Valid for six months, and cannot be renewed
The Provisional card is valid for six months and cannot be renewed. It is the shortest CSCS card on offer, designed to cover a probationary period while you decide whether to commit to the industry and move on to a qualification-based card.
Once in a lifetime, this card can only be applied for once
CSCS states that this card can only be applied for once and that you can only apply for a Provisional card if you have not held a CSCS card before. If you let it expire without registering for a qualification, you cannot reapply for another Provisional later, you would need to qualify for a different card instead. Treat the six months as a planning window, not a fallback.
Who is the Provisional card for?
The Provisional card is a red, temporary card for first-time entrants into construction who are working through a probationary period. It lets you go on site straight away while you make up your mind about the trade, role or qualification you want to follow. It is a sampling card, not a destination card.
Eligibility, strict requirements
All of the following must be true:
- You have not held a CSCS card before, this is the first time you have applied for any CSCS card.
- You have not previously applied for a Provisional card, the card can only be applied for once.
- You have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the past two years.
- You are starting in construction through a probationary or first-job arrangement with an employer.
How to apply
Applications go through CSCS Online. Once approved, cards should arrive within five working days. You provide your CITB test pass and a compliant photo as part of the application. The card costs £36, the standard CSCS card fee.
Test requirements
Most first-time entrants take the CITB Operatives HS&E test, which is the default for general site work. Some specialist occupations have their own test route, use the official CSCS Card Finder to confirm what your specific job needs. The test is 50 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes with a 45/50 (90%) pass mark, no negative marking, and the pass must be within the last 2 years.
Before your card expires
CSCS is explicit about what should happen during the six months. Before the card expires, Provisional card holders should achieve, or be registered for, a recognised construction-related qualification and apply for the appropriate CSCS card for their job. The right next card depends on what you commit to:
- Registered onto an N/SVQ → Trainee card.
- Starting an apprenticeship → Apprentice card.
- Completed the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and going into labouring → Green Labourer card.
Provisional vs Labourer, which should I get?
Both cards can get a first-time worker on site, but the decision turns on commitment:
- Provisional, no qualification needed yet, but it is six months, non-renewable, one application only. Best when you are still deciding.
- Green Labourer, requires the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, but is 2 years on first issue (then 5 years renewable). Best when you know labouring is the role you want.
If you already know you want to labour, the Green Labourer card is better value. If you genuinely don't know yet, Provisional gets you on site without committing.
Overseas qualifications
If you hold a non-UK qualification that is not recognised by CSCS, contact Ecctis for an Industry Skills Statement, which assesses your overseas qualification against UK standards so it can be used in a CSCS application.
How our mock tests help you prepare
Most first-time entrants take the CITB Operatives HS&E test, and our practice tool covers that syllabus directly with over 3,000 exam-style questions and a clear explanation on every wrong answer. Drill topic by topic in practice mode, then sit a full timed free mock test, no signup needed. For all the routes into the industry, see our types of CSCS cards directory and CSCS card types explained.
Sample HS&E question
What is the main purpose of a site induction?
Answer: A site induction makes sure everyone arriving on site knows the specific rules and risks of that site before they start work. A good induction covers the site-specific hazards, emergency procedures and assembly points, no-go and restricted areas, welfare and first-aid arrangements, who the supervisors and first-aiders are, and how to report a hazard or near-miss. It is also one of the ways employers meet their duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to provide information, instruction and training. You should never start work on a new site without one.