CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme, and it is considered to be one of the most important qualifications you can have in the construction industry. This is because it acts as a form of proof that you have received the correct training and qualifications for working on a construction site, giving potential employers peace of mind.
It was implemented to help reduce the number of workplace incidents within the industry, as well as a means of encouraging education and training for those interested in construction. The card that you receive will have a chip installed, and this contains information about your qualifications. The chip can be scanned on the site, showing employers that you have the capabilities to carry out the work.
While it is not a legal requirement to have a CSCS card, it is something that the vast majority of companies and site managers will require you to have in order to do any work for them. Nearly every employer will insist that you have the appropriate card, and this is why it is so important to have one.
In order to get your CSCS card, the first thing you will need to do is apply for one. There are a few simple steps for you to follow in order to complete the application process:
You will need to pass the appropriate CSCS Test for your specific occupation. If you are a little unsure, you can check which one you need to take by using the website or giving us a call. Once you know, all you need to do is book it.
You should also check the requirements for the CSCS card you are applying for, and this is an essential part of the process. Depending on the colour of the card that you are looking to purchase, you may need to have completed specific courses or NVQs. You can check our website for more information on this area.
It is possible for your foreign qualifications to be transferred to a CSCS card so that you can use it to work on UK construction sites. In order to do this, you will need to appeal to the United Kingdom National Agency for the Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications and Skills (UK NARIC), who will be able to help you through the process.
Once you have the UK NARIC certificate, you will need to include the following in your CSCS card application in order to be approved:
Your card will be valid for up to five years, although this can depend on the type of card that you have. There are some that will only be valid for three years, and even those that expire after six months. As a result, it is essential that you check each card carefully before submitting your application.
|
Occupation |
Card Colour |
Expires After |
|---|---|---|
|
Labourer |
Green |
5 years |
|
Apprentice |
Red |
4 years + 6 months |
|
Experienced Technical, Supervisor, or Manager |
Red |
3 years |
|
Experienced Worker |
Red |
1 year |
|
Trainee Card |
Red |
5 years |
|
Provisional |
Red |
6 months |
|
Skilled Worker |
Blue |
5 years |
|
Advanced Craft |
Gold |
5 years |
|
Supervisory |
Gold |
5 years |
|
Manager |
Black |
5 years |
|
Academically Qualified Person |
White |
5 years |
|
Professionally Qualified Person |
White |
5 years |
|
Construction Site Visitor |
Yellow |
5 years |
If you happen to lose your card, or it is stolen, all you need to do is give us a call, and we will send you a replacement. You won’t need to worry about any additional testing or certification either, as long as your card is still valid at the time of loss.
The process for renewal of your CSCS card is actually quite simple, and nothing to stress over. Here are the options for you when the time comes:
Industry Accreditation. If your card is blue, gold, or black, and marked with the words “Industry Accreditation” on the back, you can renew it by taking the appropriate HS&E test. However, if it has been over six months since the expiry, you will need to give us a call instead as the process becomes more complicated.
Standard Renewal. All you need to do for this form of renewal is take the HS&E test, just like when you apply for a new card.
Temporary Card Renewal. These cards cannot always be renewed as they are issued on a temporary basis. For cases like this, you will need to give us a call so that we can discuss the process further with you.
See all frequently asked questions…
Last updated: Wednesday 27 June 2018 14:49:13