The Construction Skills Certification Scheme is a register of competent workers in the construction industry. The main aims of the scheme are to improve standards of workmanship and reduce accidents in the construction industry. The scheme is supported by organisations such as the Major Contractors Group and possession of an appropriate CSCS card is increasingly being required for access to construction sites in the UK.
What is a CSCS card?
A CSCS card is a plastic card, the size of a credit card, with an individual’s name, photo and CSCS reference number on it. The card shows the individual’s occupation and that they have undergone health and safety awareness training and testing. There are different coloured cards for different levels of an occupation, from trainee to senior management. Cards are valid for either 3 or 5 years, depending on the type of card.
Routes to CSCS cards
The normal route to get a CSCS card is to achieve the appropriate N/SVQ for the required occupational level. However, there are other routes such as industry accreditation (usually available for a limited period of time after a trade becomes available for CSCS cards) or the professional membership route. Fellows of the Geological Society can qualify for a CSCS card through a professional membership route – see below for further details.
All cards require completion of a health and safety test. There is an application fee for CSCS cards and a fee for taking the health and safety test. See the CSCS website at
www.cscs.uk.com for details of the types of cards available, the requirements and fees and to request application packs.