Traditionally, workers could receive a CSCS card from only the recommendation of an employer, and without actually achieving a recognised qualification, such as an NVQ.

The construction industry has already begun to change this, you will no longer be able to renew your CSCS card with just a recommendation.

This change is affecting workers that currently hold a blue or black CSCS card, there are currently over 60,000 workers on the Grandfather Rights scheme with cards that will expire at the end of 2024.

It's Time to get your NVQ

From December 2024, all CSCS cards granted from the Grandfather Rights scheme will not be renewed, you will have to enrol in the correct NVQ assessment to renew your CSCS card.


In order to get your CSCS card, you will need to have a recognised NVQ qualification at the required level. If you have a black CSCS card, then you will need an NVQ level 6 or 7. To keep your black CSCS card you need to:

• Achieve a qualification in a relevant construction management/technical related NVQ at level 6 or 7.

• Or hold a pre-existing level 4 Site Manager NVQ or the SVQ equivalent.

NVQ Assessments

To make sure you do not lose your black CSCS card, you can take one of our NVQ assessments:

• Site Managers Construction Operations Management

• Site Managers Building & Civil Engineering

• Site Managers Residential Development

• Site Managers Highway & Maintenance Repair

• Site Managers Demolition

• Occupational Health & Safety Manager

• Strategic Health & Safety Leadership & Management

If you need to renew any other CSCS card, you can see a full list of NVQ assessments that Think Construction Skills can offer to help you keep working with your CSCS card.

Learn more at www.thinkconstructionskills.com