Are you ready for the Single Skills Card?

The Government and leaders in the construction industry have agreed that the Construction Skills Certification Scheme will become the gold standard for skills cards in the construction industry.

The new plan means the influential Construction Leadership Council skills cards will be recognised if they have a valid CSCS logo on them.

The redevelopment of construction’s skills cards’ market comes after the 2025 construction strategy review carried out which suggested there should be a universally recognised skills card.

This has been in the offing for a long time and it’s hoped it will bring an end to the confusion caused by the wide range of cards that aim to demonstrate a tradesperson’s professional competence.

Cards carrying the CSCS logo will be solely recognised across the board as of this month, being backed by 10 specific trade association cards with affiliations to the CSCS such as the Scaffolders CISRS cards and the Plant Operators’ CPCS cards.

Affiliated skills cards

Those cards carrying the CSCS logo will denote the holder of the card has a minimum pof NVQ Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) with a separate health and safety element.

Furthermore it’s been agreed that smart card technology will be introduced by 2020 through a roll-out programme.

To apply for the card you need to:

• *demonstrate you have achieved the recognised qualifications required for your occupation
• *pass the relevant Health Safety and Environment test
• *submit a signed application form
• *pay fees of £17.50 for the test and £30.00 for the card.

The Scheme's application processing and contact centre service is delivered under contract by CITB.