coteca.co.uk > Blog > Red CSCS Cards Compared: Provisional, Trainee, Apprentice, Experienced Worker and TSM
Ask five people on site what a red CSCS card is and you may get five answers, because there are five of them. With the red CSCS cards compared side by side, the pattern is easy to see: every red card is temporary, and each one is for a different kind of person who is still working towards a full qualification.
Pick the wrong one and your application is turned down. Pick the right one and you can work legally while you finish your NVQ, apprenticeship or degree. Here is how the five differ and how to tell which is yours.
| Red card | Who it’s for | Lasts | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional | New starters on probation | 6 months | No |
| Trainee | People registered on a construction qualification | Up to 5 years | Usually no |
| Apprentice | Registered apprentices | 4 years 6 months | No |
| Experienced Worker | Experienced trades registered for an NVQ | 1 year | No |
| Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (TSM) | Experienced supervisors and managers registered for an NVQ | 3 years | No |
The Provisional card is for someone brand new who is on a probationary period with an employer. All you need is a pass in the CITB Operatives test. No qualification is asked for.
The catch is the clock. It runs for six months, you can only ever hold it once, and it can’t be renewed. Use those six months to complete the Level 1 Award for a green card or to register for a trade qualification. Leave it to the last week and you’ll have a gap with no card at all.
These two are for people who are being trained, and the difference is how.
The Trainee card is for anyone registered on a recognised construction qualification, such as an NVQ, HNC, HND or degree, but not on a formal apprenticeship. You need proof of registration and a CITB test pass. The standard card lasts five years and isn’t renewable, which gives you time to finish.
The Apprentice card is for people on a recognised apprenticeship. You show your apprenticeship registration and a health and safety pass. It runs for four years and six months, long enough to cover most programmes, and it can’t be renewed either.
Plenty of people have done the job for years without ever getting the certificate. These two cards are for them.
The Experienced Worker card is for tradespeople with at least one year of experience in the last three who have registered for an NVQ Level 2 or higher. It lasts one year, so the NVQ has to be finished quickly.
The Red TSM card is the equivalent for technical, supervisory and management staff. You need the same level of experience and registration for a relevant NVQ at Level 3 or above. It lasts three years. Neither card can be renewed. When the NVQ is complete you move on to the blue, gold or black card it leads to.
Answer these in order and stop at the first yes.
If none fits, a red card probably isn’t for you. A labourer with the Level 1 Award should look at the green card instead.
It expires, and in almost every case that’s the end of it. Red cards are designed to push you on to a permanent card, so treat the expiry date as the deadline for your qualification. Finish the NVQ or apprenticeship, keep your CITB test in date, and apply for the skilled card as soon as the certificate lands.
Not sure which of the five you qualify for? Tell us your job, your experience and what you’re registered on. We’ll confirm the card, check your documents and submit the application, so you’re not left guessing at the gate.
TC
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AT
I was very pleased with the service. Ram Ghagat, was funny, encouraging and also made me feel very comfortable. He was very easy to communicate with, and very supportive. Experience was 10/10.
GS
Excellent service. Can’t fault them.
JB
Good service, always at the end of the phone, more than willing to help and friendly. Dexter wills was a great help.
MC
Called up for a new CSCS card application. Dexter helped me fantastically and professionally.
After a mix up with my email address on my part, Dexter spent several hours sorting this out for me, even calling me to nice he had gone home to continue helping sort the issue that honestly I had caused.
Thank you and I would recommend them.
SC
Amazing company Coteca are!!!
Ram and Dexter was Brilliant through the whole process helped me through it
When I needed help they rang me within minutes.
If you need to do your CITB test please book through these guys.
Thanks guys!!!
BC
I had a brilliant experience with Coteca and there employee ram was help full and brilliant with assistance through the company
I sincerely appreciate the help and support given to me by Mr. Ram he encouraged me to go for the ultimate one which I really give him the credit.
BD
Great experience with my agent throughout the process of applying for my card will definitely use again
JD
Kevin Wilson and staff at Coteca were very helpful and friendly in applying for my blue skilled worker CSCS card. Highly recommend.
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