CSCS Card Fee Increase from February 2027, Act Now: What Employers and Workers Need to Know
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has announced that the cost of a CSCS card will increase from 1 February 2027. This marks the first increase in CSCS card fees since 2018 and will affect new applications, renewals, and replacement cards.
For construction businesses, contractors, and individual workers, understanding these changes now can help avoid unnecessary costs and ensure that card applications are completed before the new fee comes into force.
What Is Changing?
The new fee will apply to:
- New CSCS card applications
- Card renewals
- Replacement cards for lost, stolen, or damaged cards
Important Deadline for Applicants
Any application that is fully completed and paid for on or before 31 January 2027 will still be charged at the current fee.
However, there is an important point to note. If an application is submitted before the deadline but requires additional evidence, is rejected, or needs to be resubmitted after 1 February 2027, the higher fee will apply.
This means that applicants should ensure all documentation and qualifications are in order well before the deadline.
The Impact on Construction Companies
For organisations employing multiple site workers, this increase may seem relatively small on a per-card basis. However, the costs can add up when renewing or applying for multiple cards.
Companies that regularly recruit new staff, apprentices progressing through qualifications, or subcontractors requiring card renewals should consider reviewing upcoming card expiry dates and planning applications ahead of February 2027.
Forward planning could help businesses reduce avoidable expenditure while ensuring workers remain compliant and site-ready.
The Impact on Individual Workers
For individual cardholders, the increase represents an additional cost when applying for a new card or renewing an existing one. While the increase is modest, it reinforces the importance of ensuring:
- Qualifications are up to date
- Relevant health and safety requirements have been completed
- Renewal applications are submitted early
- Documentation is accurate and complete
Leaving an application until the last minute can result in delays, additional costs, and potential issues accessing construction sites.
How MBO Safety Services Can Help
At MBO Safety Services, we understand that keeping workers compliant can sometimes feel complicated, especially when qualification requirements, health and safety testing, and card applications all need to align.
As a CITB Training Provider and CITB Approved Internet Test Centre (ITC), we can support both employers and individual workers with the training and testing needed to obtain or renew CSCS cards.
Our services include:
- CITB Health, Safety and Environment Tests
- CSCS Card Applications
- Construction Health and Safety Training
- Site Safety Plus Courses
- CITB Accredited Training Programmes
- Advice on qualification and card eligibility requirements
We also offer convenient package options to help you obtain your CSCS Card, making the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible:
- Green Labourer Package: Attend the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course and complete the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test. MBO Safety Services will manage the application for your Green Labourer CSCS Card on your behalf, taking the stress out of the process.
- CITB Package: Attend the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course and complete your CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test with MBO Safety Services.
Let MBO Safety Services guide you through the process from start to finish, helping you gain the necessary qualifications quickly and efficiently.
Plan Ahead Before February 2027
If you have employees whose cards are due for renewal, or if you are planning to submit new applications in the coming months, now is the ideal time to review your requirements and ensure everything is in place before the revised fees come into effect.
At MBO Safety Services, we can support you throughout the entire process, from arranging the required CITB Health, Safety and Environment Tests to assisting with CSCS card applications and renewals. Our team is here to help ensure your workforce maintains the qualifications and certifications needed to work safely, competently, and compliantly within the construction industry.
Contact us today on 08000 842 297 or info@mbo.ltd to discuss how we can support your business and workforce.