The construction sector is tightening how competence is verified on construction sites.

The CSCS card an individual holds must verify their competence to safely carry out the job they do on a construction site – Right card, Right job.

From 1 October 2026, SHEA will no longer be automatically issued on an EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card.

Labourers will be able to apply for the new EUSR CSCS Utilities Labourer card.

Skilled Workers, Supervisors, Managers etc will need to hold the right EUSR CSCS card for their role.

While several changes are being introduced, the underlying requirement remains the same. Individuals must continue to hold an in-date SHEA registration. The difference is that the EUSR CSCS card application is now a separate step, helping ensure workers hold the right card for the work they carry out.

What does this mean for you?

  • SHEA courses remain unchanged, so your employees can continue to complete their training as normal
  • Existing SHEA cards with the CSCS logo remain valid until they expire
  • You may need to apply and pay separately for your CSCS card
  • The CSCS card required will depend on the employee’s job role and qualifications
  • Businesses may need to plan for additional applications and costs when managing workforce compliance

What’s Changing?

Until October 2026, your SHEA registration is printed onto a CSCS Green Labourer card. Passing a SHEA course gives you both SHEA registration, and a CSCS card- for one fee. 

Once the changes come into effect, you will receive a EUSR SHEA card without the CSCS logo. If you also need a CSCS card, you’ll apply for this separately- whichever card matches your job role. This means you’ll need to pay two fees– one for SHEA registration, and one for your CSCS card.

For many labourers, the relevant CSCS card will be the new EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card, which is available from August 2026. 

Which CSCS Card Do I Need?

Your CSCS card depends on your job role, rather than which SHEA course you take.

Labourer

  • Card: New EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card – £15 + VAT (available from 3 August 2026)
  • You’ll need: A valid SHEA registration
  • One card covers Gas, Water and Power

Skilled worker, supervisor or manager

  • Card: Role-specific Blue or Gold CSCS card – £20 + VAT
  • You’ll need: A valid SHEA registration plus a Level 2 (or higher) qualification, such as an NVQ, or a USRO-approved equivalent

Trainee / experienced worker

  • Card: Trainee or Experienced Worker CSCS card
  • You’ll need: A valid SHEA registration
  • This card is designed for those working towards a qualification, or who are experienced but not yet fully qualified

Apprentice

  • Card: Apprentice card – free (at the time of writing)
  • This is the only card where a CITB HS&E Operative test pass is accepted in place of SHEA

Please note: employer endorsement is no longer an available route. Industry Accreditation (employer vouching for your experience) ended in December 2024.

What’s Not Changing?

  • SHEA courses: the content, delivery and assessment will be unchanged
  • SHEA validity: 5 years for SHEA Gas, and 3 years for all other SHEA schemes
  • Existing SHEA cards: if you have a card that was issued prior to 30 September 2026, the card will retain the CSCS logo until expiry. This includes replacements for lost or damaged cards

 Key Dates

  • 3 August 2026: New EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card made available
  • 30 September 2026: The last day SHEA passes will come with an automatic CSCS card
  • 1 October 2026: SHEA and CSCS are fully separated, and the new application process applies

What Should I Do Now?

Not sure which card you need? Contact us and we’ll point you to the right one.

Booked on a SHEA course prior to 1 October 2026? Nothing changes for you. Your card will stay valid until it expires.

Booking on a SHEA course after 1 October 2026? Check which CSCS card matches your job role, and factor in the second fee. Skilled workers should gather qualification evidence ready for their application.