The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card has become the industry standard for assessing the qualifications and competence of individuals working on construction sites. Consequently, a common query that often arises among aspiring construction workers is: “Can I work in major sites without a CSCS card?”
The good thing is, I have done the research for you and will provide you with the definitive answer to this important question.
Can I work in major sites without a CSCS card?
In most instances, you’ll not be allowed to work on a major site without having a CSCS card. While it’s not a legal mandate, most big sites and contractors in the UK require one. They won’t hire you without it.
In my experience as a Health & Safety Manager, I’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial CSCS cards are. It holds massive weight in the construction industry since it shows and proves that a person is well-trained and knowledgeable about the health and safety standards, and precautions at a construction site. That’s why major sites prefer people with a CSCS card since it allows them to create a culture of safety within their construction environment.
So, if you’re aiming for a job on a big site, getting a CSCS card is a smart move. It shows you’re committed to safety and increases your chances of landing the job you want.
What is a CSCS Card?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme or CSCS Card is a nationally recognized card that can prove you are appropriately trained and qualified for the job you are applying for on the site.
A CSCS card is a widespread scheme established in the UK and set up to help improve safety and health standards in the construction field. So, while not a legal requirement, most major sites today often require their workers or job applicants to have a CSCS card to show they have the proper training to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
There are 13 different types of CSCS cards, ranging from apprentice to manager. If you are a beginner, you should likely aim for the ‘Green Labourer’ or the ‘Red Apprentice’ card, depending on the route you want to take.
Ready to Get Your CSCS Green Card?
Ready to Get Your CSCS Green Card?
The consequences of not having a CSCS card
In sites where I’ve worked, I’ve seen people denied access to construction sites unless they could provide their CSCS cards or proof of qualification. It’s a stark reminder of the importance placed on this certification in the industry.
While not imposed by law, know that having a CSCS card is still the industry standard today. You can find a job without a card, but note that there is more struggle and challenges compared to job hunting with one.
The Official Site for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme supported this by claiming “most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid card.” While the card is not a legal obligation or requirement, most sites and companies impose them to improve the safety and health standards of their construction environment.
An admin from Construction Site Skills further drove the point of the card’s relevance by stating that more than 80% of all construction and building sites in the UK operate with a “No Card, No Work” policy.
These claims further prove the difficulty of entering the construction industry without a card. Your chances of getting accepted and finding a great job are relatively slim.
Exceptions to the rule
Still wondering if you can work in construction without CSCS Card? Fortunately, not everyone working on a construction site needs a CSCS card.
Unlike construction workers who need a relevant CSCS card to work at a construction site, people entering the site to conduct non-construction-related work do not need one.
The Official Site for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme confirmed: “If you work in a non-construction related role, you do not need a card.” They also clarified that you don’t need a CSCS card if you are on a short-term work or job experience placement for less than 30 days.
Due to the vast array of skills needed on a construction project, there are multiple times when a worker with non-construction-related experience enters and arrives on the site — security guards, cleaners, catering staff, or company officers, for example.
Their safety on site will be the responsibility of the site managers.
The importance of the CSCS card in the construction industry
The CSCS card can significantly impact your chances of getting hired or accepted at a construction site. They are your tangible and material proof that you have the necessary training and qualifications to work on an actual construction and building site.
Here are more details on its importance to the construction industry:
Safety and compliance
A CSCS card can prove you have the skills, training, and knowledge to work on an ongoing construction site. Having one indicates that you are intimately aware of the crucial safety and health standards and protocols of the construction industry.
A CSCS card serve as a way to prove yourself to your employers that you are competent for the job. The standards and safety of the construction industry continue to improve each day as more and more construction sites in the UK are imposing the need for CSCS cards.
By requiring a CSCS card, a construction site can rest easy knowing that the workplace has well-trained and informed workers who know how to work efficiently and safely on site.
Enhancing career prospects
The law now requires construction sites to ensure that they have competent workers. Fortunately, you won’t have to sit your employer down to prove your competency and skill as a construction worker.
If you truly want to enter the construction industry, a CSCS card should help open the door. Construction advisors from Get Licensed claimed that “most job adverts looking for workers in the construction sector ask for applicants to already have a CSCS Card before they apply.”
This proves that a CSCS card can make you more employable, giving you better job and career opportunities.
How to get a CSCS card
Here is how you can get a CSCS card:
- Workers are required to complete the necessary training for the job. That will vary heavily on the card type they are applying for, but most CSCS cards need you to finish or at least enroll in an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification).
- You will also need to take and pass the CITB Health Safety Environment Test and as well as the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course, after a payment of €36. You can easily book that test on CITB’s official website.
- Once you have the results, you can apply for the card on the official website of the CSCS. The page will contain all the requirements you need.
FAQS
Who needs a CSCS card?
Workers actively working and present in a construction site need a CSCS card. You will undoubtedly need one if you manage or carry out work on a construction site. While not imposed by the law, these cards are typically contractual requirements set by the company, employer, or contractor.
How much does a CSCS card cost?
According to the official website of the CSCS, the card cost £36. Note that that amount is only for the card itself. That means there are other fees, like the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test, which costs £22.50, as well as the cost of the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course.
Some organizations also offer CSCS card application services. If you are interested in these services, be ready to pay extra for charges.
How long does it take to get a CSCS card?
Most CSCS cards tend to arrive within 3-5 days of application approval, although there are rare cases where it can take up to 10 days. If your card doesn’t arrive after ten days, contact the CSCS for further assistance.
Can I work while waiting for my CSCS card?
As long as you present proof that you passed all the necessary tests and that your card is being processed, you can start working. Most construction sites allow workers at the site while waiting for their CSCS cards to arrive.
So, can you work on construction sites without a CSCS card?
Can I work on major sites without a CSCS card? It’s possible but incredibly challenging.
The first wall you will undoubtedly hit is finding a principal or major contractor that will allow you to work without the card since most companies and contractors nowadays require them.
CSCS cards are important because they represent your commitment to safety and expertise in construction standards.
We at TrainInHealthAndSafety.com offer relevant and informative courses that can help you prepare for your CSCS card test. Our leading course today, Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within the Construction Environment, should help you safeguard your professional career in the construction industry.