THE DEADLINE to renew Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards issued via Industry Accreditation (IA) has now passed.

All remaining cards obtained under the IA route are due to expire before the end of 2024.

IA is to be removed entirely from 2025. Existing cardholders are required to achieve a construction-related vocational or academic qualification or be members of approved professional bodies to retain a CSCS card.

The strategic direction of the scheme is designed to mirror that of industry and help facilitate a fully qualified workforce. Many construction workers have already moved off IA using a new or existing qualification or professional body membership.

Industry Accreditation CSCS Cards

Out of approximately 60,000 people originally affected, 17,000 still have a card issued under IA – around 400 of them working in the roofing and cladding sectors.

Following the closure of renewals on June 30th 2024, a package of support is available for those who need to move from an IA-issued card onto one using a qualification.

This includes enhanced Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) grant funding for levy payers as well as flexible assessment options on-site or remote.

Alan O’Neile, Director of Communications at CSCS, said: “Industry has had several years to absorb the change and migrate individuals off IA cards, however some remain under the misapprehension it will involve experienced workers forced off site to return to college and complete a qualification.

Experienced Workers

“The reality is entirely different as the process of gaining an NVQ is not as onerous as some might think. Experienced workers are not required to attend college and it may be as simple as completing an on-site assessment or having a skills assessment discussion.

“In addition, CITB have increased the grants up to £1,500 on completion of the NVQ to support the phasing out of IA. In many cases this covers the entire cost of the qualification.”

The CLC recommendation to industry card schemes were updated earlier this year and require the industry to “specify and promote card schemes carrying the CSCS logo”, in addition to stating that “industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations”.

Cards will also not be issued for those visiting site to carry out a non-construction related role. Individuals in office-based roles or those who only occasionally visit site do not require a card.

>>Read more about CSCS in the news

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