Your Tiler CSCS Card: Some Frequently Asked Questions

The Tiler CSCS Card is the industry standard method of identification and accreditation’s for competence and health and safety knowledge. You will need a Tiler CSCS Card to get work on most British building sites. The Card contains all the information your employer needs to know about you: your photograph; your name; your registration number; and a list of the Tiler NVQ Levels and other industry accreditations you have achieved. The CSCS hologram on the Tiler Card denotes that it is a real CSCS Card and that you have passed the CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test appropriate to your trade and position. The Tiler CSCS Card is awarded to you when you have completed the Tiler NVQ you need for the colour Card you are applying for, and have passed the CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test.

Can I Renew My Tiler CSCS Card?

If you lose your Tiler CSCS Card, or come to the end of its period of validity (you will find an expiry date for the Card listed on the front, along with your registration number and personal details), you can renew it for a fee. There are different validity periods for different CSCS Tiler Cards.

Some Red Tiler CSCS Cards are valid for a one-time period only. This is the case for Cards that are intended as stop-gaps, while the holder completes a Tiler NVQ Level required for his or her permanent coloured card. The Red Tiler Card for Experienced Workers; and the Red Tiler Card for Management, are both non renewable. In these two cases, a red card is supplied as a temporary measure until the holder has achieved either a Tiler NVQ Level 2 or 3 (in the case of the Experienced Workers Red Cards); or Level 4 or 5 (for management Red Cards). Once the holder has achieved the NVQ Level noted, he or she becomes eligible for (respectively) a Blue Tiler CSCS Card; a Gold Tiler CSCS Card; or a Black Tiler CSCS Card.

What Colour Tiler CSCS Card am I Eligible For?

If you have achieved Tiling NVQ Level 1, you are entitled to a Red Tiler CSCS Card. The Red Card is for Trainees. After you have followed your NVQ through to the next level, you become entitled to a Blue Tiler CSCS Card for Skilled Workers.

The Blue Card is commensurate with NVQ Level 2. NVQ Level 3 will get you a Gold Tiler CSCS Card; and Levels 4 or 5 will be worth a Black Tiler CSCS Card.

Can I Work as a Tiler Without the Tiler CSCS Card?

If you have passed your Tiler CSCS Test, you will possess a certificate that proves your competence in Health and Safety knowledge. However, this certificate is not intended as a pass to work onsite and in the majority of cases will not be accepted as sufficient documentation. Some UKL building sites will take your CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Certificate as evidence that your Tiler CSCS Card is on its way: but do check with individual sites, and don’t assume that you can turn up to work without your Tiler CSCS Card.