CSCS Ltd, the body responsible for administering the much criticised Skills Card Scheme, have announced there is to be a new level of card for people holding qualifications other than an NVQ.
The AQP (Academically Qualified Person) Card is a white/yellow card and will be valid for 5 years. The idea is that it gives holders of traditional qualifications the opportunity to train for a relevant NVQ whilst recognizing the achievement of a range of industry recognised qualifications including Degrees, HNC’s, and NEBOSH certificates
A full list of acceptable qualifications can be found here
Although most people affected will likely already be registered for some other card (such as the Red Trainee Card) the move goes someway to addressing criticism of the scheme which has, hitherto, ignored these higher level qualifications in favour of NVQ’s.
CSCS have also announced that rules for obtaining the current Green card are to be updated so operatives must achieve at least an NVQ level 1 to qualify. From 1st July 2014 the card will become known as the Labourer’s Card and will be linked to the new NVQ in Health and Safety for Construction Labourers
Bob – Does this also apply to internationals who have a certificate (say NEBOSH-ICC). If so, how is this card of importance to us the supervisors? is it only for academic purposes? READ MORE..
The relevant NEBOSH qualifications include:
International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
The card is for those who do not yet have the necessary NVQ for their job role. It was introduced in response to criticism from people who have achieved academic qualifications but still do not qualify for a full card because they haven’t done the NVQ.
Thomas – I am holder of the Yellow card and was wondering what the benefit of upgrading the white AQP card would be? I hold both a degree and HNC recognised by CSCS. READ MORE…
There is no real benefit other than a formal recognition of your academic status.
Anon – Is their any additional criteria required other than supply yellow card details and education certificate? READ MORE…
You’ll have to complete the Health, Safety and Environment Test for Managers unless you already did this for your yellow card. Response from CSCS is slow but you usually get a reply within 2 weeks.
They will accept a digital copy of any certificates via email if you don’t want to supply the originals btw.
Anon – So there is no advantage of AQP card over black managers card? READ MORE…
No.
The AQP card was introduced to recognise some academic qualifications that were previously disregarded by the scheme. The black manager’s card is a different regime altogether.
Geo – …what about the employer thing they ask? I have no current nor previous employer…READ MORE…
For the card you only need to give the name of someone who can vouch for you. If you’re unemployed the job centre will vouch for you. If you’re self employed a past customer.
Geo – Well, can this ”someone” be anyone then? Like a friend or roommate? Oh and what if my previous employer is in, say Germany or Sweden? READ MORE…
I wouldn’t get too hung up about this particular point. Do what you need to do.
Brian – I completed my ACS ccn1 domestic gas certificates which are completely hands on over 2 days of full safety assessments but still had to sit a plumbing cscs test as no gas tech test exists. How does a 5 minute online test prove competence or even an NVQ assessed on site in a rather vague way. Oh not to forget the 30 years experience as a brick layer. READ MORE…
The various card schemes have been adopted so main contractors have some evidence to show they are employing competent people.
‘Competant‘ in so much as they can complete a tick box exercise.
It’s an easy method for them to manage which also covers their backs in the event of a serious accident. It has nothing to do with your experience or ability to do the job, sorry to say. That would involve a lot more work on their part and would leave the industry significantly short of workers.
Nigel – I have over 30 years working in Construction, as a Site Engineer & General Foreman as well as running my own business providing services to the construction industry. I have a BTEC Certificate in Building Studies, yet I only qualify for a ‘Trainee’ card in a technical capacity. How can I upgrade to cover my current role as a Setting Out Engineer? READ MORE…
Appreciate the frustration but there is some confusion about the scheme in that it doesn’t have much to do with your skills, qualifications, experience or ability. The scheme operates to ensure a minimum level of competence only and to do this you have to complete an NVQ specific to your job role and complete the appropriate H&S test. There isn’t much flexibility around this I am afraid to say.
Simon – I have worked in the construction industry as a civil/structural engineering technician (draughtsman) for over 3 decades, the majority of that time as a freelance contractor. In recent years I have been working in Oil & gas related positions, but due to the downturn in that sector I’m currently looking at positions in rail/nuclear/ports & marine.
I recently inquired about a position with a civil engineering contractor but was not even considered for the position because I don’t have a CSCS card.I have looked into obtaining a CSCS card and due to my HNC in Civil Engineering Studies it appears my best route would be to take the Managers and Professionals, Health, Safety and Environment Test, then apply for a CSCS AQP Card.
The point I need clarification on is who can sign-off the application for me? I am currently between contracts so don’t have an employer as such. Is the sign-off similar to a passport application where a person ‘of standing’ needs to vouch that you are who you say you are?
I have many contacts in positions, such as Lead Engineer, Commercial Manager, Principle Designer, could any of these sign-off my application even if I haven’t worked with/for them in recent years? READ MORE…
I recently inquired about a position with a civil engineering contractor but was not even considered for the position because I don’t have a CSCS card.I have looked into obtaining a CSCS card and due to my HNC in Civil Engineering Studies it appears my best route would be to take the Managers and Professionals, Health, Safety and Environment Test, then apply for a CSCS AQP Card.
The point I need clarification on is who can sign-off the application for me? I am currently between contracts so don’t have an employer as such. Is the sign-off similar to a passport application where a person ‘of standing’ needs to vouch that you are who you say you are?
I have many contacts in positions, such as Lead Engineer, Commercial Manager, Principle Designer, could any of these sign-off my application even if I haven’t worked with/for them in recent years? READ MORE…
The person who signs the declaration should be your current or past employer or someone with a Manager’s CSCS card or higher. It doesn’t matter so much about the time span, just that someone can verify you held the position you say you did.
For the AQP route you’ll also need to scan your HNC certificate and email it to CSCS. It takes a couple of weeks before you hear anything back but you’ll only need to do it once.
You can go ahead and book your manager’s test while you are waiting and I’d strongly advise you to buy the official revision aid. Most of it is common sense but there are a couple of trick questions designed to catch you out.
It’s also worth noting there are a range of card schemes. CSCS covers most occupations in the construction industry but there may be schemes more applicable to the oil & gas or nuclear industries?
Fiona – I am academically qualified (HND & degree) with 22 years experience in industry but not a member of professional institutions. I currently hold a Site Visitor card. I renewed the H&S test yesterday (for operatives). Today I discover this AQP card – when did it first come into existence as I dont think it was around in 2010 when I got the Site Visitor card. Can I apply for AQP or do I have to do the Professional test in order to attain one. READ MORE…
The AQP card was introduced a couple of years ago to recognise academic qualifications that were previously being disregarded. It’s intended as a stop-gap until you attain full professional status and is only valid for 5 years.
You can hold both cards but, yes, you’d have to do the Site Manager/Supervisor H&S test. You may want to consider whether it’s worth your while though, since the AQP card merely confirms you have an academic qualification – which you can prove already?
Unless you are intending to attain professional status it may be a waste of time and money?
Steve- I hold a black managers card and have 39yrs in the industry I would like to know if someone with a white Academically Qualified card who has taken the CITB managers H&S test can take over the site when I leave? READ MORE…
There are no set rules as to who can run a site in respect of the CSCS Card scheme. In theory, you don’t need any card to be in charge of site, it is a matter for the employer, client or main contractor to decide this.
From a legal stance, in respect of the CDM regulations, so long as you have satisfied yourself the person taking over is sufficiently experienced and competent to do so you have nothing to worry about.
The confusion comes about because a lot of main contractors are relying purely on the card scheme as a measure of competence because it is expedient to do so.
Frank – My AQP card runs out in 2020, will I be able to renew the card then or do I have to do an NVQ. READ MORE…
The AQP card lasts for 5 years and can’t be renewed. You will have to apply for the most appropriate card to your current role.
Offical CITB Revison Material
The revision material contains everything you need to know about booking, preparing for and sitting the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for for Managers and Professionals