Direct answer. You can renew most CSCS cards from six months before the expiry date to one year after it, in the My CSCS app. For most cards you need a CITB health, safety and environment (HS&E) test passed in the last two years, plus the qualification you used last time. Some cards, like Trainee and Experienced Worker, can't be renewed.
One tip first: renewal is usually blocked by your test date, not your card date. Check when you last passed the HS&E test before anything else.
Quick terms: CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) issues site cards. CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) runs the HS&E test. My CSCS is the CSCS app for applying and renewing. Card Finder is the CSCS tool that shows which card and test fit your job.
Can you renew now? The renewal window
CSCS cards can only be renewed six months before, and up to one year after, the expiry date printed on the card (CSCS).
If you changed role or gained a new qualification, you may need a new card instead. Rules may also have changed since you last applied, so check your card, qualification and test in Card Finder first.
Which cards can be renewed
From the CSCS renewal page:
| Card | Can you renew? | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Blue or Gold Skilled Worker | Yes, valid five years | Your previous qualification + the right HS&E test level, in the last two years |
| Manager | Yes, valid five years | Your qualification + the Managers and Professionals test, in the last two years |
| Supervisory | Yes, valid five years | Your qualification + the Specialist Supervisory test, in the last two years |
| Labourer | Yes | Labourer Declaration Form + the Operatives HS&E test (see the next section) |
| Academically Qualified Person | Yes, valid five years | Your qualification + the Managers and Professionals test or CIC Health and Safety Test, in the last two years |
| Professionally Qualified Person | No, apply for a new one on expiry | Current professional body membership + the Managers and Professionals test, in the last two years |
| Two-year Trainee | No, but you can get a new three-year Trainee card | Proof you're registered on an NVQ/SVQ or a recognised alternative |
| Apprentice, five-year Trainee, Industry Placement, Provisional, Experienced Worker, Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager | No | Apply for the card that fits your role now |
Labourer card renewal
Since 1 February 2025, a first Labourer card is valid for two years (CSCS), so many are now due. To renew, you need (CSCS Labourer card):
- Proof that you still work as a labourer. The simplest proof is the Labourer Card Renewal Declaration Form, filled in by your employer, or your main contractor if you're self-employed. A letter on company headed paper also works. Incomplete forms aren't processed.
- An Operatives HS&E test pass. When you renew your first two-year card, the test you used for that card counts for three years, not two.
If you held a Labourer card before February 2025, you need an Operatives test passed in the last two years. SOLAS Safe Pass is accepted if you passed it in the last three years.
Upload the form inside the application; don't email it. If your Labourer card expired more than a year ago, CSCS asks for an appeal with proof you work as a labourer.
Do you need to retake the HS&E test?
For most cards, yes, if your last pass is older than two years. For a first Labourer card, the limit is three years.
The date is on your CITB pass letter, with your CITB Testing ID. Before you book a new test (CSCS):
- Pick the right level (Operatives, Specialist, or Managers and Professionals) in Card Finder. The wrong test can delay your renewal.
- Wait 24 hours after you pass before you apply, so your result is in the system.
For the format, pass mark and booking, see how the CSCS test works. Book with CITB and check the current fee there.
How to renew in the My CSCS app
Have ready: a payment card, your CITB Testing ID, and any extra documents. Then, in My CSCS (CSCS):
- Select the card you want to renew.
- Confirm your details.
- Add your HS&E test information.
- Upload any extra evidence if asked, such as the Labourer declaration or proof of CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
- Pay. Check the current fee on CSCS.
Once CSCS approves it, your digital card appears in the app and works on site straight away. Employers and training providers use CSCS Online instead.
What changed in October 2026
Steel Decker is now Metal Decking Installer
From 1 October 2026, the Steel Decker title is replaced by Metal Decking Installer (CSCS).
You move to the new title when you renew. To renew, you need the CITB Specialist Working at Heights HS&E test, so book it first if your last pass was a different one.
Utilities workers: SHEA no longer comes with a CSCS Labourer card
EUSR runs utilities safety training; its main course is SHEA (Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness). From 1 October 2026, SHEA (2026) registrations print on an EUSR card without the CSCS logo (EUSR). For site access, you apply for an EUSR CSCS card as a separate step.
Labourers now get the EUSR Utilities Labourer card, which replaces the Green Labourer card for new applications. It's valid for five years, renewable, and needs an in-date SHEA registration. Existing Green Labourer cards stay valid until they expire (EUSR).
Checklist: before you renew
- Is today within six months before, or one year after, your expiry date?
- Are you still in the same role, with the same qualification?
- Have you checked the right test level in Card Finder?
- Did you pass that test in the last two years (three for a first Labourer card)?
- Is your declaration form, CPD or qualification copy ready, if your card needs one?
- Do you have your CITB Testing ID and a payment card?
Practise before you rebook the test
If your pass has run out, practise before you book again. Our CSCS Card Quiz app has timed mocks (50 questions, 45 minutes), a study mode, and practice for each card level from Labourer to Manager. Bookmark hard questions, check your stats, and practise offline.
Download CSCS Card Quiz - Safety Test on the App Store · Practise with timed mocks · Polski / Română
CSCS Card Quiz is an independent practice app. It is not affiliated with CSCS or CITB.
FAQ
How early can I renew my CSCS card?
You can renew six months before the expiry date printed on your card. The window stays open until one year after that date. Changed role or qualification? Check Card Finder first; you may need a different card.
Do I need to take the CSCS test again to renew?
Usually yes, if your last HS&E test pass is older than two years. For a first two-year Labourer card, the test you used counts for three years. Check the date on your CITB pass letter.
Can I renew an expired CSCS card?
Yes, up to one year after the expiry date. After that, the renewal window has closed. For a Labourer card, CSCS then asks for an appeal with proof you work as a labourer. For other cards, check Card Finder or contact CSCS.
How do I renew my Labourer card?
In My CSCS, upload the Labourer Card Renewal Declaration Form from your employer, or your main contractor if you're self-employed. A letter on company headed paper also works. You also need an Operatives HS&E test pass that is still valid for renewal.
Which HS&E test do I need for renewal?
The level for your card and job: Operatives, Specialist, or Managers and Professionals. Managers need Managers and Professionals; Supervisors need Specialist Supervisory. Confirm in Card Finder, because the wrong test can delay your renewal.
I'm a Steel Decker. What changes?
From 1 October 2026, your title becomes Metal Decking Installer when you renew. You don't need to replace your card before then. To renew, you need the CITB Specialist Working at Heights HS&E test.
How long does the renewal take?
CSCS reviews your application. Once approved, your digital card appears in My CSCS and works on site. If you just passed a test, wait 24 hours before applying so your result is in the system.
Sources
- CSCS: Renew or replace a CSCS card
- CSCS: Renew your CSCS card with My CSCS (5 Jun 2026)
- CSCS: Labourer card
- CSCS: Labourer Card Renewal Declaration Form (PDF)
- CSCS: Validity of first Labourer card reduced to two years (30 Oct 2024)
- CSCS: Steel Decker title replaced with Metal Decking Installer (4 Sep 2026)
- EUSR: EUSR CSCS changes now live (3 Aug 2026)
- EUSR: CSCS Alliance Partner
- CSCS Card Finder
