If you want to work on construction sites, a CSCS card can help you show that you have the required health and safety knowledge.

From 1 August 2026, eligible adult learners in England can have the cost of their CSCS card application and associated CITB Health, Safety and Environment test covered through the Adult Skills Fund.

This support applies when you are enrolled on an eligible Level 2 or Level 3 building and construction qualification.

You may qualify if you:

• Are aged 19 or over.
• Live in England and meet the Adult Skills Fund residency rules.
• Are enrolled with an eligible funded training provider.
• Are studying an approved Level 2 or Level 3 construction qualification.
• Earn less than £26,800 a year, or have no earned income.

The rules apply to the 2026–2027 funding year, which runs from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027. Places and course availability may be limited, so check your options early.

Important: The funding is not an automatic cash payment to learners. The training provider claims the eligible costs through the Adult Skills Fund and supports you with the process.

What Does the CSCS Funding Cover?

For eligible learners, the Adult Skills Fund can cover:

• The CSCS card application fee.
• The associated CITB Health, Safety and Environment test fee.
• In some cases, an associated CSCS Alliance scheme card linked to the qualification.

The card and test must be connected to an eligible construction learning programme.

The funding does not mean that every short construction course automatically qualifies. Your provider must check that the course is approved and recorded as an eligible learning aim.

The official government rules state that eligible learners must be enrolled on a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification within Sector Subject Area 05.2: Building and Construction.

Check the Adult Skills Fund funding rules on GOV.UK for the current requirements.

CSCS Test or CITB HS&E Test?

Many learners search for a CSCS card test or CSCS test.

The official name is the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, often shortened to the CITB HS&E test.

CSCS does not operate the test. The test is owned and delivered by CITB.

You normally need to pass the correct CITB HS&E test before applying for most CSCS cards. The test level depends on the card and occupation you are working towards.

Use the official CSCS health and safety test guidance and CSCS Card Finder to check the correct route.

5 Steps to Claim the CSCS Funding

1. Check Your Eligibility

Start by checking whether you meet the main Adult Skills Fund conditions.

Eligibility checklist

• You are aged 19 or over.
• You live in England and meet the relevant residency requirements.
• Your annual gross earnings are below £26,800, or you are unemployed or economically inactive.
• You want to study construction or progress into construction employment.
• You can complete an eligible Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
• You are prepared to provide evidence of your earnings or benefit status if requested.
• You are not already receiving funding for the same learning from another programme.

The £26,800 figure refers to your annual gross earnings before deductions.

Evidence may include:

• A recent payslip.
• A Universal Credit statement.
• An employment contract showing your salary.
• A benefits record.
• A self-declaration where permitted by the provider.

Your training provider must verify your eligibility before confirming the funded place.

Eligibility can also depend on your location. The DWP-funded Adult Skills Fund applies to learners in non-devolved areas. Combined authorities and devolved areas may operate separate adult skills funding rules.

Ask the provider to check your postcode and funding position before you enrol.

2. Choose an Eligible Construction Course

The CSCS funding is linked to an eligible qualification. It is not normally available for any unrelated short course.

You need to choose a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification within building and construction, SSA 05.2.

The qualification must be:

• Approved for public funding.
• Listed on the relevant learning aim system.
• Delivered as part of an eligible funded programme.
• Relevant to construction employment or progression.

Do not assume that a course is eligible because it includes the words “construction” or “CSCS” in its title.

Ask these questions before booking:

1. Is the course Level 2 or Level 3?
2. Is it within building and construction, SSA 05.2?
3. Is the qualification approved for Adult Skills Fund support?
4. Is the provider able to claim the CSCS card and CITB HS&E test costs?
5. Which CSCS card will the qualification support?

The correct card may not always be a green Labourer card. CSCS explains that learners starting an approved training pathway may need a red Apprentice, Trainee, Industry Placement or Provisional card instead.

Use the official CSCS card information or the My CSCS app information to identify the correct card for your qualification.

3. Enrol Through a Funded Provider

Once you have identified an eligible course, enrol through a provider that can deliver it under the relevant funding rules.

The provider should:

• Complete an eligibility assessment.
• Check your identity and residency information.
• Confirm your earnings or unemployment status.
• Check your previous qualifications.
• Confirm that the learning aim is approved.
• Explain what the funding covers.
• Register you correctly with the awarding organisation.
• Explain how the CSCS card and CITB HS&E test process will work.

Do not pay a separate “government funding application fee” to a third party.

For a fully funded learner, compulsory charges connected to the direct delivery of the learning should not be passed on where the funding rules prohibit those charges.

Ask for written confirmation of:

• The qualification title.
• The qualification level.
• The awarding organisation.
• The course start date.
• The funding route.
• Whether the CSCS card fee is included.
• Whether the CITB HS&E test fee is included.
• Whether repeat test attempts are covered.

Zems Academy provides construction health and safety training in Birmingham and supports learners with practical vocational routes. Visit the Zems Academy CSCS Health and Safety Training section to review the available training information.

4. Complete Your Construction Qualification

The funding is designed to help learners move into construction employment after completing an approved learning programme.

Attend your sessions, complete the required learning and submit your assessments on time.

Your training may include:

• Construction health and safety.
• Risk awareness.
• Hazard identification.
• Site procedures.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Safe working practices.
• Workplace responsibilities.
• Preparation for construction employment.

You may also need to complete additional steps linked to your target occupation.

For example, a learner preparing for site operations may need further training such as:

• Banksman or Traffic Marshal training.
• Site safety training.
• Manual handling.
• Plant or machinery-related training.
• Functional Skills in English or maths.

Your course tutor or assessor should explain what you need to achieve the qualification.

Use these simple CSCS test tips throughout your preparation:

• Read the question fully before selecting an answer.
• Revise hazard symbols and warning signs.
• Understand the difference between a hazard and a risk.
• Learn the correct procedure for reporting unsafe conditions.
• Revise personal protective equipment requirements.
• Practise questions about working at height, electricity and manual handling.
• Check the test version required for your card.
• Do not book the wrong CITB HS&E test.

Zems Academy can help you prepare through structured construction health and safety training and practical employability support.

5. Get Your Card and Test Costs Covered

After you complete the required qualification or reach the appropriate stage of your approved programme, the provider will support the next steps.

This normally includes:

1. Confirming the correct CSCS card type.
2. Confirming the correct CITB HS&E test level.
3. Arranging or supporting your CITB test booking.
4. Checking your test result.
5. Supporting your CSCS card application.
6. Claiming the eligible card and test costs through the Adult Skills Fund.

The learner should not normally submit a separate government funding claim.

The provider manages the funding claim as part of the funded programme. You must still provide accurate information and complete the required steps.

Once you pass the appropriate test and meet the qualification requirements, you can apply for the relevant card through CSCS Online or the My CSCS app.

What If You Already Have a CSCS Card?

The August 2026 funding support is designed to help eligible learners start work in construction.

It may not cover every renewal, replacement or upgrade situation.

If you already hold a card, ask your provider to check:

• Whether you need a new qualification.
• Whether you need a new CITB HS&E test.
• Whether your current card is still valid.
• Whether your target occupation requires a different card.
• Whether the Adult Skills Fund rules apply to your circumstances.

Do not book a test or pay a card fee before checking your eligibility and funding position.

Book CSCS Training at Zems Academy

A CSCS card can support your route into construction, but the correct process matters.

You need:

• The correct qualification.
• The correct CITB HS&E test.
• The correct CSCS card.
• The correct funding route.
• A provider that can guide you through the steps.

Zems Academy delivers vocational training designed to support learners into sustainable employment. The Academy provides construction health and safety training, employability support and practical progression guidance from its Birmingham training centre.

Book CSCS training with Zems Academy and ask the team to check:

• Whether you meet the Adult Skills Fund criteria.
• Which Level 2 or Level 3 construction qualification is suitable.
• Whether your chosen course is funded.
• Which CSCS card you should apply for.
• How the CITB HS&E test fits into your programme.

Check your eligibility. Choose your course. Start your CSCS training. Build your construction career.

Official Sources and Further Reading

• Adult Skills Fund funding rules 2026–2027
• CSCS: Government to fund CSCS card costs for eligible learners from August 2026
• CSCS health and safety test guidance
• CITB Health, Safety and Environment test
• CSCS Card Finder
• Zems Academy CSCS Health and Safety Training