Industry Accreditation: Common queries answered

Published: February 16, 2023

CSCS will cease renewing cards issued via Industry Accreditation from 30th June 2024, while all IA cards issued from 1st Jan 2020 will expire on 31st Dec 2024 and will not be renewed

Below, we set out some of the common queries and questions around IA, as well as information on how they can be resolved.

What is Industry Accreditation?

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 Industry Accreditation back in 2010, but if you previously held a card under IA, the scheme rules allowed you to continue to renew.

Why is CSCS withdrawing Industry Accreditation?

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) in place for all occupations. This requirement is particularly important when addressing the IA issue. Further details on the withdrawal can be found here: www.cscs.uk.com/ia.

To satisfy the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements CSCS announced plans to withdraw cards issued under IA, which include:

IA cards issued from 1st Jan 2020 will expire on 31st Dec 2024 and will not be renewed
CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30th June 2024.

What options do I have to move off Industry Accreditation?

There are a number of 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. Further details can be viewed here.
Professionally Qualified person: This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies of which CIOB is one. Further details can be viewed here.
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.

Why am I being sent back to college if I have years of experience or other relevant qualifications?

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.

How much will it cost to gain the necessary qualification?

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.

Can I apply with City and Guilds certificates?

Those with cards issued under Industry Accreditation who hold City and Guilds Craft or Advanced Craft certificates can apply for a full-term Blue or Gold Skilled Worker CSCS card, depending on which type they hold.

Individuals will need to provide proof of these qualifications when renewing cards, along with evidence of either having completed an employer apprenticeship or alternatively providing proof of industry experience post qualification by way of a CV or employer endorsement.

What happens next?

Those impacted are advised to read up on the options available to them and follow the interactive flowcharts available via CSCS.uk.com/IA.

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.

For further information, visit CSCS.uk.com/IA