Use our guide below to check if you are holding the correct CISRS card for your job role. The Construction College Midlands is an accredited training provider of the Construction Industry Scaffolding Record Scheme (CISRS). Our scaffolding training facilities are amongst the largest and best in the UK.

CISRS - Have you got the Right Card?

There are a number of ways to check whether a CISRS card is correct for the role being carried out.

The CISRS Scaffolding Labourer Card is for operatives who carry out onsite labouring/driving duties in support of scaffolding operations.

Scaffolding Labourers are only allowed to work from a safe secure position i.e ground, building floor/fully protected roof or a fully completed scaffold platform.

Scaffolding Labourers are not permitted to erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding.

Training required for card:

  • COTS Course taken within 2 years
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)

Renewal Process:

  • COTS Course taken within 2 years
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

The CISRS BASE course provides accredited training for non-scaffolders who erect, alter and dismantle very basic and routine scaffolding structures using a specific system scaffold product.

It provides operatives with limited skills and knowledge for safe use of a specific system scaffold product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions within restricted working environments.

BASE card holders are only permitted to construct simple system scaffold structures with the product used when completing their CISRS BASE Training. These structures must not exceed a maximum height of 6m and must not be in an environment with a general public interface. Any works outside of these parameters should be carried out by a CISRS Scaffolder or CISRS Advanced Scaffolder depending upon the scope of the work.

Training Required For Card:

  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)
  • 5 Day BASE Course

Renewal Process:

  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

The CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card is available to operatives who are undertaking the CISRS training required for a CISRS Scaffolder Card.

CISRS Trainee Scaffolder card holders will be considered a trainee scaffolder regardless of the experience they have within the scaffolding industry. Accordingly, they should not undertake any scaffolding activities unless they are under the direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder.

The Trainee will be expected to complete the following training within the validity of 2 x 18 month CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Cards:

  • COTS
  • CISRS Part 1
  • CISRS Part 2
  • NVQ Level 2 SCQF Level 5
  • CISRS 1 Day Skills Test

Minimum Training Required for 1st 18 month Trainee Card:

  • COTS taken within 2 years
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)

Minimum Training Required for 2nd 18 month Trainee Card:

  • CISRS Part 1 Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

Upon successful completion of CISRS Part 1, CISRS Part 2, NVQ2/SCQF5, CISRS 1 Day Skills Test & CITB HS&E Operatives Test (or accepted exemption) an operative can apply for the CISRS Scaffolder Card.

This card enables the operative to lead a scaffold gang or partake in scaffolding operations covered by their training and assessment, which includes independents, towers, birdcages, fans, gantry & beam work etc.

CISRS Scaffolder Cards are valid for 5 years.

Renewal Process:

  • 2 Day Scaffolder Refresher/CPD Course.

Operatives must be in possession of a CISRS Basic Scaffolder (Tube & Fitting) Card for at least 12 months before they can attend an Advanced Scaffolder Training Course.

A CISRS Advanced Scaffolder Card Holder is deemed competent to lead a scaffold gang in all scaffold operations, including complex design structures.

Training Required For Card:

  • CISRS Advanced Course
  • NVQ Level 3 / SCQF Level 6
  • CISRS 2 Day Skills Test
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)

Renewal Process:

  • 2 Day Scaffolder Refresher/CPD Course.

The 3 Day Basic Scaffold Inspection Course is aimed at anyone who is responsible for carrying out statutory scaffold inspections on basic scaffold structures in accordance with Working At Height Regulation 2005.

In order to attend this course CISRS will require delegates to have awareness and experience of scaffolding structures.

Those meeting one of the following criteria will be accepted onto the course:

  • Delegate holds a current CISRS Scaffolder, Advanced or Supervisor Card
  • Delegate holds a current or expired CISRS Basic Inspection card and is attending the course in order to renew their card

Individuals not holding an eligible CISRS card detailed above wishing to attend the course will be required to submit a CV and or/certificates, together with a letter from an employer confirming their awareness and experience of scaffolding structures gained via their role within industry and confirmation that the delegate has had a minimum of 2 years of experience in this role.

Examples of acceptable roles are:

  • Scaffold Designer
  • Contracts Manager
  • Engineer
  • Site Agent/Manager
  • H&S Manager
  • HSE Inspector
  • Scaffolding Inspector who has previously attended a non CISRS Scaffold Inspection/Awareness course at least 2 years before the start of the CISRS Basic SITS course.

Training Required For Card:

  • CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)

Renewal Process:

  • CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

The 2 day Advanced Scaffold Inspection training covers both basic and more complex scaffolding structures. It is aimed at professional Scaffold Inspectors, Scaffolding Supervisors and Management and others who are responsible for statutory scaffold inspection for more complex structures.

To be eligible, applicants need to have extensive scaffolding industry experience and have held a CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection Record Card for a minimum of 2 years.

CISRS Scaffolders who have held their card for a minimum of 2 years and Advanced card holders will also be eligible to attend this course without initially having to attend the Basic Scaffold Inspection course.

Training Required For Card:

  • CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspection Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)

Renewal Process:

  • CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspection Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

To meet the demands of today’s scaffolding industry; CISRS provides Supervisor/ Manager training. This training is tailored to deliver the knowledge and management skills required in contract scaffolding.

The 5 day CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor/Manager course is aimed at personnel providing first line supervision for scaffolding contractors (i.e Contract Managers, Supervisors, Foremen and non-working Charge- Hands).

The 2 Day CISRS Supervisor Refresher course is available to those with expired or current CISRS Supervisor cards and also to CISRS Scaffolder/Advanced card holders with a current SMSTS certificate.

The course content includes:

  • Health and Safety
  • Performance Standards
  • Employment Basics
  • Supervisory Skills
  • Commercial Essentials
  • Risk Assessment Project.

Training Required For Card:

  • CISRS Supervisor Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test (Supervisory Level) taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption)

Renewal Process:

  • CISRS 2 Day Supervisor Refresher Course
  • CITB HS&E Operatives Test (Supervisory Level) taken within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

CSCS - SmartCards

There are a number of ways to check whether a CSCS card is valid.

All CSCS cards are Smart – They contain a chip which stores information on the cardholders identity, qualifications and training. Site managers can read this information using a smartphone, tablet or PC with the Gosmart app installed, allowing them to instantly record the cardholder’s information, and be secure in the knowledge that the cardholder is qualified for the job they do on site.

Online card checks a quick and easy way to check if a card is valid is via one of the free online card checkers. Simply enter the required data to view the status of a card.

CSCS Online Card Checker

This card is available to people on a recognised apprenticeship. It is valid for four years and six months and cannot be renewed. Cardholders are expected to complete their apprenticeship by the time the card expires and apply for a skilled CSCS card.

The Green Labourer Card allows individuals to work on construction sites in entry-level positions. It is issued as part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and is valid for 5 years. It is the most common type of CSCS Card.

You can apply for this card if you have either:

Achieved a construction related NVQ or SVQ level 2

or

Completed an apprenticeship, a City and Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate or a CSCS Approved Trailblazer.

If you do not have these qualifications, but you are experienced in your job and have registered for a qualification applicable to your occupation, you may apply for an Experienced Worker Card. Click here for further details on the Experienced Workers card.

This card is valid for five years.

The Gold CSCS Card is for highly skilled or supervisory workers. For example, a skilled construction worker holding an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent or completed an approved apprenticeship. The card is valid for 5 years. The CITB Health Safety and Environment Test needs to be passed.

The Black CSCS Card is available for managerial occupations. An NVQ or SVQ Level 4 or higher is needed to apply for this CSCS card. This card demonstrates that the holder has the skills, knowledge and experience to Manage in a construction environment. The card is valid for 5 years. The CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety & Environment Test must be passed.

This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas, or those who are competence assessed members of CSCS approved professional bodies. This card is valid 5 years.

The Yellow CSCS Card is for visitors without construction skills who need to periodically visit construction sites, for example, developers or real estate agents. The card is valid for five years. The CITB Health Safety and Environment Test needs to be passed.