CSCS reminds industry of need to accept digital SICCS cards

Published: June 20, 2022

Most people in construction are familiar with Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.

It’s the card that provides proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site. However, not everyone is aware that there are over 30 different card schemes displaying the CSCS logo and this is causing some confusion at the site gates.

Card schemes displaying the CSCS logo are known as CSCS Partner Card schemes and they represent the many specialist occupations such as plant, demolition, plumbing and scaffolding.

CSCS recently received reports that holders of Shopfitting and Interior Contracting Competence Scheme (SICCS) cards, administered by the National Association of Shopfitters (one of CSCS’s Partner Card Schemes), have been turned away from site because their digital cards were considered not to be approved by CSCS.

Alan O’Neile, Head of Communications at CSCS, said: “Just because a card looks different from a CSCS card or is digital rather than physical doesn’t mean it should be turned away at the site gates. NAS, with its SICCS scheme, is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme and these cards should be accepted when presented on devices at the site gates.”

Card schemes displaying the CSCS logo are based on the approved standards as mandated by the Construction Leadership Council and, like the CSCS scheme, require the holder to gain an N/SVQ and pass the Health and Safety Test and should be accepted when presented on site.

James Filus, NAS Director, said: “The NAS works in close partnership with CSCS, designing and managing a scheme that meets with expectations of the Construction Leadership Council’s One Industry Logo Action. SICCS is the recognised scheme for the shopfitting, fit-out and interior contracting sector.

“As leaders in the use of digital cards, we are delighted that other card schemes displaying the CSCS logo have followed suit and look forward to the future where more sites are using the CSCS Smart Check app to validate cards. CSCS Smart Check will radically improve the construction industry’s card checking procedures, leading to improved standards, safety, and productivity for all.”

Alan O’Neile continued: “CSCS is reminding the industry to be prepared for digital cards, which should always be accepted on site so long as they bear the CSCS logo.”

“However, what is absolutely key to the whole process is that cards are checked thoroughly, ideally using CSCS Smart Check, before allowing workers on site. CSCS Smart Check is a quick and easy way for card checkers to be sure workers are who they say they are and that they have achieved the appropriate qualifications for the job they do on site.”

For further information on the NAS Shopfitting and Interior Contractors Card Scheme (SICCS) visit https://shopfitters.org/siccs

For further information on CSCS’s Partner Card schemes visit www.cscs.uk.com/partners.