Do I need a CSCS card as a project manager? Yes, if your project involves working on a construction site, you’ll need a CSCS card.
Regular project managers usually don’t need it, but if you’re on a construction site, having one is helpful. It shows you understand the basic hazards and might even be required by the main site contractor.
Many employers now ask for CSCS cards, even for senior-level staff or higher position employees — like project managers.
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Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within the Construction Environment
Designed for workers aspiring to work in the Construction Industry. Successful learners will fulfil requirements to apply for a CSCS labourers card on completion of the course.
Looks at common construction hazards including: manual handling, working at height and working around plant and machinery.
Understanding the CSCS Card
The CSCS card is an essential tool if you ever plan to work in the construction sector. Owning and having the card shows that your skills and abilities are certified in the field.
It is also a quick way to show employers you are competent and reliable on-site.
While not a legal requirement, a CSCS card is still an industry standard that most employers require. Since various jobs exist on a construction site, a CSCS card is available in different colours and types to accommodate everyone.
The type of card you need will depend on your occupation, what training you have already completed, and what qualification/s you have. The cards range from starter roles for apprentices undergoing training to supervisors and managers!
So, everyone on-site needs a CSCS card — even the senior staff.
The Role of a Project Manager in Construction
A project manager is the professional tasked to initiate, organize, plan, and execute goals and projects across various industries while working within limitations and restraints like schedules and budgets.
They are the person who leads the entire team, communicate with stakeholders, and sees a project through to the end.
A project manager oversees the plan and delivery of the construction projects. As stated by construction mentors from LetsBuild, a “project manager is the key person figure of the construction project team.” Without them, the team and the project will fail.
LetsBuild elaborates more on the role of a project manager in construction. They said that as a project manager, they:
- Plan
- Deliver on time
- Set goals
- Hire, fire, and supervise
- Stay on the budget
- Manage risks
- Draft contracts
- Keep the client and boss in the loop
Being an essential part of the project also requires them to be on-site for a long time — hence the need for a CSCS card.
How a CSCS Card Benefits Project Managers
A site manager will need a black CSCS card to enter and work on construction sites.
Business insurance provider superscript stated that the manager card is a “High-level card for those with NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6, or 7 with a Construction Management or Technical related qualification – and a management role or technical occupation in construction.”
Aside from being a specific requirement for most construction sites, the main benefit of owning the black CSCS card is that it can make you more employable.
The card demonstrates to companies and employers that you have the experience, capability, and knowledge to manage and lead a construction site. Owning the card shows you have experience making a site into a health safety environment.
Other Certifications to Consider for Project Managers
A black CSCS card isn’t the only certification you should get as a site manager, or a Green CSCS card for a project manager. In fact, some of the project managers I know just have the basic operative green card.
Remember that while many construction sites emphasize CSCS cards, it doesn’t mean it is the only certification you should get.
Most employers would prefer a project manager that is skilled, reliable, and above all, certified. A relevant certification showcasing your skills, expertise, and knowledge as a project manager would increase your employability.
The project management team at ProofHub named a few project management certifications that can help project managers advance their careers. Among those listed are the PRINCE2 certification and the PMP certification.
What are they, and what can they bring to the table for construction project managers?
PRINCE2 Certification
Among the most popular methodologies in project management is PRINCE2, also known as ‘Projects In Controlled Environments.’
It is an organized and structured project management method that managers widely utilize worldwide and in various industries and projects. Professionals from the Wrike productivity platform supported that claim by indicating that PRINCE2 is used in over 150 countries!
It is a process-based method that highlights control and organization throughout the project. To PRINCE2, every project needs a thorough and meticulous plan with each stage structured and every loose end tied.
Sarah Laoyan from the Asana team elaborated that the PRINCE2 framework “is linear and process-based, focusing on moving initiatives through predefined stages.” Furthermore, she shared that it includes “core project management principles like outlining your project scope and budget.”
Being industry-independent, PRINCE2 can apply to almost any project and business area — including construction. Raihan Baqee from Quora explains that a project manager with PRINCE2 qualifications can “instil a process that ensures quality at the highest level. So much so that it would be very difficult to make mistakes in a project.”
A project manager with PRINCE2 certification can offer various benefits to the construction site, including:
- Clear direction and a fully implementable action plan
- Minimised costs
- Maximised efforts
- Better control of all project aspects, areas, and elements
- Optimal deployment of resources
PMP Certification
The Project Management Professional or PMP certification is the most critical and widely-recognized certification and credential for project managers — essentially the global gold standard in project management.
Erin Aldridge, the Director of Product Development from Project Management Academy, explained that the certification verifies your in-depth knowledge of the top practices in project management in three main domains: process, people, and business environment.
Like PRINCE2 certification, the PMP does not focus on one industry. You can apply the techniques and tools you acquire to suit the needs of any project management in all fields, including construction.
Project management experts from KnowledgeHut share, “A project manager is in charge of project planning, design, and execution.” They are the professionals in charge of keeping the construction project on track in terms of budget and schedule. Having a PMP certification can help a lot.
KnowledgeHut further elaborated by listing the areas where the PMP certification can be extra helpful in a construction project. They listed:
- Planning and development
- Project execution
- Preconstruction
- Project control and monitoring
FAQS
How do I apply for a CSCS Card?
To apply for a CSCS card, the Official Site for Construction Skills Certification Scheme recommends using the online services of the CSCS since it is quick and easy to use. Before you apply, here are the requirements to prepare:
- A scanned copy of the qualification certificate or any proof that you registered to complete a recognized construction-related credential or qualification relevant to your occupation.
- Test ID number from your CITB test and the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within the Construction Environment qualification.
- Credit/debit card to pay for the £36 fee.
For those that do not have an online account, you can call CSCS using this number: 0344 994 4777. They accept calls from 8 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday. They will ask you to pay for the card over the phone, so ready your credit/debit card.
How long is the CSCS Card valid for?
There is more than one type of CSCS card available, and they all vary in terms of validity. Although, most CSCS cards are valid for five years. You can easily renew them after that time has elapsed.
Can I work as a project manager without a CSCS card?
While possible, you will likely struggle finding a construction site that will allow you to work without a CSCS card. Most sites, especially major ones, require workers to have these cards to ensure better safety and health. Some places allow project managers to work while waiting for their CSCS cards.
So, do you need a CSCS card as a project manager?
If you plan to work as a project manager in a construction site, you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. This card is a widely common requirement for employees working in the construction industry.
It is almost non-negotiable, especially if you plan to work in a major or principal site in the UK. But if you are a project manager who’s not going to be working in construction site, you do not necessarily need a CSCS card.
Aside from being a job requirement for most sites, this specific certificate will also help boost their employability and earning potential in the UK construction industry. Holding the card will demonstrate that you have good experience in the field and can keep your managerial position on the construction site.
If your career path involves the construction industry, obtaining a CSCS card is imperative. To help you prepare for the test relevant to the card, TrainInHealthAndSafety.com offers various CSCS-related courses.
For those looking to apply for the primary green card, we have the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within the Construction Environment course to help.
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