CSCS card scheme
 The construction industry is getting qualified. More and more clients and contractors are demanding that workers carry the right qualifications before letting them on site. And this is set to increase as we approach 2010 - the commonly recognised deadline for the whole industry to be qualified.
The scheme covers over 230 occupations within construction and is being adopted as the standard for the industry. If workers hold a CSCS card, they have proof that they're up to the job. The card lists the occupations that they are skilled in and shows that they are aware of health and safety issues, having passed the Health and Safety Test.
All cards will cost £25 and an application will take roughly 28 days.
WHAT IS A CSCS CARD?
The CSCS card is an individual identification and registration card (similar to a credit card) which lasts for three or five years.
The CSCS card shows that the holder is considered to be competent at his or her job, lists any relevant certificates and also shows that the holder has undergone health and safety awareness training or testing.
There are a number of different types of cards:
GREEN CARD - CONSTRUCTION SITE OPERATIVE - The green card is available to those operatives who carry out basic site skills only
RED CARD – TRAINEE - You will qualify for this card if you are a trainee and if you are registered for an NVQ or SVQ but have not yet achieved level 2 or 3
BLUE EXPERIENCED WORKER CARD - This card is available to everyone with on the job experience. If you have an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3, or you have served an approved apprenticeship
BLUE SKILLED CARD - You may qualify for a blue skilled card if you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3, or if you have completed an apprenticeship. If you do not have these qualifications, you may apply for a skilled card if you are experienced in your job and your trade is available through industry accreditation
GOLD SKILLED CARD - You may qualify for a gold skilled card if you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 3, or if you have completed an apprenticeship. If you do not have these qualifications, you may apply for a skilled card if you are experienced in your job and your trade is available through industry accreditation
PLATINUM CARD – MANAGER - The platinum card is available for manager occupations. You may apply for a card through industry accreditation, for three years from release date, or by achievement of an NVQ or SVQ level 4
BLACK CARD – MANAGER - The black card is available for senior manager occupations
YELLOW CARD - REGULAR VISITORS - The yellow Regular Visitor Card has been introduced for those people who frequently visit a construction site, but have no construction 'site' skill (such as delivery drivers, etc).
WHAT IS INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION?
It is a period of time that individuals may apply for a card if:
- they do not have formal qualifications; or
- the qualification is not a CSCS entry requirement (i.e. NVQ, SVQ, approved apprenticeship).
The CSCS Board appreciate that many of you have been working in your trade for some years, have not necessarily had any formal training but are competent and experienced at your job. If so, an industry accreditation card is for you.
WHY DO I NEED A CSCS CARD?
Many clients are demanding the card on their construction sites and main contractors are not employing craft persons or operatives without the card.
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOT ONE?
1,060,307 cards had been issued by October 2006, and this number is constantly rising.
THE HEALTH & SAFETY TEST
It is a 45 minute multiple choice test on health and safety in construction. It is a screen based test and there are a maximum of 40 questions to answer. Special arrangement can be made for foreign speakers or dyslexic individuals when booking the test. You can do the test during the daytime, in the evening or on a Saturday. The test can be taken at one of the driving theory test centres. The cost is £17.50 for all tests including re-tests and those forming part of an NVQ/SVQ
Registering for the test and making a booking can now be done through a single call to the hotline.
Call 0870 600 4020
There are currently 3 levels of CSCS health and safety tests available. These are:
- CSCS test for Trainees, Craft and Operative level cards.
- CSCS Supervisor test, for Supervisor level cards (this can also be used for Craft or Operative level cards).
- CSCS Manager test, for Manager and Contracts Manager cards (this can also be used for Craft or Operative level cards).
Contact information
CSCS
Address:
CSCS
PO Box 114
Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk PE31 6XD
CSCS Helpdesk
Tel: 0870 4178777
Fax: 01485 577 603
CITB
Address:
CITB-ConstructionSkills
Bircham Newton
Kings Lynn
Norfolk PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
Fax: 01485 577793
Email: information.centre@citb.co.uk
All information taken from CSCS & CITB websites.
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