4 January 2016
Changes to CSCS Cards
CSCS is implementing a number of changes to the CSCS card scheme to comply with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) decision that the industry should specify and promote card schemes carrying the CSCS logo with no equivalents accepted.
As part of the CLC decision, cards carrying the CSCS logo should only be issued to individuals who hold the correct qualification for their occupation. By April 2017, all new CSCS card applications, with the exception of trainees, apprentices and site visitors, will be required to hold an appropriate construction-related qualification.
As a result, CSCS has closed the Profiled Route for obtaining a manager’s card as of 31 March 2016 and applications will no longer be accepted via this route. Individuals can still apply for a Construction Site Manager card but will be required to complete the relevant construction management level qualification.
CSCS is also withdrawing the Construction Related Occupation (CRO) card as follows:
• Cards issued up to 30 September 2015 remain valid for a full 5 years
• Cards issued between 1 October 2015 and 31 March 2017 have an expiry date of 30 September 2017
• No new CRO cards will be issued after 31 March 2017.
CRO cardholders will need to register for a construction-related qualification prior to the expiry of their card in order to obtain the appropriate CSCS skilled card. Those who do not register for a construction-related qualification by 30 September 2017 will be unable to obtain a CSCS card.
CSCS is encouraging the use of SmartCard technology to check the information held on CSCS cards before allowing workers onto site. The electronic chip embedded in a CSCS card provides a quick and accurate way of checking cards: placing the card into a compatible device such as a tablet or smartphone instantly shows whether individuals have the correct qualifications for the jobs they do. Checking cards electronically saves time and money with some contractors calculating that they have saved around 500 working days per year.
To help operatives apply for the correct CSCS card, Build UK has published a handy Guide to CSCS Cards. To take advantage of the benefits offered by the CSCS SmartCard, contact CSCS via email communications@cscs.gb.com or phone 0207 291 0743.