Do You Need an NVQ for a Green CSCS Card?

If you’re a new worker or a general labourer aiming for a career on UK construction sites, securing the Green CSCS Card is your essential first step for site access. Given the industry’s focus on qualifications, many new entrants wonder if they need to complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to get started. Since NVQs are assessed on existing competency, you don’t need one of these qualifications to get a Green Card- but you do need to pass the HSA course.

Green CSCS Card

The Core Requirements for Site Access

The Green Card, officially the Labourer Card, requires proof that you have achieved a minimum level of health and safety knowledge. This requirement is met by successfully completing two non-NVQ components:

The Qualification: You must pass the one-day CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course.
The Test: You must pass the separate CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Test for Operatives.

These two steps certify your awareness of site safety principles, which is different from the occupational competence certified by an NVQ.

When You Need an NVQ for a Green CSCS Card

The primary reason NVQs are not required for the Green Card is because that card is specifically for those undertaking non-skilled roles (labourers). NVQs are essential for higher-level CSCS cards, which confirm professional competence:

Blue Skilled Worker Card: Requires a relevant NVQ at Level 2.
Gold Supervisory Card: Requires a relevant NVQ at Level 3 or Level 4.
Black Manager Card: Requires a relevant NVQ at Level 6 or Level 7.

Green is your entry point, intended to get you safely inducted onto a site so you can begin working and potentially progress toward those NVQ qualifications later in your career.

CITB HSA

Frequently Asked Questions