA and CSCS Card Changes
Do I need to resit my SHEA course?
No. SHEA course content and assessment are unchanged, and existing registrations remain valid until expiry.
My SHEA card has a CSCS logo on it. Is it still valid?
Yes. Cards issued before 30 September 2026 keep their status until they expire, including replacements for lost or damaged cards.
Do I need a separate card for Gas, Water and Power?
No. The new Utilities Labourer card covers all three.
Can my employer vouch for my experience instead of a qualification?
No. Industry Accreditation ended in December 2024; employer endorsement is no longer a route to certification.
How much does the EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card cost?
The card costs £15 + VAT, and is available from 3 August.
