FAQs
How do I apply for a HBSP Visitors Card?
For information on how to apply for a HBSP card click here.
How much does a card cost?
Virtual cards - £36 (inc VAT)
Smart / Virtual cards - £44.40 (inc VAT) - (You will receive a free virtual card with every smart card issued.)
Please ensure that you add your mobile number onto the application to enable this feature. Every card application will require a different mobile number.
IMPORTANT - Incorrect or omitted numbers will result in you not having access to your free virtual card. Should you then wish to apply for a virtual card at a later date a separate application and payment will need to be made.
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test costs £22.50 and must be booked separately.
My existing card has only just run out can I still use it?
No, once your card has expired it will no longer be valid. When you apply for a card through HBSP you will be notified when a renewal is due.
How long is the HBSP Visitors card valid for?
The Home Builders Visitors card is valid for 5 years.
Who owns the card?
Cards remain the exclusive property of the HBSP Card Scheme. Cards are issued to and must be kept in the named cardholder’s secure possession at all times. The HBSP Card Scheme reserves the right to unilaterally withdraw a card.
How do I use the virtual card?
To find out more about the virtual card app and download click here.
How is my card checked when I am on site?
Find out more about the Checarda app here.
Which card should I choose? (Virtual or smart card)
This is entirely up to you, however, we would recommend the use of the virtual card as you can easily receive important notifications and manage all your Construction Industry cards with ease.
I need to process a large number of cards for my company, can I do this online?
Yes absolutely, the site has been designed to accept bulk applications for ease of use. See here for more information on bulk uploads.
Are CSCS phasing out visitor cards?
Yes this has now been replaced by the Home Builders Visitor Card which became available from the 11th December 2019. You will need to ensure that you and your company are on board with the changes. Find out more about how to apply.
Are other cards being phased out?
Construction Site Visitor Cards are currently being phased out. For information about all the other CSCS cards and their validity period, please visit the CSCS website.
How long will it take for my card to be sent to me?
Most cards arrive at their requested destination within 5 days of application and virtual cards will be sooner as they are sent electronically. If your card has not been delivered to your requested destination within two weeks of your application, please contact the HBSP Card Scheme Provider. After 20 days your application will be considered closed and a further payment will be required to reprocess a new application.
What should I do if I suspect someone is using a fraudulent card?
- Retain the card if possible
- Make photocopies of front and back
- Record cardholder’s name and address if possible
- Ask cardholder where the card was obtained from
- Contact the local police and report the matter*
- Refuse access to site (subject to company rules)
- Forward copies of all evidence to: The Home Building Skills Partnership Card Scheme Administrator at 3 Vimy Court, Vimy Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 1FG
- email enquiries@homebuildskillscard.co.uk making sure to include copies of all evidence
*Please note: Contacting the police is at the discretion of each individual site and subject to company rules. HBF always recommend contacting the police as this information can be helpful to the authorities when investigating issues such as modern-day slavery, people trafficking and right to work investigations.
Can I get a refund if I decide that I do not need a visitor card?
No. The application fee is non-refundable once payment has been processed.
What is the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test?
It is a multiple-choice test on health, safety and environmental issues in construction, usually taken on a touch screen. It can be booked at venues around the UK. This is required for the visitor card application. Find out more about the test and how to make a booking here.
How do I book a CITB Health, Safety an Environment test?
You can book onlineor you can call the information and booking line on 0344 994 4488.
You’ll need a credit or debit card to pay the £22.50 fee and either your NI (National Insurance) number or a CITB or CSCS registration number.
How does much does it cost to take the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test?
£22.50
Can I buy materials to help me revise for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test?
There are various test question books available so ensure you purchase the right one for the level of test you are taking. For more information click here
They are all available from high street and online booksellers or by calling 0344 994 4488. Find out more about the test here.
Can my employees take the test at our premises to save time and travel costs?
If there are at least 16 people taking the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test at one time, you can arrange for the mobile testing unit to be brought to a location of your choice (as long as it’s large enough for the vehicle to gain access) by calling the Corporate Health, Safety and Environment test Booking line on 0344 994 4492.
How do I find my nearest CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test centre?
You can find your nearest test centre by using the online booking systemor you can call the information and booking line on 0344 994 4488. If the person taking the test needs additional support (e.g. accessibility or literacy) please call the booking line to discuss the requirements.
Which picture will be used on my card?
The image on your card is supplied to us by the CITB through your HS&E application. There is no option to upload a new image when you apply for this card. Please make sure you have a good quality, recent image of yourself for your CITB test application.
Why am I no longer able to check cards using the GoSmart checker?
CSCS have advised CSCS have advised that as a result of the change of their provider for the electronic checking of CSCS cards from ‘Go Smart’ to ‘Smart Check’ the facility will no longer exist to enable the electronic checking of the Home Builders Visitor Card on their new platform. The card checking system “Checarda” will continue to enable Visitors Cards to be verified. Please note that until 1st September 2023, the GoSmart Application will still be able to check Visitor Cards.
https://cardcheck.gosmart.co.uk/