CSCS Cards | Grandfather Rights | Industry Accreditation (IA)

Industry Accreditation (IA), more commonly known as Grandfather Rights, allowed delegates to obtain a CSCS card based upon an employer’s recommendation, following completing a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test at a CITB Test Centre. As such, delegates did not need to obtain a recognised vocational qualification (NVQ).

In 2015, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) announced that all construction industry card schemes must operate with Nationally Recognised Qualifications and set an expectation of all CSCS cards being achieved via qualifications by 31^st December 2024.

Industry Accreditation cards are still in use today, and will remain so until this date. After this date, all CSCS Cards (new or renewal) will only be awarded if delegates have the appropriate level qualification (NVQ).

When will my CSCS Card, obtained through Grandfather Rights (Industry Accreditation), expire?

CSCS will stop renewing industry accreditation cards on 30^thJune 2024.

CSCS cards obtained through IA before 1^st January 2020 will expire on the normal expiry date.

CSCS cards obtained through IA after 1^st January 2020 will expire on 31^st December 2024, and cannot be renewed.

IA cards can still be renewed, if the expiry date falls before 30^thJune 2024, however, the renewed card will expire on 31^stDecember 2024.

How can GEM help with retaining the correct level of CSCS card?

Through our close associate, we can deliver NVQ qualifications within the sector, from Level 2 to Level 7, which will allow you to access cards from Blue Skilled to Black Managers CSCS Card. The guidance and support below can help with retaining your CSCS Card:

Blue Skilled Worker

Gold Skilled/Supervisory

Black Manager's Card

You can access CITB Testing at one of our three centres, Bradford, Hull or Mexborough, supported by the GEM team to complete the correct CITB Test to gain the correct level of CSCS card.

What help is available to be able to undertake an NVQ at the correct level and retain my CSCS Card at the correct level?

To support construction workers transitioning from an Industry Accredited CSCS Card, to a qualification, CITB have increased their funding and grants available from 1^st April 2023. To claim, you must be a CITB Registered Employer and up to date with Levy Returns.

Employers can apply for this grant for all directly employed staff on the payroll, business owners and partners, and all sub-contractors. Those self-employed or sub-contracted on projects should speak to the primary contractor in the first instance regarding grant funding.

You can find out more about CITB Grants & Funding, and how this is investing in the Construction Industry. Call the GEM team on 01274 752777 who can advise accordingly.

I am new to the industry, I only want to apply for a Labourers CSCS Card (Green Card)

As always, we also support new delegates into the industry, or Labourers looking to renew, who can attend one of our regulated 1 day Health and Safety Awareness training could and take their CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test, all on the same day, at the same venue! We can even complete their CSCS Card Application for you! This qualification is required to obtain the Labourers CSCS Card (Green Card). We deliver this course at all three of our CITB test centres in Bradford, Hull and Mexborough.