If you want to work in the construction industry you need to have a CSCS Card and for getting a certain type of CSCS card you are required to complete a CSCS training course. These courses are designed to ensure safety and increase awareness of individuals so that construction sites can become a better and safe place to work. Getting the right CSCS Card can be a difficult task if you are not aware:
- Which is the right CSCS card which will be as per your trade.
- The process of applying for the CSCS Card.
- The basic requirements to get the card
There are many different cards available and each card is having different entry requirements, so there are chances that you will get confused and pick up the wrong card for yourself which will be a waste of money and time for you.
What is CSCS Card and why it is important?
Within the United Kingdom, the Construction Skill Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the main organization that provides a physical certificate to individuals in the form of cards that act as proof that the holder has passed health and safety assessments and is equipped and efficient to gain access on-site. Although it is not a legal or mandatory requirement but all the big contractors and UK Construction Group agreed mutually that all the workers working on the construction site should hold a CSCS card.
How to get a CSCS Card?
To gain a CSCS Card
1. Pass CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. It is a touchscreen test of 45 minutes which includes 50 questions.
2. Pass CSCS course or training. For a popular card like Green Card, you need to pass Health, Safety Awareness Course. For other cards, you need to have qualifications like NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ or any other diploma or degree in construction which is approved by CSCS.
What is the validity of Health Safety Awareness Course?
Health Safety Awareness Course is also popularly known as HSA and 1 day course. This course is valid for 5 years.
Can I do CSCS Course online Or I have to do ofline course only?
Health, Safety and Awareness course is available both online and offline. You can do the cscs course online or offline as per your choice.
In offline course after completion of classroom training, there is one assessment which you need to undergo and clear. In online training you need to complete all the modules and test at the end of each module. After completion of modules you need to pass the final assessment in the presence of an online proctor.
Is there any other course available equivalent to HSA which is better?
Level 1 award is a course that is approved by CSCS and is equivalent to Health Safety Awareness course.
Difference between HSA and Level 1 award?
There is no significant difference between both the courses except that the Level 1 award is valid for a lifetime while HSA is valid for 5 years.
Please note for doing both the courses (HSA and Level 1 award) you need to be good in English which means you will be able to properly read, write, understand and speak in English.
Is voice-over or translator available in CSCS Course?
No. There is no voice-over or translator available in CSCS Courses.
Conclusion:
For applying CSCS card it is mandatory that you need to pass CITB Test and CSCS Training or CSCS Course. There are many training organizations across the UK that provide such training. You can easily search for such training companies online and get yourself booked for the right kind of training so that you can successfully get the right CSCS training.