CSCS will cease renewing cards issued via Industry Accreditation (IA) from 30 June 2024, while all IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed. Below, CSCS have provided responses to some of the common queries and questions around IA, as well as information on how they can be resolved.
IA was a mechanism by which workers could obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS stopped issuing new cards under IA back in 2010, but if you previously held a card under IA, the scheme rules allowed you to continue to renew.
CSCS together with our 37 partner card schemes, are bound by the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) requirement that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications (usually NVQs and Apprenticeships) in place for all occupations. This requirement is particularly important when addressing the IA issue. Further details on the withdrawal can be found here.
To satisfy the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements, CSCS announced plans to withdraw cards issued under IA, which include:
- IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed
- CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30 June 2024.
There are four ways to move off IA:
- Vocational qualifications already achieved: cardholders who have achieved the qualifications for their occupation can renew their card for the full five-year term as normal.
- Academically Qualified person card: This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas.
- Professionally Qualified person: This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies of which CIOB is one.
- Not everyone needs a card: There will be IA card holders who no longer require their CSCS cards. For example, you may have moved into a management role, become a director, or rarely visit site. In these scenarios, you do not require a CSCS card.
Those unable to fit into these four scenarios will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024. Those without qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024, however this does not mean attending college. Assessments can take place on site, remotely or via a professional discussion depending on the individual circumstances.
Costs will vary depending on a range of factors such as the training provider, qualification and assessment method. However, CITB grants are available to employers to assist with the cost involved. Those impacted are advised to read up on the options available to them and follow the interactive flowcharts available via CSCS Applying For Cards Industry Accreditation CSCS would also urge employers, trade associations, awarding organisations and training providers to put plans in place to support the workers affected ahead of the December 2024 withdrawal.
George Swann Skills and Training Lead said:
“if you are an AI card holder without a qualification FIS has Training Provider members who can help get the qualification applicable to your role. Contact FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org and we may be able to get you your qualification free of charge”.