News and Insights

CSCS cards issued under Grandfather Rights expire on 31 December 2024

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) supported by Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) announced today (23rd January 2023) that holders with cards obtained through Grandfather Rights/Industry Accreditation (IA) will no longer be able to renew without taking a formal qualification.

For workers carded post 2010, the withdrawal of Grandfather Rights in CSCS card renewal doesnt apply, as the scheme was closed for new applications in 2010. Anyone holding a card through Grandfather Rights/IA, however, up until now could continue to renew on the strength of an employer's recommendation or referral. For those card holders, this withdrawal of Grandfather Rights/IA by the scheme will mean they can no longer renew their cards this way.

The move to withdraw has been made in a bid to ensure a fully qualified workforce is active in all areas of the industry. Up to now, the Grandfather Rights/IA route to renewal has not sought or required recognised qualifications to qualify. Moving forward, the need to demonstrate to the regulator, customer's clients, building occupiers and the wider public that those designing, building, and maintaining the built environment are competent to do so, is critical. CSCS have taken these necessary steps to ensure everyone is qualified and safe to work.

NVQs for CSCS renewal

To renew, you will now need to prove you hold an approved qualification relevant to the type and occupation of your card. If you have not had this type of formal training or hold a relevant qualification, you can undertake a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) for the appropriate level of card. An NVQ is not a set of exams, and it isn't out to fail you. Instead, it is a competency-based assessment specific to the skills and demands of your role. Before enrolment is complete, we will discuss with you or your delegate the most suitable assessment model:

Individual Learning

This style of delivery is ideal for those with extensive experience looking to qualify quickly with their underpinning knowledge, or those who prefer a more vocational style of learning and who have less time available to complete a course away from the workplace.

Through a mix of virtual and one-to-one sessions, you can demonstrate your competency and how you meet the qualification criteria through professional discussion techniques led by our assessor. By recording interviews and discussions with an assessor, a more natural and fluid description and conversation around the processes of the job can flow. Adding to your evidence this way allows you to showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience, without having to write it all down and so is usually much easier and quicker for most.

With a portfolio of evidence to support and mirror those discussions and interviews, a full and comprehensive assessment takes place.

Group Learning

The alternative is taking the course with a group of delegates or colleagues meeting the assessor at pre-agreed times to study the units - a great way to dedicate time to the lessons and keep on track. Group learners tend to be more comfortable with an academic style of learning and use written assignments as part of their evidence collation. Working in groups means unit information is shared and discussed and delegates are able to share best practice and knowledge with each other to reach their common goal.

Both styles of assessment will entail evidence gathering, for which use of an ePortoflio is encouraged, allowing you to upload pieces of evidence instantly. However, if a more traditional format suits better, then we can accommodate you. Assessors are conscious of the varying abilities and needs of delegates and can tailor the assessment process to suit.

So, whichever route you choose, you are fully supported by a dedicated Citrus Training assessor. Our assessors are qualified and occupationally experienced in the construction subjects they deliver. They will guide you through each step of the qualification as you bring together and review evidence of competence - this will be a mixture of documentation, videos, photos and any other relevant assets to support your work.

Do we have to start again?

We are acutely aware that this announcement will affect many very experienced card holders, who may initially feel a return to some form of school or college-based study is on the cards. At Citrus Training we can reassure you that NVQ assessment is purely based on experience and ability to demonstrate your day-to-day role within the industry.

In addition we also recognise previously achieved construction courses and qualifications. Regarded as an APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning), they can go towards some of the qualification assessment criteria. Not all providers do this, and rules apply when it comes to judging APL. You can speak to us directly to find out what APLs you may have and whether they're eligible.

How long will an NVQ take to complete?

Anything between four weeks and twelve months, depending on the level of experience and knowledge applied. Within this time frame, the qualification can be done at a pace that suits you, though naturally the quicker you can comfortably achieve it, the quicker you have your certifications ready to go.

Which NVQs do I need?

There are four ways you can move towards the appropriate card.

• The scheme may recognise a qualification you already have
• Assess your competence against the relevant NVQ for your position
• Supplementing existing qualification with any additional training you need
• Or you may require more extensive training

Citrus Training can help you ascertain what you need if you are unsure, then take you forward with the correct level and type of NVQ.

For a Manager's Black CSCS Card, you will need one of the following:

• NVQ Level 7 - Diploma in Construction Senior Management
• NVQ Level 6 - Construction Contracting Operations - Planning
• NVQ Level 6 - Construction Site Management - Building and Civil Engineering

To view all of the Management courses we offer, click here.

For a Supervisor's Gold CSCS Card, you will need one of the following:

• NVQ Level 3 - Occupational Work Supervision
• NVQ Level 3 - Construction Contracting Operations - Buying
• NVQ Level 3 - Construction Contracting Operations - General

To view all of the Supervisor courses, click here.

As usual, you will also require a recent (within two years) CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) touchscreen test, or an approved alternative, to demonstrate a basic health, safety and environmental awareness level and provide proof that you can work safely on a job.

With your NVQ and HS&E certification, you can then apply for your specific CSCS card.

CITB grants and funding

Following this announcement from the CLC, the CITB are aware of the need for construction workers to transition to a qualification. Therefore they are increasing the CITB Grant for specific supervision NVQs to £1,250 and specific management NVQs to £1,500 from 1st April 2023.

These grants are only available for those who are registered CITB levy payers.

What to do next?

If you are unsure of the next steps from here, get in touch with our team and we can set you on the path to gaining your qualification. We can advise which NVQ suits your job role and start the ball rolling on getting your qualification started. Call 03332 07 66 11 or email [email protected]