Are CSCS Cards Being Phased Out?

A question we are asked a lot lately is “are the CSCS cards being stopped”?

CSCS cards are not being phased out completely, but some types of cards are being withdrawn or replaced by new ones.

This is part of the government’s ambition to ensure a fully trained and qualified workforce in the construction industry.

The Construction Site Visitor Yellow card was discontinued in 2020 and cannot be renewed.

All CSCS Industry Accreditation (IA) white cards issued from 1st Jan 2020 will expire on 31st December 2024 and cannot be renewed.

Why is Industry Accreditation being withdrawn?

At the beginning of 2015 the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) announced via the Industrial Strategy: Construction 2025, that industry, including trade associations, contractors, clients and government, should specify and promote card schemes displaying the CSCS logo with no equivalents accepted.

This is known as the One Industry Logo action. Among the requirements set out by the CLC is that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications (usually NVQ/SVQs) in place for all occupations.

Those currently on Industry Accreditation who require a CSCS card may already have the requisite qualification or professional membership to renew their card or move onto an Academically or Professionally Qualified Person card, without undertaking further assessment.

This is in line with the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) decision to ensure a fully trained and competent workforce.