CSCS which stands for construction skills certificate scheme was introduced in the construction industry in 2010 to improve quality and reduce accidents. They cover hundreds of occupations within the construction industry and are now becoming very much in demand by contractors and building companies.
There are currently a few different types of red cards which I will explain here. The trainee red card is for craft and operative where you will need to be a trainee and doing an NVQ or SVQ but yet to reach level 2 or 3. You must also have the correct health and safety requirements. Second is the trainee management, technical and supervisory red card. To qualify for this red card you have to provide evidence that that you are in further or higher education for a recognised construction related qualification. Again you must have passed the health and safety test.
The Graduate red card for management, technical and supervisory can only be applied for if you have already completed a nationally recognised construction related qualification at a higher or further education college. You will also have to complete the MAP health and safety test (Managerial and Professional). The red card for experienced technician, supervisor or manager card is only available to those with supervisory or management job experience. You will have to pass the health and safety test and have either passed a NVQ or SVQ qualification or register for one. Once you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 3 or higher this card will be replaced with a skilled five year card.
The final red card is the experienced worker red card which is for everyone who has at least one year in the past three job experienced but missed out doing the industry accreditation opportunity. Again you must pass the health and safety test. The card is only valid for one year and you must be studying for a NVQ or SVQ Level 2 or higher, again this card will be replaced by a skilled five year card once completed.
Green cards are available for those who carry out basic site skills such as labourers. You can apply for a green card via an NVQ level 1 qualification. The cards are valid for five years.
Blue cards are for skilled workers with a NVQ or SVQ level 2 or higher. You can also apply for this card if you have done an employer sponsored apprenticeship with a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate. There is also the craft unit level blue card which is for those who haven't achieved a NVQ or SVQ but trade specific units have been achived. You must have passed the construction health and safety test, and the card is valid for five years.
Gold cards are for skilled workers or supervisors with a SVQ ior NVQ of lever 3, or for those who have completed an indentured apprenticeship or an employer sponsored apprenticeship which included the achievement of a City and Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate.
Black cards can be awarded for those who have an NVQ or SVQ level 4 or 5. You must pass the MAP Construction Skills health and safety test.
White/yellow cards are for professionally qualified persons who are members of the CSCS approved Professional Bodies, such as ICE or CIOB. Again you must pass the Managerial and Professional health and safety test (Maps).
There are currently a few different types of red cards which I will explain here. The trainee red card is for craft and operative where you will need to be a trainee and doing an NVQ or SVQ but yet to reach level 2 or 3. You must also have the correct health and safety requirements. Second is the trainee management, technical and supervisory red card. To qualify for this red card you have to provide evidence that that you are in further or higher education for a recognised construction related qualification. Again you must have passed the health and safety test.
The Graduate red card for management, technical and supervisory can only be applied for if you have already completed a nationally recognised construction related qualification at a higher or further education college. You will also have to complete the MAP health and safety test (Managerial and Professional). The red card for experienced technician, supervisor or manager card is only available to those with supervisory or management job experience. You will have to pass the health and safety test and have either passed a NVQ or SVQ qualification or register for one. Once you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 3 or higher this card will be replaced with a skilled five year card.
The final red card is the experienced worker red card which is for everyone who has at least one year in the past three job experienced but missed out doing the industry accreditation opportunity. Again you must pass the health and safety test. The card is only valid for one year and you must be studying for a NVQ or SVQ Level 2 or higher, again this card will be replaced by a skilled five year card once completed.
Green cards are available for those who carry out basic site skills such as labourers. You can apply for a green card via an NVQ level 1 qualification. The cards are valid for five years.
Blue cards are for skilled workers with a NVQ or SVQ level 2 or higher. You can also apply for this card if you have done an employer sponsored apprenticeship with a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate. There is also the craft unit level blue card which is for those who haven't achieved a NVQ or SVQ but trade specific units have been achived. You must have passed the construction health and safety test, and the card is valid for five years.
Gold cards are for skilled workers or supervisors with a SVQ ior NVQ of lever 3, or for those who have completed an indentured apprenticeship or an employer sponsored apprenticeship which included the achievement of a City and Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate.
Black cards can be awarded for those who have an NVQ or SVQ level 4 or 5. You must pass the MAP Construction Skills health and safety test.
White/yellow cards are for professionally qualified persons who are members of the CSCS approved Professional Bodies, such as ICE or CIOB. Again you must pass the Managerial and Professional health and safety test (Maps).