The Construction Skills Certification Scheme is a register of 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 Build UK, 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 vary in duration of validity, 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 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, safety and environment test. There is an application fee for CSCS cards and a fee for taking the Health, safety and environment test. See the CSCS website for details of the types of cards available, requirements and fees.
Which CSCS cards can Fellows apply for?
Candidate Fellows
Candidate Fellows can apply for the red Trainee card. This card requires completion of the Operative level Health, safety and environment test. The card is valid for five years. It can be extended on appeal and by retaking the Operative level Health, safety and environment test.
Fellows
Fellows can apply for the white/yellow Academically Qualified Person card as long as they hold a construction-related HNC, HND, degree or equivalent. This card requires completion of the Managers and Professionals level Health, safety and environment test. This card is valid for five years.
Chartered, European and Scientific Geologists
Chartered, European and Scientific Geologists can apply for the white Professionally Qualified Person card through the professional membership route.
This card is available to competence-assessed members of CSCS-approved professional bodies. This card is valid for five years, and all applicants must pass the Managers and Professionals level Health, safety and environment test.
When you apply for this card, you will need to provide your professional body membership number and level of membership, along with a copy of your professional body membership certificate or card. If you don’t have a copy of your membership certificate or card, you can supply a letter or email from the professional body confirming that you are a current, competence-assessed member.
You can also apply for this card over the phone by calling CSCS on 0344 99 44 777. Prior to calling you will need to email evidence of your membership to [email protected].