There are eleven different types of CSCS card available in London and nationwide. Each colour denotes a different level of qualification or experience.

The first level is red. Red cards show either that an employee has completed a CSCS Health, Safety and Environment test but does not have the qualifications needed to be considered a skilled worker or that they have passed a basic NVQ or SVQ but need more practical time on the job to be considered experienced. This usually applies to graduates with industry recognised qualifications but no experience.

The next level up is green. Green cards are for operatives who carry out  basic site skills. After green comes blue, which are for skilled workers, gold which are for skilled workers or supervisors and black for managers. Finally there are white and yellow or white and grey cards which are for Proffesionally Qualified Persons, such as architects, who need access to sites. Yellow cards are for for regular visitors who have passed a basic Health, Safety & Environment test.

So what do you need to get to the next level? NVQs and SVQs are the industry standard qualifications which are used for progression through the CSCS levels. For example, to qualify for the black managers card you usually need to have a level 4 (or higher) NVQ or SVQ  as well as the Managerial and Professional Health & Safety qualification.

There are many senior people in construction who have got where they are through hardwork and experience. The CSCS scheme takes this into account. Managers with no qualifications can get a black card through either the Experienced Manager card or the the Profiled Route for highly competent managers.