Which CSCS Card do I qualify for?

Many members have been affected by the withdrawal of the Industry Accreditation (IA) Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), and there is some confusion in terms of the cards needed and qualifying requirements.

Often referred to as a black card, gold card or blue card, depending on the grade, the cards provided a mechanism by which workers could obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers' recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification.

But all IA CSCS cards issued from January 1 2020 will expire on December 31 2024, with card holders now required to demonstrate credentials by acquiring an appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ, or SVQ in Scotland) or other recognised qualifications.

What cards can CIOB Members apply for?

Managers working in construction do not need the Black Card for managers to visit site and can instead apply for other cards that will still provide access.

CIOB members qualify to apply for a variety of CSCS cards, depending on their grade:

• the Professionally Qualified Persons (PQP) card is appropriate for FCIOB, MCIOB, or TechCIOB members
• the Academically Qualified Persons (AQP) card is appropriate for CIOB Applicant grade members, or holders of the CIOB Certificate in Construction Site Management or other CIOB qualifications
• the Black Card is appropriate and accessible for those holding a CIOB Diploma in Construction Site Management, or a Level 6 NVQ Diplomas in Construction Contracting Operations or equivalent
• the Apprentice Card is appropriate for CIOB apprentices, or other apprentices.

CIOB Student members may apply for the Trainee or Industry Placement cards depending on their circumstances.