SubscribeIHB is committed to supporting CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and to ensuring that all its staff and employees obtain their cards.
What is a CSCS Card?
The CSCS Card is an individual identification and registration card, valid for 3 or 5 years, showing the holder is considered to be competent at his or her job. It lists any relevant certificates and/or qualifications, shows that the holder has undergone health and safety awareness training/testing and is colour-coded to indicate the level of skill of the holder.
Why do I need a CSCS Card?
The government is committed to driving "cowboys" out of the construction industry and raising standards of both workmanship and health and safety. Many industry bodies are working towards a policy of a fully-qualified workforce by 2010 - when it will be compulsory to prove your skills and qualifications before being allowed to work on site. Many contractors are already asking for all workers on their site to hold a CSCS card.
How do I get my CSCS Card?
By applying (see form below) through a local test centre, with proof of your identity (UK passport, driving licence - or two other forms of ID if these are not available). Candidates from outside the UK must show either their passport or their EU country identity card.
The Key Steps in the Process to get CSCS carded are:
1. Health & Safety Test:
Tests are held at local test centres through SkillsDirect. Following an appointment with an advisor - and depending on their circumstances, previous qualifications and experience - they will either go straight to Step 3 (below) and be issued their card or issued an Experienced Worker card and passed to Step 2 to gain an S/NVQ.
2. Skills Assessment:
Should workers need to gain an S/NVQ, they can either use On Site Assessment & Training (OSAT) or the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to gain their qualification. (EWPA is currently only available as an NVQ in the following: Carpentry & Joinery, Bricklaying, Roofing, Tiling, Steel Fixing, Ceiling Fixing, Formworking, General Construction Operations, Flooring, Dry-Lining and Plastering - there are plans to introduce further trades in due course).
3. CSCS Card:
Issued within 7 days of completing the process...
Apply for you CSS Card here.