Guide · Updated 2026-10-02
How Long Does a Provisional CSCS Card Last?
Provisional CSCS cards are short-life by design. CSCS has commonly published a period of around six months for provisional cards, but you must copy the expiry printed on the card and confirm the current rule on cscs.uk.com — scheme periods can change and individual cards can differ.
Quick answer
Plan provisional cards as temporary cover measured in months, not years. Put the face expiry in the matrix the day the card is seen, set an early reminder, and start the skilled or other permanent pathway well before the provisional date ends.
Why provisional is different
A provisional route exists to get someone onto recognised sites while evidence for a longer card is organised. Treating it like a standard five-year skilled card is how people disappear from packages mid-programme.
- Never assume month-end rounding — copy the printed day
- Flag provisional rows in filters so short dates are visible
- Do not mark “renewed” until a replacement card is in hand
- Check whether the site accepts provisional cards for that package
Operational sequence
- Capture card image, type and expiry at first induction.
- Open the upgrade pathway (qualification, test, application) immediately.
- Review provisional rows weekly until replaced.
- Archive the provisional card when the longer card arrives.
Honest limits
FieldClear does not set provisional card life or process CSCS applications. Confirm current validity rules with CSCS. This guide is not legal advice. FieldClear does not decide legal requirements, certify competence or accredit organisations.
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