All about Construction Skills Certification Scheme

This article is all about the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

Introduction

This scheme is simply a national organization responsible for producing identity cards for people working on construction sites.

It means that people can identify themselves as having certain skills and experience.

In the UK, especially on medium to large construction projects you may be refused entry if you do not have one of the following CSCS cards:

• Laborer
• Apprentice
• Experienced technical supervisor or manager
• Experienced worker
• Trainee
• Industry placement
• Blue skilled worker
• Gold skilled worker
• Supervisory
• Manager
• Academically qualified person
• Professional qualified person
• Provisional temporary card

If you are coming to the site to perform professional services such as an Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Structural engineer, Services engineer and will not be doing any physical work such as cutting, drilling etc. then one of the basic cards above will be fine. It just shows you are not a total moron walking around site who will be a risk to themselves and to other workers.

But if you are a skilled worker such as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, plasterer etc. you will need a skilled card otherwise you may be turned away from site. This is because you cannot prove formally your skill level or competence.

How do you get one of these cards ?

You can only get this skilled card if you have:

1. Received a construction related National Vocational Qualification at level 2 (or Scottish equivalent).
2. Completed an Employer sponsored apprenticeship, a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate or a CSCS Approved Trailblazer

In some cases you might have been working as a plasterer for several years and be very competent but not hold formal qualifications so you can apply for an experienced workers card.

Before obtaining your relevant card, each applicant must pass the The Construction Industry Training Board ‘Health, Safety and Environment test’ for the occupation being applied for.

How long does an CSCS card last for ?

Each card is valid for five years after which you will need to renew it.