Fact-checked against current CITB/CSCS guidance • Updated 2026-08-19

Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

Quick answer: For a CSCS Labourer card, applicants generally need the appropriate CITB HS&E test plus an accepted qualification such as the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (or another CSCS-approved alternative). CSCS lists Highfield among awarding organisations that offer the Level 1 Award.

On this page: What the Level 1 Award is · How it fits the Labourer card · Validity · Separate CITB test · FastQual training

What is the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification?

The Level 1 Award is an entry-level construction health and safety qualification used by people who need to demonstrate basic site-safety knowledge. Highfield's current qualification list includes the Highfield Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within a Construction Environment (RQF), qualification number 603/2442/9.

How it fits the CSCS Labourer card

CSCS says the Labourer card is intended for people working in labouring occupations. For a first Labourer card, applicants need the relevant CITB Health, Safety & Environment test (or an accepted alternative) and an accepted qualification such as the Level 1 Award.

If you are already in, or training for, a skilled occupation, CSCS advises using the card appropriate to that occupation rather than defaulting to the Labourer card.

Does the Level 1 Award expire?

CSCS describes the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment as a lifetime qualification. That is different from the validity of the Labourer card itself.

Labourer card validity

Since February 2025, the first CSCS Labourer card is normally valid for two years. A person who remains in a labouring role can renew for five years by meeting the current renewal requirements, including evidence of labouring employment where required.

The Level 1 course and the CITB HS&E test are not the same thing

This distinction matters. The Level 1 Award is a qualification. The CITB HS&E Operatives test is a separate test used as part of many CSCS card applications. CITB currently states that the Operatives test has 50 questions, lasts 45 minutes and requires 45 correct answers.

FastQual Level 1 training

FastQual provides online training support for the Highfield Level 1 construction health and safety qualification and can also help learners prepare for the separate CITB HS&E Operatives test. See the training page for current package details and what is included.

Official guidance: CSCS Labourer card requirements · CITB Operatives test · Highfield qualification listing

Frequently asked questions

Is Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment accepted for a CSCS Labourer card?

CSCS lists the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment among accepted qualification routes for the Labourer card, alongside other approved alternatives.

Does the Level 1 Award expire?

CSCS describes the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment as a lifetime qualification.

Do I still need the CITB HS&E test?

For the standard Labourer card route, the Level 1 qualification and the appropriate CITB HS&E test are separate requirements unless a current approved alternative applies.

How long is the first Labourer card valid?

CSCS states that the first Labourer card is normally valid for two years, with a five-year renewal route for people who remain in labouring roles and meet the renewal requirements.

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