Are you looking for a job in the construction industry? UK construction companies seek evidence of skill from employees in the form of a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card. In order for an individual to become certified, he/she is expected to take a CSCS test.
Aspiring construction workers are encouraged to find an approved CSCS test centre in London, providing CSCS courses and tests. Given the variety of available cards, individuals should decide on the right variant by considering their qualifications and experience in this industry.
This useful guide will introduce you to the types, benefits, and the application procedure for obtaining such certificates.
Types of cards
The construction industry in the UK requires workers to obtain a CSCS card in order to prove competent for the job position they apply for. These are available in multiple colours, denoting the experience and skill set of workers, acquired after passing the necessary tests. CSCS cards are available in seven colours, some of which are no longer issued.
For instance, the green Construction Site Operative card cannot be acquired since 2014 due to the abuse by construction workers. Acquiring such a certificate provided workers with easy access to construction sites, which made employers question their safety skills. Nowadays, such a certificate can be obtained solely by passing the Labourer card test. In order for a person to take this test, he/she is obliged to have an employer’s recommendation and proof of passing the Health, Safety, and Environment test.
Moreover, the Blue CSCS card is the right choice for skilled workers, armed with the necessary training and qualifications for working on a particular job position. Applicants are required to submit an application and earn a NARIC certificate. They’re also obliged to pass the Health, Safety, and Environment test for operatives by scoring forty-seven correct answers out of fifty. This certificate is valid during a five-year period, after which it has to be renewed.
Gold CSCS cards can be obtained by skilled individuals and supervisors having an NVQ level 3, as well as a completed apprenticeship sponsored by an employer. Additionally, applicants are expected to have earned an Advanced Craft Certificate issued by the City and Guilds of London Institute. These certificates are also valid over a period of five years. Go to this page to learn more about the levels of National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).
Black CSCS cards are suitable for individuals working as site managers and senior managers, equipped with higher education and skills. These applicants should have NVQ level 4 qualification, as well as proof of passing the Health, Safety, and Environment test for managers. Those having experience as site managers but lacking NVQ qualification can apply for a certificate by using the Profiled Route scheme.
White CSCS cards are necessary for workers with construction-related occupations, which aren’t included in the standard categories. Applicants will only be required to pass the HS&E test to acquire such a certificate valid for five years.
Yellow/White CSCS cards are issued to architects, surveyors, engineers, and other workers considered Professionally Qualified Person. This type of certificate is obtained by members of professional organizations such as the Energy Institute, Architects Registration Board, Institute of Civil Engineering, Institution of Highway Engineers, British Computer Society, etc. Besides being members of one of these bodies, the competence of applicants should be assessed by these institutions. Yellow CSCS cards are issued to visitors who at often at construction sites but have no building skills like real estate agents. The only requirement for applicants is to pass the HS&E test in order to gain access to construction sites.
Ultimately, red CSCS cards can be obtained by workers of different levels, depending on their qualifications. One can acquire a certificate for Trainee for Craft and Operative, Trainee for Technical, Supervisory and Management, graduate, and experienced technician.
Benefits
Both employees and employers stand to benefit from the Construction Skills Certification Scheme certificates. Employees need these certificates to prove their qualifications, experience, and skills to employers. When applying for a job in the construction industry, employees use these cards as valid proof of their skillset and knowledge.
Furthermore, employers benefit from hiring employees with such certificates in numerous ways. For instance, hiring certified workers improves job quality, as employers would no longer have to hire underqualified employees. The number of workplace accidents and personal injury claims becomes substantially reduced, as employees are obliged to pass a safety test prior to being hired. Check out this link, https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-Workplace-Safety, for some useful tips about maintaining workplace safety.
How to apply?
Prior to applying for a CSCS card, applicants need to make sure they have all the necessary documents required by the test centre. Firstly, one is expected to provide a copy of his/her qualification certificate required for the job position. Also, applicants must provide the test ID number from the HS&E test, taken in an established test centre. The ID number is easily found at the top of the certificate, which you will receive after passing the test.
Naturally, you will be required to pay the application fee and provide profile pictures. Nevertheless, the largest part of applicants isn’t required to submit such photographs, as these are already provided when taking the Health, Safety, and Environment test.
In terms of application, candidates can apply either online or over the phone. In order to apply online, one is supposed to have an online account, whereas individuals applying over the phone should open their email account in the course of the conversation.
When it comes to delivery, CSCS cards are shipped soon after test centres approve one’s application. It usually takes three to five days for the certificate to arrive in the hands of individuals. Unless you receive the certificate during a ten-day period, you’d need to get in touch with the test centre.
Final word
Every would-be construction worker in the UK has to apply for such a certificate. It improves the chances for employment!