Industry Accreditation: City and Guilds Craft and Advanced Craft Certificates

Published: February 15, 2023

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.

City and Guilds Craft Certificates

Typically attained as part of an employer-sponsored apprenticeship programs, within various construction trades, they were also used in full time FE vocational education programmes outside of apprenticeships.

Achievement of these qualifications demonstrates a level of skill and knowledge in a specific trade, such as carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing or electrical installation. A Craft Certificate equates to an NVQ Level 2.

• If the Craft Certificate was attained as part of an employer apprenticeship then the individual will be capable of independently performing tasks within their chosen trade which will allow them to obtain the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card
• If the qualification was obtained as part of a full time vocational education programme then proof of industry experience, post qualification by way of a CV or employer endorsement is additionally required to confirm the necessary level of skill and knowledge being applied in the workplace. CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card

City and Guilds Advanced Craft Certificates

A City and Guilds Advanced Craft Certificate represents a higher level of proficiency and expertise, and were attained through advanced stages of employer apprenticeships or as part of extended full time vocational education programmes.

The qualification signifies mastery of advanced techniques and skills within the trade, along with potential leadership capabilities.

Holders of the Advanced Craft Certificate are recognised as having advanced occupational skills and being capable of mentoring less experienced workers. An Advanced Craft Certificate equates to an NVQ Level 3.

• If the Advanced Craft Certificate was attained as part of an employer apprenticeship the cardholder is eligible for the CSCS Gold Skilled Worker card
• If the qualification was attained as part of a full time vocational education programme then the cardholder is required to additionally provide proof of industry experience post qualification by way of a CV or employer endorsement to confirm the necessary level of advanced skill and knowledge being applied in the workplace, eligible for CSCS Gold Skilled Worker card

Renewing CSCS Industry Accreditation cards with City and Guilds Certificates

When renewing your card, cardholders with City and Guilds Craft or Advanced Craft certificates earned through employer apprenticeships must provide proof of these qualifications together with details of the apprenticeship program, such as:

• The employer’s name, duration of the apprenticeship.
• Cardholders who attained the qualifications as part of a full time vocational education programmes are required to additionally provide proof of industry experience post qualification by way of a CV or employer endorsement to confirm the necessary level of advanced skill and knowledge being applied in the workplace.

For further information on the withdrawal of Industry Accreditation, visit CSCS.uk.com/Industry Accreditation.