Apprentice Card: requirements and how to apply

The CSCS Apprentice Card is designed for people who are registered on a recognised construction-related apprenticeship and need access to construction sites while completing their training.

It confirms that you are undertaking an approved apprenticeship towards a recognised construction occupation and have completed the required health and safety test or an accepted alternative.

The Apprentice Card is issued free of charge by CSCS for eligible applicants.

It is valid for four years and six months and cannot be renewed. You are expected to complete your apprenticeship during this period and then apply for the appropriate skilled CSCS card.

Ideal for people who are starting or currently completing a recognised construction apprenticeship and need a CSCS card while gaining their qualification and workplace experience.

Depending on your apprenticeship, this may include people training in trades, technical occupations, engineering, construction management and other recognised construction roles.

Typical roles

• Apprentice Bricklayer

• Apprentice Carpenter or Joiner

• Apprentice Painter and Decorator

• Apprentice Groundworker

• Apprentice Construction Plant Mechanic

• Apprentice Civil Engineering Technician

• Apprentice Quantity Surveying Technician

• Apprentice Construction Technician

• Apprentice Engineering Technician

• Apprentice Highways Operative

• Apprentice Formworker

• Apprentice Construction Supervisor

• Other recognised construction apprenticeships

Important to Get Enrolment Evidence Form

Your Employer, Training Provider or Managing Agency should normally complete the CSCS Enrolment Evidence Form confirming your apprenticeship details.

The form should include information such as:

• Your full name

• Full title of your apprenticeship

• Apprenticeship standard or framework

• Qualification or pathway where applicable

• Date of registration

• Relevant CSCS occupation

• Training provider, employer or managing agency details

• Contact details of the person confirming your apprenticeship

CSCS may contact the organisation or person named on the form to verify the information supplied.

Accepted apprenticeship evidence

CSCS accept evidence such as:

• A completed CSCS Enrolment Evidence Form

• A letter or email from your apprenticeship Managing Agency confirming the qualifications and pathways you are registered for

• A letter or email from your apprenticeship Training Provider

• Your Apprenticeship Agreement showing your occupation and qualification

• Evidence from a training provider confirming that you are undertaking a recognised apprenticeship programme

The information supplied should clearly identify the apprenticeship, qualification and pathway you are registered to complete.

Health and safety requirements

You must also provide evidence of an accepted health and safety test or qualification completed within the two years before your CSCS application.

CSCS accept:

• A CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test passed within the last two years

• An approved alternative health and safety test

• A completion certificate for an accepted one-day Construction Health and Safety Awareness course

• A Certificate of Unit Credit confirming completion of an accepted Construction Health and Safety unit included within your apprenticeship induction or initial qualification

The exact health and safety requirement may depend on your apprenticeship and construction occupation.