Construction workers or people who are applying for jobs in the construction industry may have heard about CSCS. It is an acronym for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. Its aim is to keep construction sites and the construction workers in the United Kingdom safe. It also assists in the running of those sites.
We will discuss the things to know about the CSCS card, the application process, and what you can expect at the test centre. When you understand the essence of the card and the category of card that you should have, it won’t be difficult to apply for it yourself. However, if you live in London, you can click here to find a test centre.
What’s a CSCS Card?
A CSCS card is a way of informing employers in the construction industry that an applicant or a worker has the required qualification and training to do the job. It is available to construction workers in the United Kingdom. It also ensures the safety of construction sites and that high standard are maintained.
Construction workers will discover that most building companies and contractors will need them to provide the correct card before they grant them access to the site. It is often a prerequisite for getting hired. However, it isn’t a current legislative requirement, but employers can use their discretion to determine whether their workers will have it or not.
You can read more about the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card at here.
Who Issues the Card?
It is issued by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). It is a non-profit company established by government for the purpose of reducing the level of accidents that occur on different construction sites. It also strives to improve workers’ skills, ensuring that they have the required training to carry out the job. Above all, it intends to build the reputation of the United Kingdom’s construction industry, so they can stand out as world leaders among others in the industry.
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme consists of representatives for different unions in the industry and directors of different construction companies. The CLC (Construction Leaders Council) supports the CSCS. In 2015, they specified that employers should only accept cards that have affiliations with the scheme.
Card schemes referred to as “One Industry Logo” initiative is necessary if a worker must meet certain requirements for their card to have the logo of the CSCS. The Logo of One Industry aims at providing standards that have been agreed upon by the employers’ board. This will ensure employers can recognize the qualifications and skill set of workers who have the CSCS card. It will also enable them to assign the correct roles to the workers.
The Duration of the Card
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme lasts for a period of 5 years. After that time, you must renew it. During the 5-year period, if you did not level up, the process of renewal will be straight forward. You can simply request for a replacement. But if your skill or occupational level changed, you will have to provide proof of your new qualification. This will enable you to apply for another type of card.
The Application Process
Different CSCS cards are available. Hence, you need to determine which one is suitable for your qualifications and occupation. You can find more information about it in this video. The application process is simple, and you can do it either as an employer or an individual.
Applying as an Individual
The fastest way for individuals to apply is to contact CSCS via phone call. You will need to pay a certain amount for the card. But before then, you have to provide some information that will enable them to process the application. Here are the things you need to do:
- Determine which category is applicable to you.
- Get proof of your qualifications so you can qualify for the card.
- Email the proof to CSCS.
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test or provide proof that you have passed the test within the past 2 years.
After that, you can pay and it will be delivered by post.
Applying as an Employer
There is a provision for employers to apply on behalf of their employees. They only need to fill an application form online, then pay for the employees whose details were entered. The employer will also book them for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
You can find more information on the online application at constructionnews.co.uk.
What to Expect at the CSCS Test Centre
While preparing for the test, ensure you do the following:
- Book for the appropriate test for your level and card colour
- If this is your first time of taking the test, get the official test revision booklet
- Your personal details on the test application must be the same as those on your Inland Revenue
On the day of the test, you will go to the centre with a form with your signature and a recent photo ID. You can use your driving license photo card or Passport. When you get to the centre, you will be photographed and led to the examination room or hall. The test is just like regular exams; it is done in silence, within a time frame.
If you succeed, the centre will send your result to CSCS and help you to apply for the CSCS card.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the basics that you need to know about the CSCS test and what to expect from the test centre. We hope that the information has been useful.