CSCS cards to be verified by new app

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has developed a new app which they say will radically improve the construction industry's card checking procedures and site safety,

The CSCS Smart Check app will roll out in April 2022, providing employers with a quick, easy and secure way of ensuring everyone on site has the right qualifications and training for the job they do, the CSCS says.

The mobile app, which will be able to validate verified cards from all CSCS partner card schemes, will be free to use.

It has been designed to recognise both QR codes and NFC (Contactless) card reads, with a back-up option of manual entry available for any cards whose QR code is wearing off or unreadable.

Once the application has scanned a verified card it will validate the card details and present back to the person checking their card on site the following key information:

• Cardholder photo ID
• Cardholder name
• Cardholder job title
• Cardholder qualifications (where available)
• Card expiry date

These details will be the details stored within the scheme database and not details read from the card itself, in order to prevent fraud.

In late 2020, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) released an update to industry around the use of smart card technologies, and a common interface with which to verify the cards. The CLC stated that, "By 31 March 2022, all card schemes must use smart technology which has the capability to electronically check agreed information relevant to a cardholder using a common interface, without the need to manually enter data".

Free webinars are available on 10, 17, 23 and 31 March, which are intended to provide industry with an overview of the application, training and support materials, and any key updates which will need to be considered.