To understand the needs and requirements for holding any CSCS card and the benefits of it, you first need to know what the CSCS card is and the CSCS card types. CSCS or the Construction Skills Certification Scheme is the leading skills certification scheme in the UK. CSCS cards are the certificates which validate that an individual has the knowledge, training, and experience to work on construction sites. The scheme maintains a database of workers who have or are in the process of having a construction related qualification. There are several types of CSCS cards but the focus here is mainly on the Blue CSCS card. Holding a CSCS card is not necessary and it varies entirely upon the contractors if they want to allow anyone into the construction site that doesn’t hold a card. However, the chances are high that those working in construction will be required to have a CSCS Card. The CSCS Card Types are elaborated as follows.
The green card provides certification for labourers. The pink cards provide certification for the apprentice, experienced technical supervisor, and experienced worker. The blue CSCS card certifies skilled workers whereas the gold cards certify those experienced in advanced craft and supervisory. The black card certifies a manager whereas the silver card certifies an academically qualified person to work in the construction zone. Choosing the correct CSCS card for yourself is a catchy process and requires careful assessment and scrutiny of your skills and experiences keeping in mind your targets and what you aim to do with it. The organisation assists individuals and groups in acquiring CSCS cards and according to their prevailing role in the construction industry. The CSCS cards are basically validations that you are equipped with the knowledge and possess the competence of the health and safety environment, which involve not only making the workspace safe for yourself but also for others.
The Blue CSCS card, as mentioned earlier is the certificate or validation of a skilled worker. Only those who have completed an NVQ r SVQ Level 2 can apply for this. Alternately, if someone has completed an apprenticeship such as one sponsored by the employer or holds a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate can also apply for this. A blue CSCS card lasts for 5 years and the minimum age requirement for this is 16 years. A Blue CSCS card has a validity of 5 years after which it has to be renewed. You also need to have cleared the health and safety environment test to be eligible for application. During the renewal, you will need to undergo checks and refresh the qualifications you had while applying for the first time. To apply for CITB CSCS Card online, you will need to have passed CITB’s Health, Safety, and Environment test. The card which is most suitable for those who have intermediate experience is the Blue CSCS Card.
