I am thinking of getting a CSCS card as I may be working for clients who would like to me to visit construction sites where they are installing their products, although this won't be the main focus of my work.

I don't have a construction safety qualification, but as CMIOSH it appears I am eligible for the CSCS Professionally Qualified Person card.  To get this I would need to pass either a CITB test or a CIC test.  The CITB test is supported by an app and the CIC one by an e-learning course.  I am leaning towards the CIC one as I like doing e-learning.

Now I know that CSCS cards and the process for getting them are widely derided, so before I commit myself I would like to check what those in the know think of this approach.  Any helpful comments will be appreciated.

If you had mentioned client the answer would have been straight forward - what their policy states.

Like all matters construction as soon as you have more than one piper then there is more than one dance.

Personally I do not perceive your intended work would necessitate a card but given how relatively cheap they are to obtain whatever suits you - good luck and hopefully at by the end of five years when the replacement is due a worthwhile investment.

As others have said some site managers are more particular about CSCS cards than others, There used to be a yellow visitors card which was discontinued which suggests that an occasional visitor to a site would not require a card which is of course designed to prove competence not necessarily gain access to a building site.

We started to put some of our sales guys through the Green CSCS card route as if nothing it gives them some basic site awareness training but that’s not really the point of this card and the criteria for renewal has recently changed.

If you need to go down the white card be aware that the MAP touchscreen test  is not something to be taken lightly and will need to be well revised for.

Edited by user 04 August 2025 14:50:12(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Originally Posted by: Kate

they have a whole page about how people in various non-construction occupations should not be asked to produce a card to get on site. https://www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards/non-construction-related-occupations/  Evidently this is quite an issue ...

This is one of the reasons they dropped the yellow "Visitor Card" as many firms insisted anyone coming to site must be CSCS carded which included for example the cleaners of the welfare facilities even though they never step foot in the active construction area.

Problem is once a construction company gets an idea in its head - 24 years later and still being asked for COSHH sheets for materials despite the withdrawal of CHiP 3!