Comprehensive Guide to Construction Certification in the UK: CSCS Cards, Health & Safety, and Qualifications

The Complete Guide to Construction Certification

Whether you're just stepping out into the working world, or you're considering a career change, becoming a builder is a fruitful and rewarding role in a fast evolving industry. While legally you don't need any qualifications to become a hands on builder, if you are thinking of developing your building career towards a path in construction management for example, you will need certain qualifications and certificates to progress further through the building industry. 

People hiring builders to renovate their home or business are also more likely to hire tradespeople with construction certification, as this will prove they are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to complete the job professionally and honestly. 

For some career paths in the industry, the construction qualifications entail achieving high level certification. So, whether you're planning to work for a construction company or setting up your own business, here we discuss industry certifications that will cement your credibility and integrity as a skilful building professional.

Click on a link below to jump straight to the section you’re most interested in:

• CSCS Cards and Certification Levels
• Types of CSCS Cards
• Health and Safety in Construction
• Safety Training Courses
• Safety Tests and Assessments
• National Vocational Qualifications and Skills Development

CSCS Cards and Certification Levels

What are they: The CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is a skills certification scheme backed by the UK construction industry. The card is proof that the individual has acquired the appropriate training and qualifications to do the job, which, in turn, helps to maintain a highly skilled workforce with a competitive edge - something that the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) strives to achieve to benefit the construction industry. 

Why you might need one: While it's not a legal requirement for individuals to hold a CSCS card to work on construction projects, most major contractors and house building companies will require their workers to do so, and without one, you may be refused access to the building site. 

How do you apply and how long does it take: The official website to apply for a card is cscs.uk.com/apply and in most cases, the application is processed and issued within 48 hours. 

How much it costs: A card costs £36

Types of CSCS cards and the qualifications associated with each one:

There are thirteen different CSCS cards to reflect different qualification levels associated. It's important to find the right one for you so you can gain access to the work site:

Academically Qualified Person card- This five year card is available to individuals who have completed a construction related degree, a HND (Higher National Diploma), a HNC (Higher National Certificate), a CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) certificate and certain NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certificates. 

Apprentice card - For anyone on a recognised apprenticeship, they are able to apply for a free CSCS card, which is valid for four years and six months. By this time they are expected to have completed their apprenticeship, and applied for the next card up, which is a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card.

Blue Skilled Worker card - This five year card is open to those who have either completed an apprenticeship, or qualified in a construction related NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)/SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) level 2 or similar. 

Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager card - This card is valid for three years and is specifically available to Supervisors, Managers and Technical workers who are working towards an approved construction related Technical, Supervisory or Management (TSM) qualification, like an NVQ or SVQ Level 3, or higher.

Experienced Worker - This card is valid for a year and is available to individuals with on the job experience and training who are working towards an approved construction related NVQ/SVQ level 2, or higher. Once the year has expired, the cardholder is expected to apply for a skilled CSCS card.

Gold Skilled card - Valid for five years, this card is available to those who have completed construction related qualifications, such as a NVQ level 3, or an approved apprenticeship.

Industry Placement card - This card is available to those in the process of completing a construction-related qualification or training programme which requires a minimum 30 day work placement. 

Labourer card- Valid for five years, this labourer card is available to those who have passed the CITB test (see below) and hold one a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or a similarly CSCS approved alternative qualification.

Manager card - Available for managers and those in technical roles who have achieved a relevant Construction Management/Technical qualification, such as a NVQ/SVQ level 4, 5, 6 or 7.

Professionally Qualified Person card - This card is available to those who are members of CSCS approved professional bodies, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). See the full list of approved professional bodies here.

Provisional (temporary) card - This temporary card is for those who are working through probationary periods while employers assess their suitability for employment.

Supervisory card - This card is available to those who have achieved a Construction Related Supervisory/Technical course such as a NVQ or SVQ level 3 or 4. It is valid for five years. 

Trainee card -  Whether you're training for a construction related qualification that is vocational, academic or professional, you can apply for this trainee card that is valid for five years. 

For more information about finding the right CSCS card for your desired role, visit the CSCS card online.

Health and Safety in Construction

Construction work is a particularly hazardous profession and therefore strict workplace safety must be adhered throughout the building industry to ensure the safety of everyone working on the building site and around it. Here we list the most critical health and strict safety regulations that govern construction work and the importance of safety knowledge and safety measures used:

• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 - This principle regulation was set out as far back as 1974 and still stands, guaranteeing employers ensure the health and safety of construction workers and members of the public.
• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 - These regulations stipulate every construction site should have a First Aid box on site with the appropriate equipment for the number of workers, an appointed person who is responsible for all First Aid, and sufficient information available to all workers to they know who the appointed person is and where the first aid box is. 
• The Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 – Under CDM 2015, a number of different individuals, known as duty holders, must take on their own responsibilities during a project to manage it successfully, identify hazards and mitigate identified risks. Duty holders include the client, the designer, the contractor and the workers. This collaborative approach ensures everyone takes responsibility for completing the project safely. Arguably the most important duty holder on a construction site is the Principle Contractor whose responsibility under CDM2015 is to ensure that safety standards are understood by all and are followed.
• Working at Height Regulations 2015 – This regulation specifies the safe usage of ladders, scaffolding and anything of height. Safety features to be adhered to include toe boards on scaffolding to prevent objects and debris falling on people below. 
• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 – This regulation ensures construction equipment, such as cranes and other heavy lifting equipment is thoroughly examined, workers are given proper training around them, and that there is clear signage on all machines.
• Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 – This regulation ensures workers are protected from loud workplace noise by limiting the maximum permitted decibels and mandating the use of protective headgear. 

Safety Training Courses

To understand construction health and safety regulations, as well as key legislation, safety training courses provide construction pros with vital knowledge on best industry practices and how to manage risk on building sites to ensure the safety of all employees. There are three main site safety training courses pros can take:

SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme)

What is it: The SSSTS is an industry-leading course in construction practices that aims to improve the quality and safety of work in building sites. The training course helps construction professionals manage safety and provide them with the vital information and practical skills they need to understand the safety and legal responsibilities of becoming a construction site supervisor.

Why you might need it: If you are keen to become a site foreman or a trade supervisor, you will need to learn the technical skills to practise safety management and the know-how to resolve health, safety and environmental issues. 

How long does it take to obtain: This is a two day course.

How much does it cost: An online course can cost from £199, while a face-to-face course ranges from £240 - £360 depending on where you choose to take it. The course must be renewed with a one-day refresher course every five years.

SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)

What is it: The SMSTS is widely recognised as leading construction industry training for site managers and contract managers. It covers all the relevant legislation affecting safety on construction sites, as well as identifying risk assessments and the implementation of necessary safety measures. Individuals will also learn the key CDM regulations and hazardous scenarios to look out for. 

Why you might need it: If you’d like to develop your career into planning, organising and monitoring staff on construction sites, such as the role of site manager, then this course is for you. 

How long does it take to obtain: This is a five day course and needs to be refreshed after five years. 

How much does it cost: An online course costs from £395, while face-to-face courses range from £400 - £449.

First Aid At Work

What is it: A First Aid at Work course provides knowledge of emergency first aid for accidents on construction sites as well as managing an emergency, communicating care and understanding health and safety regulations. 

Why you might need it: The advantage of taking on the role of first aider not only helps skill development, but also has a positive impact on relationships with colleagues, as they know they can put their trust in you. 

How long does it take to obtain: The course takes three days to complete and is valid for three years. 

How much does it cost: Face-to-face courses range from £199 to £220, while refresher courses cost around £150. 

Safety Tests and Assessments

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the principle contractor who is in charge of the construction site must carry out a thorough risk assessment to identify hazards, assess risks and apply necessary protections. These risk assessments must be recorded and shared with everyone involved in the project, and they must be conducted and updated regularly over the project's life cycle. 

With Houzz Pro's collaboration tool, you can easily share risk assessments and health and safety reports with the entire team, so everyone is aware of the developments. 

CITB Health Safety & Environment Test (HS&E)

What is it: Some CSCS cards require individuals to also pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at the relevant level for the occupation being applied for. There are three categories of HS&E tests; operatives, specialists, and managers & professionals. The CITB HS&E test is a key requirement to obtain a CSCS card. 

Why you might need it: The tests are an important way for aspiring builders to demonstrate they can work within specific safety standards and assure prospective employers that they will keep themselves and others around them safe too. 

How long does it take to obtain: The test takes 45 minutes to answer 50 questions.

How much does it cost: The CITB Health Safety & Environment Test (HS&E) costs £22.50 to take. 

National Vocational Qualifications and Skills Development

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications that give the individual hands-on experience and the specific skills they need to complete building projects. In construction, vocational qualifications are a flexible route to becoming a qualified builder without the need for examinations. It also gives candidates improved chances of employability thanks to their direct experience in the relevant field. 

The importance of upskilling with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) cannot be underestimated. Honing skills and knowledge, learning new practices and staying up to date with industry advancements will help you maintain high standards, stay competitive and advance your career. 

To enable CPD, consider a mixture of practical and academic learning methods, such as training workshops, e-learning or conferences. Also, tune into Houzz Pro's webinars to hear top industry experts reveal their latest and greatest industry secrets. 

Conclusion

If you're still keen on becoming a builder and want to work on a building project where you can develop new skills, and safety knowledge then gaining a certification will give you a strong foundation and put you ahead of the other builders in the competition.

Continuing your progression through the industry with additional training, perhaps specialising in a particular field such as a supervisory role, will then see your job prospects sore and your earning potential rise.