Types of CSCS Cards And Their Different Features

Since the CSCS [Construction Skills Certification Scheme] card has become an entry ticket in the construction world in the UK, more people are moving towards getting this certification. This card proves their identity showing their competence in safely performing the job. Based on the calibre and the qualification of an individual, one can apply for different cards. Mainly, seven cards are available showing the levels of experience to get a suitable job in the construction industry.

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme, a construction worker’s “ticket” governed by a set of tests with fundamental questions that have to be adequately answered to obtain a CSCS card. The card is proof of your identity and competence in safely performing your job. In addition to this, your CSCS card also may consist of details showing any pertinent certifications or certificates.

The Types of CSCS Cards

There are twelve different CSCS cards of 7 different colours that reveal the qualification and skill. We have created an in-depth guide to each card and who it is for. They are as follows:

Click each card to be taken to a full breakdown of each card.

Green CSCS Card: Construction Site Operative/ Labourer Card

Important Changes

From 1st July 2014, the green Construction Site Operative (CSO) card is no longer being issued. There is a new green CSCS card test only available for people working in labouring occupations.

More information is available on the CSCS website green card changes web pages.

The construction industry is not just focused on constructing buildings or highways. It is a large industry covering different sectors – from plumbing to electrical to supervisors and managers. It also needs other skills that vary from one person to another. Before a card is issued, you must first determine your skill level and qualifications.

However, if your skill only covers basic site skills or your skills are non-specific, then you can get the Green CSCS Card or the Construction Site Operative Card.

How to apply for a Green Construction Site Operative / Labourer Card

When applying for the green CSCS card, you need to comply with the following requirements:

1. Proof of competence in carrying out the job.
2. Employer’s recommendation or industry accreditation OR NVQ or SVQ Level 1. When employer recommendation is used, an employer should use the industry accreditation competencies in recommending you.
3. Must take and pass the Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives.

A fee of £22 must be paid for the HS&E Test and another £30.00 for the card application. Once these requirements are successfully complied with, a green card will be issued. Said card is valid for five years.

Minimum Activities of a Construction Site Operative / Labourer

To achieve industry accreditation, the following are minimum activities expected from a construction site operative –

• Can work either as an individual or part of the team.
• Use personal protective equipment or PPE.
• Use hand and power tools relevant to the occupation.
• Care, maintain and secure tools and equipment.
• Oral reporting of information.
• Identify and select materials and components that are relevant to the occupation.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Handle materials and components based on safe methods and procedures.
• Follow company guidelines and procedures in case of accidents or emergencies.
• Follow organisational requirements for current legislation and official guidelines.

Holding a Green CSCS Card does not necessarily mean you are at the bottom of the pyramid. Remember that your skills are relevant and needed in the industry.

Blue CSCS Card – Skilled Worker:

If you are a skilled worker, the Blue CSCS Card is the right one for you.

How to Apply for a Blue CSCS Card?

The following requirements must be complied with:

1. The worker must prove that they have sufficient training and qualification to carry out the job.
2. The worker must submit an application that is relevant to the occupation.

You must have one of the following:

• The worker must achieve Level 2 NVQ or SVQ
• A NARIC report and certificate equivalent to NVQ level 2 (this route goes through appeal and will require additional documents.)

Or

• The worker must have completed an employer-sponsored apprenticeship. This should also include the achievement of a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate.
• You must take and pass the Operative Citb Health, Safety and Environment Test. This means out of 50 questions, they should get a score of 47.

On the other hand, if the worker does not have any of the qualifications mentioned in numbers (2) and (3), yet experienced in their job, they can apply for an Experienced Worker Card.

What documents do I need if I use a NARIC certificate?

If you would like to use NARIC to apply, you will need to send the following documents:

• Detailed CV
• A copy of original qualifications (preferably translated)
• Current job description on site
• One specific occupation to be endorsed on the card

Please note, we cannot guarantee you will receive the card via this route.

For more information relating to NARIC, click here.

The Blue CSCS Card – Craft Unit Level

This type of CSCS card can be given to occupations where full NVQ or SVQ does not exist but has passed the trade specific units. The Operative Health, Safety and Environment test must also be taken.

How long is it valid for?

The Blue CSCS Card – Skilled Workers is valid for five years, and it can be renewed.

Gold CSCS Card – Skilled Worker:

This card can be owned by those skilled people only who have achieved an employer-sponsored apprenticeship or SVQ or an NVQ level 3along with an Advanced Craft Certificate from the City and Guilds of London Institute.

Gold CSCS Card – Supervisor:

If you are a supervisor or a skilled worker with higher qualifications, then you can apply for a Gold CSCS Card.

How can I qualify for the gold card?

If you have achieved any of the following qualifications, you may apply for a gold CSCS card.

• A level 3 NVQ or SVQ; or
• A completed and indentured apprenticeship with NJCBI, BATJIC or other certified organisations of the same class; or
• A completed employer-sponsored apprenticeship, including the achievement of a City and Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate.

If you have any of the following, you may submit the relevant CSCS application form according to your skill.

Gold CSCS Card: Advanced Craft

Any of the following qualifications you have may qualify you for the gold card. Consequently, you also need to pass the Operative or Specialist Health, Safety & Environment Test depending on your occupation.

Gold CSCS Card: Supervisor

A level 3 NVQ or SVQ can already allow you to apply for the gold card as long as you perform supervisorial work on the site. Also, you need to pass the Health, Safety and Environment Test for Supervisors.

Gold CSCS cards are valid for five years. A fee of £19.50 for the HS&E Test and £30.00 for the card must be paid to process the application.

Black CSCS Card – Senior Manager:

The Black card is for those people who have manager and senior manager occupation and have achieved level 4 or 5 in site management.

How do I qualify for a Black CSCS card?

Being a manager requires a higher level of skills and qualifications. Therefore, an applicant must:

• Have NVQ or SVQ Level 4 or 5 or QCF level 6 or 7 in the relevant occupation.
• Pass the Health, Safety and Environment test for Managers and Professionals.

What if I don’t have NVQ or SVQ qualifications?

If you are an experienced construction site manager but you lack the required qualification, you can still apply for a Black CSCS card through the Profiled Route scheme.

The scheme is designed by the CSCS to help experienced construction site supervisors and managers to get their cards quicker and easier. Hence, there is no need to take the NVQ or SVQ qualification.

How does Profiled Route scheme work?

The employer should nominate several qualified managers. After that, a reviewer, an individual who holds NVQ assessors qualifications and an accredited to assess construction related NVQ Level 3 or higher, will be appointed.

The candidate must be able to complete an evidence sheet or a questionnaire based on Site Management NVQ knowledge and performance evidence criteria. The CV, training qualifications, certificates and references from present and previous jobs will also be reviewed. Then the reviewer will write an observation report or professional discussion about the candidate. The CSCS will then audit the application.

In case the applicant is qualified, it will take 14 to 28 days before the card will be issued.

White CSCS Card – Construction Related Occupation (CRO):

The white/grey CSCS card for construction related occupation or CRO is a card available to individuals who work in a construction related job but said job does not fall in any of the popular and conventional CSCS card categories. This will also include the CSCS affiliate cards. If your occupation is part of a rare or specialist sector, then the white or grey CRO CSCS card will be issued to you. Or, if your occupation works alongside conventional construction operations, then you may consider applying for this type of card.

For instance, if you are a cleaner or someone responsible for clearing materials from sites, then you will qualify for this card category. There are no CSCS categories that cover cleaners.

How can I get the white/grey card?

Before submitting the corresponding application form, you must be able to sit and pass the Health, Safety & Environment test first. Once you successfully pass the test, the Construction Related Occupation CSCS card will be issued you. It bears your full name as well as your specific job title and the expertise you held or achieved.

The card is valid for five years and can be renewed upon application. You will also have to re-sit the Health, Safety & Environment Test upon renewal.

The PQP card is for professionals who look after health and safety responsibilities, such as Client Architects, Engineers, Consultants and Surveyors.

Yellow/White – Professionally Qualified Person CSCS Card:

This card shows the occupation of the cardholder. This card is mainly for the people who have construction-related occupations which are not covered by the other categories of cards.

Apart from the labourers, skilled workers, supervisors and managers, there are other people who enter into the site that plays an important role in the planning or construction such as surveyors, engineers or architects. These individuals are called Professionally Qualified Person or PQP, wherein they are no longer required to record how much time was spent on site. When you are a PQP, a white or yellow CSCS card will be issued to you to access the site.

Why is the white/yellow CSCS card for a Professionally Qualified Person?

The white/yellow CSCS card is for the members of professional bodies that are affiliated with the CSCS scheme. Some of the professional bodies include:

• Architects Registration Board
• Chartered Institute of Building
• Institute of Civil Engineering
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Association for Projects Safety
• Energy Institute
• Institute of Demolition Engineers
• British Computer Society
• Institution of Highways Engineers

How do I apply for a white or yellow CSCS card?

In applying for this particular card, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be a member of any of the approved institutions that are affiliated with the scheme;
2. Must be competency-assessed by one or more of the professional bodies;
3. Must pass the Health, Safety & Environment test for Managerial and Professionals or MAP.

If you can meet all the of the requirements mentioned, you can obtain a white/yellow CSCS card for a Professionally Qualified Person. Said card is valid for five years and can be renewed if the Professional Body Membership is endorsed.

Yellow CSCS Card – Regular Visitor:

The yellow CSCS card is for visitors who frequently visit a construction site even without construction skills. This includes realtors, real estate agents or developers.

To qualify for a visitor CSCS card, you need to pass the operatives’ Health, Safety & Environment test. This is to ensure that you will understand and demonstrate operational practices and safety precautions while inside the site.

Once you pass the HS&E Test, you will be issued a yellow CSCS card. This allows you to access the site while reducing the time spent on-site induction by the site manager. Nonetheless, site managers must still ensure the safety and welfare of the people entering the site.

How long can I use the yellow card?

The yellow visitor card is valid for 5 years. However, if you are still in the process of gaining your qualification, a Trainee card will be issued. Trainee card is only temporary and is valid for 1 or 3 years depending on your course.

Red CSCS Card – Trainee:

Red CSCS Card: Trainee for Craft and Operative

To qualify for the Trainee Card, you must be operating as a trainee and registered for NVQ / SVQ or relevant Construction Award. However, you should not have achieved a Level 2 or 3 NVQ or SVQ.

The Trainee Card will be valid for three years only or until the trainee course has been completed and you applied for the corresponding card for your occupation.

Red CSCS Card: Trainee for Technical, Supervisory and Management

The Technical, Supervisory and Management Trainee card are similar to the craft and Operative Trainee Card. However, you need to provide evidence of your current registration with a higher education college or university for a nationally recognised construction relation qualification to qualify for this card.

This card is valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years upon application.

Take note that you need to submit the corresponding application form. Also, you are required to pass the Operatives Health, Safety and Environment Test first before applying for the card.

Red Card – Graduate (Technical, Supervisory and Management):

This card can only be obtained if you have completed and can provide evidence of your nationally recognised construction related qualification from a further / higher education college or university. This construction related degree does not necessarily mean you need to operate while on site. Nonetheless, you are still required to take and pass the Health, Safety & Environment Test for Managers and Professionals.

Once you pass the HS&E Test, you will be issued the red CSCS card. However, no occupation or qualifications are written at the back of the card since it aims to show your general understanding and competence on operational practices and precautions while on site.

This card is for those who have completed qualifications related to construction from a nationally recognised education college. This card is valid for three years.

Red Card – Experienced (Technical, Supervisory and Management):

If you are an experienced technician, supervisor or manager with significant on the job experience for at least one year in the last three years but neither holds a Level 3, 4, or 5 S/NVQ nor a member of any of the CSCS-approved professional bodies, then this card is for you.

You need to pass the relevant Health, Safety & Environment Test for your occupation and must be registered for the relevant S/NVQ. Once you pass the test, your card will be issued which valid for three years and cannot be renewed.

Take note that this card is temporary while your N/SVQ is still being achieved.

 

Red CSCS Card for Experienced Worker:

If you have at least one year for the last three years on the job experience and has missed out on an industry accreditation opportunity, then the red CSCS card for Experienced Worker is the right card for you. However, you still need to pass the Health, Safety & Environment Test for Operatives and register for S/NVQ qualification.

After that, the card is only valid for one year and cannot be renewed. It is issued temporarily while you are still in the process of gaining your S/NVQ qualifications. Upon completion of Level 2 or 3 S/NVQ, the red card will be replaced by a 5-year skilled card.

Note that the Green card for Construction Site Operative cannot replace the red card.

What Is CSCS?

The CSCS is the leading skill certification scheme in the UK construction industry. Its purpose is to define certain requirements that individuals within the profession have to meet. This allows any person to assess the skills and ability of a potential employee. It also allows for the company hiring a person to know that their employee meets a certain skill set before hiring. This provides the company with a bit of security and ensures that the employee can get jobs based on their skill level. The CSCS is a not-for-profit limited company. The Schemes are developed under contract with the CITB. One major way that employees’ skillsets are shown is through the CSCS cards.

What Are CSCS Cards?

CSCS stands for Construction Skills-Certification Scheme. How are CSCS cards different from other forms of identification? What helps to set CSCS cards apart is that they fulfil several requirements necessary for a business environment. They act as a certification of the cardholder’s identity. They are a certification of the qualifications of the card holder. Finally, they are a certification of the cardholder’s training.

Why get CSCS related cards? Well, CSCS cards can allow you to show employers that you possess the correct identification and skillset to get the job done. In many contexts and trade professions, the CSCS identification is required. This is especially true on construction sites. Be aware that most workers will have to have CSCS identification when on the construction site. Be aware that CSCS identification is not a passport, competency card, guarantee of cardholder’s competence, a health and safety card, a card for off-site employees, or a certification of the cardholder’s fitness to work. If you need any additional information on CSCS cards, then look at their website. Also, contact them with a request if something is unclear or you believe you meet the qualifications for a particular card even though you do not have a certification requirement that is listed.

As is presently available, CSCS identification plays a specific role in business. Providing the correct identification when on the job, having CSCS identification is the best way to identify who you are and what qualification you are allowed to express in the workplace. Along with being inexpensive, they can be acquired for several different professions and subgroups. Below we go into 16 different sub-sections of CSCS cards to give you a better idea of what is out there.

What are the different Colours of CSCS Cards for?

In total, there are 7 different colours for the CSCS Cards, each denoting a various level of experience, here is a quick breakdown of each one:

• Yellow card: Visitors without any real building skills.
  Environment-friendly: General building employees.
• Blue card: Skilled craft employees.
• Gold card: Employees in an advanced supervisory role.
• Red card: Trainees, graduates, experienced employees or supervisors.
• Black card: Managers.
• Green card: Labourer, formally Construction Site Operative
• White card: Occupations connected to the building market that is not covered by the other cards.

Each CSCS card has its own function.

To get a CSCS card for your profession, you need to pass the CSCS test. This test is made from about 35 concerns including numerous choices. These are shown on a touch screen computer, and an applicant is provided about 45 minutes to finish the test.

To get a Gold Supervisors card, there is a different wellness and safety test that you must pass and complete. Typically this test consists of 50 questions with selections to choose from and 45 minutes are offered to complete it. This test concentrates on the obligations of a supervisor, his/her role on a construction website and associated wellness and safety circumstances.

To acquire a Black card, there is likewise various test that candidates should finish and pass. Similar to the Gold Supervisors CSCS test, there are 50 questions to respond to in approximately 45 minutes. The Black card test concentrates on the function of a manager within the building sector and questions centre around this and related health and security problems.

Understand the CSCS smartcard

Besides the regular CSCS card, today we have Smartcards with additional benefits. These Smartcards are fitted with a microchip to properly store data and information. A company or a site manager may invest in an inexpensive card-reader and check the details mentioned on the card. This will help in identifying fake cardholders if any. The smart card can be accessed with the help of mobile apps from any Smartphone. Thus, do not panic on the validation of the information mentioned on the card. You can use a card reader and check the data. Thus, smart cards are a smart way to get an entry in the construction field.

CSCS cards in detail

Today there are 11 types of CSCS cards available for the real estate service providers. Some prominent types are Green for the construction site operative. Blue for the skilled worker. Red card for those wished to join after completing Graduation. Red card for an experienced worker. Yellow card for the construction site visitor. Gold card for the advanced craft. Red card for the trainee. White/yellow cards for professionally qualified ones. Black card for all managers and those at the management level. White/Grey card for those who are into construction related activities and Red card for experienced technical person or supervisors or managers.

Utility of the CSCS smartcard

It is a simple way of proving your competence in the construction world for the last 15 years. Now with the help of the recent Smartcard, checking the authenticity of the cardholder became easy. Now anyone can virtually check the information mentioned on the card before hiring the worker and save time and money for the firm. With the help of the microchip of the CSCS smartcard, anyone can go through the data and read it. You cannot modify the information present on the memory card. It allows the reader to view the information if and when there is a doubt about the credibility of the worker. So, get the inexpensive card reader and install the software to check the details comfortably.

Anyone attached to the construction industry, working or supervising the site, is expected to show the card to the client to confirm that they are fit to perform the desired job. Those who do not have the card may face rejection from the authorities. So, apply and get the card today to enjoy a smart entry in the construction industry.

Cost of the CSCS Tests

One of the finest things about the CSCS test is its affordability. You can declare your card for just £30, consisting of VAT. In truth, you could be fortunate enough to have a business that spends for the cost of the card. You need to also pay £19.50 for the Health, Safety and Environment Test.

Taking The CSCS Test

You will have 45 minutes to finish the test, and you must try and answer as many questions as possible. As we have already discussed, your test depends on the colour of the CSCS Card you are using for. Look here for test centres.

Studying For The CSCS Test

It would be a severe mistake not to approach the CSCS test expertly. You can still avail of the old test books; however there is likewise the option of discovering utilising training CDs and taking mock exams on this page.

If you don’t pass the CSCS test and receive your card, you can virtually ignore getting a job on a UK construction site. The card is seen as evidence that you have the proper level of health and safety training, and without it, construction companies will be reluctant to take a possibility since they can ill-afford to have workers that are not correctly trained.

CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme, a builders “ticket” governed by a set of tests with basic concerns that require being answered correctly to acquire a CSCS card. To get a card for your occupation, you have to pass the CSCS test. To acquire a Gold Supervisors CSCS card, there is a different wellness and security test that one must complete and pass. To get a Black card, there is likewise various test that candidates have to pass and complete. The Black card test focuses on the function of a manager within the construction sector and questions centre around this and related wellness and security concerns.

If you still need help finding the right card for your skills then check out this card finder link here, and it will help you decide which test you will need to sit.

You must hold a Valid CSCS card in the UK to work on a construction site. The card earns you recognition. It serves as proof of your abilities and knowledge about the particular job. Your productivity level is no longer questioned after you display the card to your client. With a vision of helping in improving the building construction standards, the card was first introduced in 1995.

The key idea of introducing the card was to minimise the chances of accidents and associated problems in the construction industry by hiring only skilled professions. Therefore, the card provided by the health and safety training department helps in hiring only skilled professionals who assure quality performance without causing any damage.
Holding a CSCS card ensures your competencies and productivity and well as your dedication towards the performance of the duties towards the client. They will never question your credibility after seeing the card.

Tips for applying for the CSCS card

To get the CSCS card for your career growth, quickly download the form from the website.
•    First, you have to identify the need for the card and then choose the title. You have to select from the 3 different application forms and then download it on your system.
•    You may choose the Craft & Operative Application form. The best thing about this form is that anyone attached to the construction work is eligible for applying for the particular card.
•    Those who are professionally qualified may select the application form for the Supervisor, Manager or Technical person.
•    You must have the required training and have cleared the Construction skills, health and safety test to apply for the desired card.

Understand the CSCS test

The CSCS test is an online test that you have to appear from your PC. Depending on the level of your education qualification you have to select the area and then appear for the PC based test. For example, if you wish to work as a Building site supervisor, you must pass the Supervisor exam.
Thus, depending on the nature of your profile or qualification, you can apply for the card and then demonstrate your competencies in the industry.

Where Does That Leave Us?

As can be seen, there is a wide range of positions that an individual on the job site can fulfil. The CSCS card system is designed to help delineate the responsibility of individuals and ensure that any person with a job title has the pre-requisite training. If you are interested in getting one of these cards yourself, then head over to the CSCS website. There is even more information on how to qualify for the cards as well as places to take the necessary coursework and pass the required tests.

Advancing your career in manufacturing and construction means building the skill set that will see you as an authority in the workplace—best of luck as you continue your education and training.

CRO Card Changes

Many home builders and contractors require a valid CSCS card proving that workers have met the required certifications and training for the type of work they perform. CSCS is a not-for-profit limited company consisting of unions and employer organisations representing the construction industry. The CSCS card certifies that construction workers have the required qualifications specific to the job they perform. The scheme provides a database of certified construction workers who have achieved the recognised industries related qualification. The CRO (Construction Related Occupation) card changes begin on 1st October 2015, paving the way for its withdrawal by 2017.

Training Required for the Following Task by the CSCS:

• Tractor/Dozer Operation, Mobile Crane Operation, Crawler Crane Operation, Articulated Dumper Operation, Site Dumper Operation
• 180 or 360 Degree Excavator Operation
• Mini-Digger Operation
• Roof and Wall Cladding/Sheeting
• Built-Up Roof Felting
• Signing, Lighting, and Guarding on Roads
• Assisting in the implementation of Health and Safety at Road Work
• Locating Underground Services
• Shot firing
• Scaffolding: Basic and advanced
• Mobile Tower Scaffold: Employees have not been trained in either basic or advanced scaffolding
• Tower Crane Operation
• Self-Erecting Tower Crane Operation: Employee does not have training in tower crane operation
• Slinging/Signalling: This is the slinging of loads on lifting equipment and signalling plant drivers in load placement

What Happens if the worker Isn’t Qualified?

The goal is to improve standards and safety for everyone involved in the construction industry. If a worker has not recorded a construction related qualification by 30th September 2017, they will not be able to renew their card and cannot even step foot on a work site. If a worker wants to keep working, they must pick a skill and register for a qualification and work towards certification.

If the applicant does not qualify, they can:

• Register for an appropriate qualification while applying for a Trained card that will be valid for three years and is not renewable.
• Apply for a CRO card that expires on 30th September 2017 and is not
• If the occupation is determined not to be covered by a nationally recognised qualification, a CRO card is issued that expires on 30th September 2017, with the relevant sector identified as an appropriate qualification recognised by the CSCS.

How Does This Affect Electricians?

A CSCS card, called the Construction Related Occupation (CRO) Card, is designated for workers who work in areas that do not have a nationally recognised qualification. An electrician should not even be holding a CRO card. Electricians should hold an ECS card, which is a dedicated card scheme. This scheme requires that you have a suitable set of qualifications or working to attain them to have this card.

Since 2000, the dedicated ECS scheme, run by the CSCS and the JIB, states that anyone working on electrical systems on construction sites should already have qualifications and/or work towards a fully qualified status to get a card.

What is the Labourer Card?

Many workers have multiple skills that don’t fall under any one category, which is one of the reasons the CRO was issued. In this situation, workers must pick a single occupation to be displayed on their cards.

300,000 CRO cards have been issued since 2005 due to applicants only needing to complete the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test to be eligible for a CRO (Construction Related Occupation) Card. CSCS started noticing a massive increase in CRO card applications and believes it is being used as an easy point of entry into sites for those who haven’t obtained the necessary qualifications required.

This caused them to launch a new Labourer card in July 2014. This is issued once the applicant shows they are working towards a particular trade. Even with the 35,000 labourer cards issued, CSCS also noticed an increase in the number of CRO card applicants. They view this as a shortcut to avoid taking the necessary qualifications for their chosen field.

CLC Recommendations:

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) recommends that cards with the CSCS logo demonstrate that individuals have achieved the standard of agreed-upon qualifications for the occupation in which they work. The plan is to have the CRO cards phased out over the next two years as follows:

• CRO cards issued before 1st October 2015, and expire on 30th September 2017, will remain valid until they expire.
• CRO cards issued from 1st October 2015, will not be renewable and will expire on 30th September 2017.
• CRO cards will stop being issued after 31st March 2017.

Beginning 1st October 2017, companies should be aware that workers holding CRO cards will expire on 20th September 2017, and will not be renewable. Once the applicant has submitted the necessary evidence of their qualification and it’s verified, a card will be issued with the appropriate skill designated. Only one occupation can be displayed on the card, and CSCS will make sure that a national qualification covers the trade applied for and ensure that the applicant holds the qualification needed for the job.

Conclusion:

CSCS cards are meant to prove that the worker has the skills to work in their chosen occupation. This ensures that each worker is qualified and has the correct cards for their work, which is the scheme’s primary objective. The card designates that the required evidence demonstrates that individuals working on construction sites have the necessary qualification for the type of work they do. Since CRO cards inform the employer that a worker does not hold a nationally recognised construction related qualification, plans are in progress to eliminate them out of the workforce. CSCS does not anticipate the issuing of more cards as a result of the change.

As a worker, reviewing for tests, enrolling in training courses and paying for test and CSCS card fees can be time-consuming and costly. As much as possible, you want to work immediately in order to provide for the needs of your family.

But that is not the case in the construction industry. As a matter of fact, employers are willing to wait and require the workers to go through the process in order to ensure skills, qualifications and competency. Aside from that, employers want to make sure that all their employees have adequate knowledge of health and safety issues to promote a safer working environment.

You may not realise, but here are the benefits of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme or CSCS.

How it benefits you as an employee

As an employee, the CSCS scheme allows you to prove your skills and qualifications without having to bring all the pertinent documents related to it. Keep in mind that the CSCS card is your ticket to employment. As a CSCS cardholder, your achievements, certifications and competency are confirmed, as evidenced by the card. It only shows that you possess the necessary skills needed for the job and you have adequate knowledge to carry out a safe and healthy working environment. Because you are able to pass the Health, Safety and Environment Test, it also proves you are capable of performing your job in a safe yet effective manner.

The scheme also reduced the number of cards or identifications you need to carry. Apart from your skills, the card carries with it all the relevant information needed to prove your identity.

How it benefits your employer

Time and again, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous yet important fields in society today. Because of the risks involved, employers want to make sure that they employ only qualified individuals. It also shows the clients that the worker’s competency is checked first before allowing someone to access the site.

Through the scheme, fake and non-cardholders are no longer allowed to access the site and on-site productivity and health and safety management have improved. The scheme also introduced an efficient way of checking whether the site workers hold the right card through the availability of a database.

How it benefits the construction industry

Prior to the introduction of the scheme, there were a lot of reported accidents and fatalities on the construction site. This is because workers do not have sufficient safety and health awareness and only finish the job. Since the scheme’s inception in 1995, the number of fatalities on the site has significantly reduced.

Taking and passing the test is a mandatory requirement before a worker will be issued a CSCS card. Since workers today have adequate knowledge in carrying out a safe and healthy working environment, the UK now has the lowest injury rates across Europe. As a result, the public developed confidence in the quality of workmanship and attention to health and safety measures.

The CSCS cards clearly indicate the ability of the worker. It acts as a certificate of proof. It is not offered to anyone and everyone connected to the construction industry in the UK. Only those who have applied for the card and have successfully cleared the CITB Health Safety and Environment Test are eligible to enjoy the privileges as a cardholder in the construction industry.

Advantages of passing the CSCS test

The job title on the card clearly indicates the knowledge, skill and training one has gone through before joining the industry. It informs about productivity and no one will question your skill and performance potential. The card also stands as proof of your qualification, background and achievements. The card can be used for multiple purposes.

Every client or construction site prefers hiring a worker who holds the CSCS card for certifying their skill level. Thus, there is no need to move around with your portfolio around the city. Carry the smart card and inform your client about your credibility in a smart way. They will immediately know your competencies and hire you in the most suitable position. The card, therefore, helps you to grow in the industry comfortably. Your abilities will never be questioned once you show the proof.

Reasons for checking the card as a client

Clients prefer selecting cardholders in the team as it assures quality service within the time. No need to check the competency level of the client once they show the card. Hence it simplifies the recruitment process and saves time on the worker evaluation process. Helps in improving on-site efficiency level and ensures safety management by selecting cardholder staff. A CSCS card holding team ensures that the investment is made in a trained and competent team that will yield quality performance and complete satisfaction.

The benefits of holding the smart card

With the help of the smart card CSCS, you can access the in-house database and a variety of applications from the Smartphone. Managing the training records, attendance, as well as time management can be easily recorded and managed with the help of the card reader or the apps from the Smartphone. These smart cards contain a microchip that can easily store information and be checked whenever required. Thus, a smart card is proof of the person’s qualification, which can be even checked on the reader in case there is a problem. Thus, no one can fake their identity with a smart card. It is typically manufactured to prove that the cardholder is an authentic person and has knowledge about the industry.
There are countless card providers on the market. Thus, to get an authentic card to prove your credibility in this field, you must visit the appropriate service provider. Here you will get help as and when needed. Just call us and tell us what you expect, we will guide you through the application procedure. Understand the application process and then get the card to grow in the profession just trust the finest team based in the UK.

You can find out more information more about construction management processes here.

After looking at the mishaps in the construction site for years, the UK Government took a step forward with a solution to reduce such dangers for the employee in the form of CSCS [construction skills certification scheme] card. This CSCS card was introduced in the years 1995 and from that time only it was helpful in reducing the risk of accidents and mishaps in the construction site. It has been showing its importance for many years now to the people related to the construction field in a number of ways, some of the benefits of CSCS cards are as follows.

Job search according to the person’s skill:

In today’s competitive world where lots of jobs are easily available, if you can get the job in the area of one’s expertise adds advantage and enjoyment to life. There are many job opportunities in the field of construction and with the help of these CSCS tests one can analyse their capabilities and after clearing the test they get the CSCS card. The cards come in a different shade of colours and the shade of the card depends on the training, qualification apart from the experience of the worker. With this card, one can look into the reputed firms to get the jobs that suit them the best.

Security at work site:

One of the major reasons behind the invention of the CSCS card was the safety measures to be taken at the construction site. CSCS cards not only help get the jobs but can assure complete safety at your worksite. Now a day’s every construction company tries to get the CSCS cardholder as their employee not because they are highly qualified and experienced in their respective specialised area but also they know about the health and safety measures that should be taken while working on a construction site. The main motive behind this plan is to guarantee each labourer with at least a level of health and safety as well as being trained to reduce the risk of a mishap on the worksite, improving safety.

Evidence of Skill:

There are many fields in the construction industry and every field requires a person with excellent skill and proficiency to get quality work. This card is approved only after passing a CSCS test based on an individual’s skill, performance and qualification. The card comes in different colours and is issued accordingly on one’s calibre and experience; it acts as evidence of the skill and competence in the field. It shows you have the correct knowledge that is required for the respective job and, thus helps in getting the jobs of one expertise in reputed companies assuring the employer that they have selected the certified candidate.

CSCS has been a gift to the people working at the construction site by offering safety and jobs according to one’s convenience. After its implementation, the number of accidents had been reduced considerably. Since then since the UK has recorded the lowest rates of injuries on the construction site.

There are a lot of risks associated with the construction industry, making it one of the most dangerous sectors. A lot of accidents, injuries and even deaths occur inside a construction site. Workers are also more concerned about finishing the job as quickly and as efficiently as they can without regard to their safety.

A scheme was introduced in order to minimise the risks and casualties inside the site. Aside from this, it aims to educate the workers regarding safety and health issues. Said scheme is called the Construction Skills Certification Scheme or CSCS.
 

As a mandatory requirement, all workers need to pass the Health, Safety and Environment test. Let us look into the health and safety benefits provided to approved CSCS cardholders.

 

1. CSCS card holders can work in a safe working environment.

   Construction workers have a higher probability of getting killed than those who work in other sectors. Because of the scheme’s introduction, the number of injuries, accidents and other fatalities has significantly reduced. From 2011 to 2012, only 173 recorded fatalities covered all sectors. And since 1995, the number of construction-related accidents has been decreasing. As a CSCS cardholder, you are assured of a safer working environment since all of you inside the site are able to carry out safety measures.

 

2. There are standard health and safety requirements in all construction sites.

   Before the CSCS, every industry has its own criteria and policies inside the construction site. Some don’t even have a safety plan at all. Since construction workers are most likely to work from one site of another, it will be difficult to familiarise yourself with all these guidelines. As a result, construction sites operate unsafely because the workers don’t know what guidelines to follow. Health and safety requirements are standardised through the scheme, and employees need to comply with one criterion.

 

3. The HS&E Test takes into account the level of experience of workers.

   Despite being a standardised system, CSCS was able to pattern the varying needs of all types of workers in terms of health and safety. Each type of worker in every sector in the construction industry requires a certain degree of health and safety requirements. Since the Health, Safety & Environment Test you will take will depend on the worker’s skill level and occupation, they will only need to focus on their area of expertise.

 

4. CSCS cardholders possess adequate safe and healthy knowledge.

   This is the most important benefit all CSCS cardholders can gain from the scheme. To reiterate, the construction industry has one of the most dangerous jobs globally since the workers are always at risk. Through CSCS, workers are equipped with adequate knowledge of handling different scenarios. In other words, workers will be able to properly respond to situations in a calm and organised manner since they are trained and tested in handling real life situations.

 

The health and safety of construction workers should still be a part of every employer’s primary concern. By providing a safe working environment and having healthy workers, the public will remain confident in the construction industry.