Book Your CSCS Red Provisional Card Online
The CSCS Red Provisional Card gets you on site for six months while you work out your next step. Pass one test and we handle the application.
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What is the CSCS Red Provisional Card?
The CSCS Red Provisional Card is a temporary card for people who are brand new to construction. It lasts six months and you can only ever hold it once. There’s no qualification to complete first. You just need a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test from the last two years. Employers use it for new starters on probation, and it also covers short work experience placements. Some people call it the CSCS temporary card. If you already know which trade you’re heading into, compare the other CSCS card types before you apply.
Who Can Apply for the CSCS Red Provisional Card?
This card is only for people who have never held a CSCS card of any kind. If that’s you, it suits four situations:
- New starters on a probationary period while the employer decides whether to keep them on
- Anyone on a short work experience placement of under three weeks
- People new to construction who want to try site work before picking a trade
- Workers who need site access now and plan to register for a qualification within six months
Already passed your CITB test? You're most of the way there.
Eligibility Requirements
The rules are short, but CSCS applies them strictly. You need to tick every one:
- You have never held a CSCS card before, of any colour
- A pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, taken within the last 2 years
- You're prepared to register for a recognised construction qualification before the six months run out
- Photo ID and a passport-style photo that match the details on your application
- No previous CSCS cardYou have never held a CSCS card before
- CITB test passHealth, Safety and Environment test taken within the last 2 years
- Qualification planA plan to gain the qualification for your next card
- ID and photoPhoto ID and a passport-style photo
Cards You Can Move Up to After the Red Provisional Card
Six months goes quickly, and this card can’t be extended. Decide early which card you’re aiming for, because each one needs its own qualification:
How to Apply for the CSCS Red Provisional Card
There are only a few steps, and the test is the one that takes planning. If you haven’t sat it yet, book your CITB test first, because nothing else can move until you’ve passed.
- Book and pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for operatives.
- Check you've never held a CSCS card before. This card is issued once per person.
- Get your photo ID and a passport-style photo ready.
- Apply online through CSCS, or send us your details and we'll submit the application for you.
- Pay the card fee. Your digital card usually shows up before the plastic one.
Ready to apply for your Red Provisional Card?
Most applicants complete the online form in under 10 minutes.
Choose the route that suits your application
Already passed your CITB test? You only need the card. Not sat it yet? The package covers the test and the card together.
Red Provisional Card
£55 + VAT
This covers the card application itself. If you still need the CITB test, that is priced separately.
- Red Provisional CSCS card application
- Digital card access after approval
- Physical card delivery
Note:- The CSCS Card booking is £66 which includes the £36 CSCS fee, booking fee and VAT.
Red Provisional Support Package
Package pricing on enquiry
For anyone starting from scratch. We book your test, then apply for the card once you’ve passed.
- CITB HS&E test booking
- CSCS Red Provisional Card
The package price depends on which parts you still need. Tell us what you already hold and we’ll give you a figure.
Renewal and Validity
No. The CSCS Red Provisional Card can’t be renewed or extended, and you can’t apply for a second one. It runs for six months from the day it’s issued. Before it expires you need to have achieved, or at least registered for, a recognised construction qualification, then apply for the card that matches your job. For most labourers that means the Green Labourer Card. If you’re learning a trade, an NVQ course puts you on the route to a blue card.
- ValidityValid for 6 months
- RenewalCannot be renewed
- Next stepMove to the card that matches your role before it expires
How Long Does It Take to Receive the CSCS Red Provisional Card?
Once your application is approved, the CSCS Red Provisional Card normally arrives in 7 to 10 working days. You won’t be left waiting on the post, though. The digital version usually appears in the My CSCS app sooner, so you have something to show on site while the plastic card is on its way.
When a card is late, it’s nearly always for one of two reasons: the test result hasn’t reached CSCS yet, or the name on your ID doesn’t match the application. We check both before anything is submitted.
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Apply online
Send us your details, test pass and ID, or apply yourself through the My CSCS app.
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Recently Issued CSCS Cards
Recently Issued CSCS Cards
A quick look at recently approved applications and their turnaround time.
Free Online Profile
We value tradespeople and whoever has a CSCS Card, we offer FREE Online Profile. Just register, update your details & publish your online profile. It’s easy.
Free Online Profile
We value tradespeople and whoever has a CSCS Card, we offer FREE Online Profile. Just register, update your details & publish your online profile. It’s easy.
Career Options for Your Card
A CSCS Red Provisional Card is a way in, not a place to stay. These are the three routes we see holders take most often.
Probationary Site Operative
Start work while your employer sees how you get on. You learn the site routine and they decide whether to put you through training.
- Suitable for new entrants
Average Pay
£21k–£24k/yr
Construction Site Assistant
A short, supervised placement that shows you how a site runs day to day before you commit to a trade.
- Work experience route
Average Pay
£23k–£26k/yr
Skilled Trade Pathway
Found a trade you like? Register for the NVQ that goes with it, then apply for the skilled card once you qualify.
- Progression to the right card
Average Pay
£28k–£35k/yr
Probationary Site Operative
Start in a probationary construction role while your employer assesses your suitability and you gain practical experience on site.
- Suitable for new entrants
Average Pay
£21k–£24k/yr
Construction Site Assistant
Gain short-term or supervised site experience while learning how construction teams, site procedures and daily operations work.
- Work experience route
Average Pay
£23k–£26k/yr
Skilled Trade Pathway
Use your initial construction experience to identify a trade or occupation, then work towards the recognised qualification needed for the appropriate skilled CSCS card.
- Progression to the right card
Average Pay
£28k–£35k/yr
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Shahin Alam
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CSCS Red Provisional Card?
It’s a temporary CSCS card for people new to construction. It lasts six months and can’t be renewed.
Who can apply for the CSCS Red Provisional Card?
Anyone who has never held a CSCS card before and has passed the CITB test in the last 2 years.
Can I renew my CSCS Red Provisional Card?
No. It runs for six months and you can only hold it once. You need to move on to another card before it expires.
Do I need to pass the CITB test?
Yes. You need a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test from the last 2 years. No other qualification is needed.
How long does the card take to arrive?
Usually 7–10 working days after CSCS approves your application. The digital card tends to show up sooner.
Which card comes after the red provisional card?
Most labourers move to the Green Labourer Card. If you’re training in a trade, you can work towards a blue Skilled Worker card instead.
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