Contents 1. Introduction 2. Aims of the Scheme 3. Benefits 4. Scope 5. Membership 6. Health and Safety Requirements 7. Transition Period 8. Skilled Card – The NVQ and SVQ Route 9. Skilled Card – Apprenticeship Route 10. Skilled Card – Industry Accreditation Route 11. Skilled Card – Link Route 12. Skilled Card – Experienced Worker Route 13. Trainee Card 14. Construction Site Operative Card 15. Supervisory and Management Cards 16. Visitors Card 17. Occupations Open for CSCS Cards 18. Application Procedure 19. Ownership and Withdrawal of Cards 20. Renewals 21. Appeals Procedure 22. Updates and Lost Cards 23. Fees 24. Data Protection 25. Promotional and Scheme Literature 26. Further Information Appendix A: Summary of Rules Appendix B: CSCS Cards Appendix C: Health and Safety Awareness Appendix D: List of CSCS Approved Registration Bodies Appendix E: CSCS Application Form Appendix F: Availability of Occupations for CSCS Cards 1
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Transcript
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Aims of the Scheme
3. Benefits
4. Scope
5. Membership
6. Health and Safety Requirements
7. Transition Period
8. Skilled Card – The NVQ and SVQ Route
9. Skilled Card – Apprenticeship Route
10. Skilled Card – Industry Accreditation Route
11. Skilled Card – Link Route
12. Skilled Card – Experienced Worker Route
13. Trainee Card
14. Construction Site Operative Card
15. Supervisory and Management Cards
16. Visitors Card
17. Occupations Open for CSCS Cards
18. Application Procedure
19. Ownership and Withdrawal of Cards
20. Renewals
21. Appeals Procedure
22. Updates and Lost Cards
23. Fees
24. Data Protection
25. Promotional and Scheme Literature
26. Further Information
Appendix A: Summary of Rules
Appendix B: CSCS Cards
Appendix C: Health and Safety Awareness
Appendix D: List of CSCS Approved Registration Bodies
Appendix E: CSCS Application Form
Appendix F: Availability of Occupations for CSCS Cards
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Construction Skills
Certification Scheme
FOREWORD
Registration schemes have been provided for construction occupations, such as Scaffolding and
plant operation, for several years. The aim of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is
to extend certification across the whole industry.
Experience of existing schemes has convinced employer organisations and the trade unions
responsible for CSCS of the benefits of certification to the industry for employers, operatives and
clients. Improvements in the quality of workmanship and standards of health and safety, which
follow from the creation of a more qualified workforce, are in the interests of everyone.
The Construction, Design and Management (CDM) regulations add to the need for firms to maintain
skilled workforces that are aware of health and safety requirements. The ability of firms to
compete and of individuals to obtain work, is becoming more dependent on the proven evidence of
skills.
The introduction of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications
(SVQs), and the growing number of people working in the industry, who hold these qualifications,
provided the basis for the Scheme. In future, and as NVQs and SVQs are improved with
experience, ability to do the job will be reflected to a greater extent in the qualifications people
hold. The competences in NVQs and SVQs are at the core of CSCS.
Following the introduction of each occupation, for a limited period, those who do not possess NVQs
or SVQs will be able to become members of the Scheme through industry accreditation. Individuals
will be able to apply for membership and employers can support their applications, on the basis of
comparing their skills with the relevant industry standards. In considering an individual’s
competence, the employer should also take account of other achievements, such as an
apprenticeship, a pass in the relevant skills test, and City and Guilds and SQA qualifications.
The industry accreditation period for most of the larger trades is now closed. However, the
Scheme now offers a temporary card for experienced workers who are prepared to complete their
NVQ or SVQ assessment within a 3-year period.
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An important requirement for membership of the Scheme for all applicants is the need for evidence
of valid health and safety awareness.
Another underlying aim of the Scheme is to encourage the improvement of skills by setting
benchmarks for future achievement. CSCS offers a trainee category and the opportunity exists for
The Scheme is available on a voluntary basis to operatives in employment and to those who are
self-employed across all sectors of the industry. Operatives who are currently unemployed or
temporarily out of the industry may also apply.
CSCS exists to meet the industry’s need and is evolving with experience as previous schemes have
done. It does not seek to duplicate existing schemes, and every effort has been made to keep it
simple.
The members of the Management Board wish to thank all those who, through their assistance and
support, have contributed to this development.
A W MERRICKS CBE
Chairman of the Management Board
progression to a fully skilled, supervisor or manager level card.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is controlled by a Management Board,
whose members are from the following bodies:
Construction Confederation
Federation of Master Builders
GMB Trades Union
National Specialists Contractors Council
Transport & General Workers Union (Building Crafts Section)
Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians
Construction Industry Training Board
Construction Industry Council
Confederation of Construction Clients
Observer members include the Department of Trade and Industry and the Health and
Safety Executive.
1.2 The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) administers the Scheme.
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AIMS OF THE SCHEME
2.1 The Scheme aims to:
• keep a record of workers in the construction industry who have achieved a recognised
level of competence and to provide a means of identification
• be available on a voluntary basis to construction workers whose occupations are not
covered by a certification scheme
• raise standards of health and safety to reduce risks and accidents throughout the
industry
• encourage construction employers to use skilled workers
• provide certification for UK workers that could be accepted in Europe through
agreements with other European national schemes to mutually recognise qualifications
• be self-financing; with any surplus funds being used for the benefit of the Scheme.
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3
BENEFITS
3.1 The Scheme aims to provide the following benefits to individuals:
• recognition of skills, competence and qualifications
• improved health and safety awareness
• improved employment prospects
• identification of training needs to improve or update skills.
3.2 The Scheme aims to provide the following benefits to employers:
• identification of operatives, supervisors and managers with recognised skills,
competence and qualifications
• better quality of workforce
• improved health and safety awareness among the workforce
• identification of training needs to improve or update skills
• a move towards a qualified workforce, which will help to improve customer
satisfaction and the industry’s image.
4 SCOPE
4.1 The Scheme does not seek to duplicate other certification schemes for specific occupations.
Instead, these schemes may merge with CSCS but this can only happen if both schemes
agree on the terms and standards.
4.2 The Scheme covers a diverse range of construction occupations in building, civil
engineering and allied industries.
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5
MEMBERSHIP
5.1 Scheme membership is confirmed through the issue of a registration card.
5.2 A range of cards is available:
• A trainee card is available for those who are registered for an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3
but who have not yet achieved the qualification, and trainee supervisors and
managers.
• by achieving an NVQ or SVQ level 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5
• by completing an indentured apprenticeship or employer-based apprenticeship and
supplying the documents
• by industry accreditation, which is only available for a limited time (this is now closed
for most occupations)
• by the link route, which was available between 1 June 99 and 30 November 99
• by the experienced worker route.
5.3 The rules are explained in paragraphs 8 to 16 and summarised in the table at Appendix A.
Pictures of the cards are at Appendix B.
6 HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
6.1
All applicants must pass the construction health and safety test no more than two years
before applying for the card. There are some exemptions to this rule:
• achievement of a construction NVQ, SVQ, ICC (Intermediate Construction Certificate)
or ICA (Intermediate Construction Award)
• achievement of NVQ unit 50 or Construction Certificate module 2
• a Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certificate (including the 2 day
refresher course)
• The National Examination Board of Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH)
Construction Certificate
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• a CCNSG Passport to Safety (only for first time registration for operator or craft level
cards)
• FAS (Eire) Safe Pass.
These must not be more than two years old when applying for the card.
For these exemptions to apply, a copy of the certificate must be attached to the application
form.
7 TRANSITION PERIOD
7.1 There is a short time period (usually two years) when an occupation is available for
industry accreditation. Once this period is over, applicants may apply by other routes (see
paragraph 8-16).
7.2 Those who have an NVQ or SVQ in an occupation covered by the Scheme, can apply for a
card at any time.
8 SKILLED CARD – THE NVQ AND SVQ ROUTE
8.1 A skilled, five-year card is issued to NVQ or SVQ achievers, whose occupation is available
for CSCS. This route of entry is permanently open.
8.2 For this route of entry, the signature in section B of the application form is confirming that
the photograph is a good likeness of the applicant. Those who achieved their NVQ or SVQ
less than two years before applying for their CSCS card do not need any further health and
safety testing to get the card, until the card needs renewing. The achievement of most
NVQs or SVQs is accepted as evidence of competence and health and safety awareness.
8.3 For some occupations, NVQ or SVQ level 3 is not available and so level 2 is the main
qualification.
8.4 Those who initially registered for an NVQ (where CITB and City & Guilds are the joint
awarding body) after 1 January 1998, will be entitled to a free card when achieving their
NVQ level 2 or 3 (this does not apply to Northern Ireland applicants or to SVQ achievers).
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9 SKILLED CARD – APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE
9.1 The apprenticeship route is for ex-apprentices who have recent on-site experience. This
route of entry is open permanently, and the card expires after five years.
9.2 To get a card, applicants must:
• provide proof that the apprenticeship was completed in the occupation being applied
for
• ask their employer to fill in and sign the declaration on the application form to confirm
that they have worked in the occupation on site, for at least one year within the last
three years. If an employer’s signature is not available, a Skills Test pass certificate
will be accepted
• pass the health and safety test, unless an exemption applies (see paragraph 6)
• attach City and Guilds or Scotvec (SQA) certificates to the application, (if these are
required).
9.3 Cards will be issued as follows:
• a gold card – apprentices registered with one of the awarding bodies at Appendix D
• a blue card – apprentices who were not registered with one of the bodies at
Appendix D but who have a City and Guilds craft certificate
• a gold card – apprentices who were not registered with one of the bodies at Appendix
D, but have a City and Guilds or Scotvec (SQA) advanced craft certificate
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10 SKILLED CARD – INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION ROUTE
Note: there are only a small number of occupations that are available for industry
accreditation. Check Appendix F for the closure dates or call the helpdesk for information.
10.1 Those without an NVQ, SVQ or apprenticeship can apply for a card through industry
accreditation (but see note above). The application form must include a recommendation
from the present or previous employer.
10.2 Employers should take into account:
• the relevant industry standards (see paragraph 10.3)
• City and Guilds or Scotvec (SQA) qualifications
• a pass in a relevant Skills Test (where appropriate).
10.3 The back of the application form shows the competences for industry accreditation grade A
(blue card) and B (gold card), which the applicant should be capable of meeting to get a
card.
10.4 Industry accreditation grade A competences are based on NVQ or SVQ level 2 and industry
accreditation grade B competences are based on NVQ or SVQ level 3.
10.5 For some occupations NVQ or SVQ level 3 is not available and so there is no industry
accreditation grade B.
10.6 A health and safety test pass (unless an exemption applies see paragraph 6), which has
been achieved no more than two years before sending in the CSCS application form is
required.
10.7 There is a time limit for applying by industry accreditation, which is normally two years for
each occupation.
10.8 The card expires after five years. It can be renewed by getting an employer’s
recommendation, and passing a health and safety test (see paragraph 6.1 for more
information).
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11 SKILLED CARD – LINK ROUTE
Note: Link was available for six months only, between 1 June and 30 November 1999. Paragraph
11 is included here only for reference and for the guidance of existing link cardholders.
11.1 Link was a temporary extension of industry accreditation and gave temporary membership
of the Scheme. It was for experienced workers only.
11.2 The entry rules are the same as for industry accreditation (see paragraph 10) but with
these exceptions:
• Link application forms could be ordered from 1 June to 30 November 1999.
• The card lasts for three years
• The card cannot be renewed. It is replaced by a skilled five-year card if during the life
of the card, the cardholder achieves an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3. Once the
qualification has been achieved, the cardholder requests a replacement card through
the update procedure (see paragraph 22) or a free card (see paragraph 8.4).
• If an individual link cardholder has registered for an NVQ or SVQ and completed the
profiling with an assessment centre representative prior to the expiry date on the card
then they may apply for an experienced worker card.
• All cards applied for after March 2000 expire on 30 April 2003. This means that the
later the form is sent in, the less time the cardholder has to achieve an NVQ or SVQ.
Cards issued before March 2000 expire after three years.
• The card is over-stamped LINK in red letters.
• Link was available for the 24 occupations whose industry accreditation closed on or
before 1 June 1999. The link card is not available for other occupations.
Notes for link cardholders requiring NVQ or SVQ assessment
Achieving an NVQ or SVQ does not necessarily mean going to college. There are various ways
to be assessed on site with little disruption to the working day. To find out how to organise your
assessment and get a list of assessors, phone the CSCS helpdesk. Employers who would like to
make arrangements for assessment on site, should contact their local CITB office for advice.
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12 SKILLED CARD – EXPERIENCED WORKER ROUTE
12.1 This route is for experienced workers who have missed the chance to join by industry
accreditation or link and who have not completed an NVQ, SVQ or approved
apprenticeship. Application by this route is available permanently. The card expires after
three years.
12.2 To get a card applicants must:
• pass a health and safety test (see paragraph 6)
• ask their employer or main contractor to fill in and sign the declaration on the
application form, to confirm that they have worked in the occupation on site for at
least one year within the last three years
• register for an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3
• complete an NVQ or SVQ profile with an NVQ or SVQ assessment centre
representative and have the centre representative endorse Section C of the application
form.
12.3 The experienced worker card is blue with EXPERIENCED WORKER on the front. The back
of the card shows the occupation of the cardholder, without any grading. It can show
qualifications such as City and Guilds craft and advanced craft.
12.4 An experienced worker card will only be issued in one specific occupation per
person. It cannot be renewed. It is replaced by a skilled five-year CSCS card, when the
applicant achieves an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3 in the occupation on the card, before the
expiry date. Once the qualification is achieved, the cardholder requests a replacement card
through the update procedure (see paragraph 22). A blue card will be issued for level 2
achievers and for level 3, a gold card.
12.5 A Construction Site Operative card will not be issued to someone who has previously held
an experienced worker card.
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13 TRAINEE CARD (CRAFT & OPERATIVE)
13.1 The trainee card is for new entrants to craft and operative occupations within the
construction industry. It acts as an identification card during on-site training periods and
shows that the holder has:
• registered for the relevant NVQ or SVQ but has not yet achieved level 2
• from 29 October 2001 attended a health and safety awareness course (for the
standards see Appendix C) or passed the health and safety test (see paragraph 6 for
exemptions).
13.2 Trainees are expected to upgrade from a red card to a blue card when NVQ or SVQ level 2
is achieved. They should upgrade to a gold card when level 3 is achieved (if level 3 is
available).
13.3 For cards issued after 29 October 2001 the card expires after three years (previously five).
A8 I agree that CSCS may pass the information given here to other people who can provide help, information or services connected with my CSCSapplication and membership yes no
A6 I have attached copies of these certificates (if the certificates meet the scheme criteria we will list them on the back of the card):
SVQ level 2 or 3
City & Guilds Craft
Apprenticeship completion
Highways Maintenance Operative NVQ
City & Guilds Advanced Craft
Scotvec (SQA) Advanced Craft
Foundation/Advanced Modern Apprenticeship
City & Guilds Winter Maintenance Operations/LGNTO or LGMB card
A9 I am the applicant and the details on this form are correct to the best of my knowledge
Your signature: Date:
B1 the applicant has passed the Construction Health & Safety Test OR attended a Construction Health & Safety Course within the last two yearsand before 1 April 2000 yes, and course certificate is attached no, because exemption applies
I confirm that:
B3 the details on this form are correct to the best of my knowledge and the photograph is a true likeness of the applicant,who has been known to me for year(s)
B2 the applicant has at least one year on-site experience in the last three after initial training and is competent in this trade
Name and address of assessment centre:
Assessment centre registration number:
Name: Tel no:
Position held at centre:
Signature: Date:
Company name (if applicable)
Address:
CITB reg no. (if applicable)
Name: Tel no:
Position:
Signature: Date:
SECTION C – FOR EXPERIENCED WORKER CARD APPLICANTS ONLY – to be completed by your NVQ orSVQ assessor or centre representative
I confirm that I have carried out the profiling of the above candidate in the occupation specified in section A2.