CSCS Cards – The final solution

There is, finally, a solution to the vexed question of CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card and the sign industry. The cards will, increasingly, be demanded before sign installers are allowed to work on construction sites. Following the decision by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to abandon the original CSCS Blue Card for skilled workers, which was available under the Industry Accreditation Scheme, the BSGA has made representations on behalf of the sign industry to clarify the situation. "As a result of these negotiations we have reached an agreement with the CITB concerning the criteria which must be met by sign installers if they are to receive a CSCS card," said Albert Baxter, Director of the BSGA. "We would also, respectfully, point out that we were the only trade association representing the interests of sign makers in this matter."

Information on the CSCS Cards available to signmakers is included in the Guide to the Application Process and Quick Reference Chart, which can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.

> CSCS Cards – Guide to the Application Process (pdf)

> CSCS Cards – Quick Reference Chart (pdf)

These short guides have been prepared by the BSGA to help signmakers find their way through the CSCS Card application process. If you require more detailed information on the CSCS Card scheme or want to request an application pack contact the CSCS Helpdesk on 0870 417 8777 or go to www.cscs.uk.com

Information on the on the CITB Construction Skills health and safety test can be found on the CITB Construction Skills web site www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/health_safety or by calling their Helpline on 0870 600 4020.

"This is a permanent route by which all sign installers can now obtain the CSCS card, but it means that staff will have to complete the required training," said Mr Baxter.


NOTE: Just in case there is any confusion. The CSCS Card is not the invention of the BSGA. The Association had absolutely nothing to do with its origination and the BSGA makes no financial gain from the cards.

CSCS is a health and safety requirement of the construction industry implemented by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). The BSGA has merely worked very hard to ensure that all signmakers have a route to gaining a CSCS card to enable them to work on construction sites.