Guides / How to check CSCS cards and keep track of expiry dates
How to check CSCS cards and keep track of expiry dates
Updated 18 October 2026
Most UK sites ask for a CSCS card, or another skills card, before anyone starts work. The card shows the person has the training and qualifications for their job.
Checking it properly takes a minute. Keeping track of when every card runs out takes a system. This guide covers both.
Why looking at the card isn't enough
CSCS itself says visual checks aren't enough to spot fake, fraudulently obtained or cancelled cards. A card can look perfect and still not be valid.
The only way to confirm a card is genuine, in date and held by the right person is to check it against CSCS's own records.
How to check a card with CSCS Smart Check
CSCS Smart Check is CSCS's own checking service. It comes three ways:
- A free mobile app. For a digital card, scan the QR code the worker shows you in their My CSCS app.
- A free website, CSCSSmartCheck.co.uk.
- A connection that can be built into site access or induction systems, from CSCS or one of its IT partners.
What the check shows you
The app and website check against CSCS's live records, so you'll need a signal. If your site has none, check cards before people arrive, for example when they send in their induction.
If you're still using an old card reader or turnstile that relied on the previous Go Smart system, it stopped working in April 2024. Ask your supplier about moving to Smart Check.
- Whether the card is genuine and in date
- The holder's name and photo, so you can check it's really them
- Their occupation and qualifications, so you can check they're carded for the work they'll do
What to record at induction
- Card type, for example Labourer, Skilled Worker or Supervisor
- Card number
- Expiry date
- The date you checked it, and who checked it
- A photo of the card, if your company keeps one
- Any other cards they need for their work, such as plant, scaffolding, first aid or site management
Keeping track of expiry dates
How long a card lasts depends on the card. Always go by the expiry date on the card or in Smart Check.
The easy mistake is checking a card once at induction and never again. On a long job, cards run out. Put every worker's cards in one list with their expiry dates, look at it every week, and ask people to renew a couple of months before the date. Workers renew through the My CSCS app.
Tracking cards in Sitro
Sitro's Site Induction collects each new starter's CSCS and other cards, with numbers, expiry dates and photos. Every worker then appears in the Training Matrix, which colours each card green when it's valid, amber within 90 days and red within 30 days or once expired, with counters and a timeline so you know who needs to renew. Sitro keeps the record; the check itself is still done with CSCS Smart Check.
- Training Matrix: Every worker and every card on one colour-coded grid, with expiry reminders.
- Site Induction: Digital inductions new starters complete on their own phone before day one.
- Company Roster: One master worker list across every project, with history, cards and a ban flag.
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Questions
Is checking a CSCS card by eye enough?
No. CSCS says visual checks can't spot fake, fraudulently obtained or cancelled cards. Use CSCS Smart Check.
Is CSCS Smart Check free?
The app and the website are free. A connection built into a site access system is priced by CSCS or its IT partners.
How long does a CSCS card last?
It depends on the card. Go by the expiry date on the card or in Smart Check.
How does a worker renew their card?
Through the My CSCS app, which CSCS describes as the quickest way to apply for or renew a card.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice.