New guidance for CSCS Industry Accreditation
Workers are urged to renew their industry accreditation (IA) cards before 31 December 2024.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) IA cards issued from 1 January 2020 will expire at the end of 2024 and cannot be renewed.
The cards are being discontinued following the Construction Leadership Council's (CLC) decision to ensure a fully trained and competent workforce.
Those who hold a CSCS IA card are being asked to move onto other forms of accreditation depending on their circumstances and qualifications.
Sean Kearns, Chief Executive at CSCS, said: "IA cardholders will not need to attend college as much of the assessment can be delivered remotely. Many IA cardholders will find it a straightforward process to replace their cards, such as moving across to the Academically or Professionally Qualified Persons cards. In addition, those who no longer attend site or are in non-construction related occupations will not require a card."
The CLC said in a statement: "Building Safety and competence are two of the CLC's priorities. As an industry, and in accordance with various sets of legislation including the CDM and the Building Safety Act, we must demonstrate to the regulator, our clients, building occupiers, and the wider public that those designing, building, and maintaining the built environment are competent to do so. The CLC recommendation introduced in 2015 and updated in 2017 and 2020 set an expectation of all CSCS cards being achieved via qualification by the end of 2024."
Kearns added: "CSCS is committed to playing its part in delivering a fully trained and qualified workforce. The removal of cards issued under IA represents another significant step in achieving this goal. The new guidance and support will help cardholders to either retain their card via the S/NVQ or to easily transition to another CSCS card. We would urge employers, trade associations, awarding organisations, and training providers to put plans in place to support these workers ahead of the December 2024 withdrawal."