Understanding what the ending of grandfather rights will mean for you, and how it will affect the industry as a whole, is complex. You need to be fully informed of the implications and what actions you need to take in order to prepare for this transition.
If you or your workers need a CSCS card to be able to work on construction sites, you will need to know how Industry Accreditation to get those cards is changing. Industry Accreditation rules, also known as grandfather rights, are ending in 2024.
What is Industry Accreditation?
CSCS cards arrived in 1995 to help construction workers demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and safety knowledge to perform their role on a construction site. When they were introduced, many experienced construction workers didn’t have the necessary NVQ or equivalent qualification to obtain a CSCS card because they had learned on the job.
Industry Accreditation was brought in to ensure that skilled construction workers who had been in their job for years could still get their card without having to complete an NVQ.
Industry Accreditation meant that CSCS cards could be issued with evidence from former employers. They would endorse the person’s ability to do their job based on work that they had already done. But grandfather rights ended in 2010, meaning new applicants would have to have an NVQ before they could receive a CSCS card.
Previous cards issues through Industry Accreditation could still be renewed, and grandfather rights came in to ensure these rules continued to apply for some so that they could have time to get their NVQ while still working.
Grandfather rights are now coming to an end, so old card issues through Industry Accreditation can no longer be renewed. If you want to continue working with a CSCS card, you will need to get an NVQ.
End of Grandfather Rights - Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some major talking points about the imminent change and try to produce some helpful answers to common questions.
Why are Grandfather Rights Being Phased Out?
The aim of this transition is to ensure that the construction industry has a fully trained and competent workforce. This comes off the back of recommendations by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC).
When are Grandfather Rights Ending?
All Industry Accreditation cards that were issued on or after the 1st of January, 2020, will expire on 31st December 2024, and they will not be able to be renewed through Industry Accreditation.
What is the Alternative to Grandfather Rights for CSCS and CPCS Cards?
All construction professionals will be required to complete an accredited qualification at the necessary level to obtain or maintain their CSCS or CPCS cards. For most this will mean completing an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
Will I Have to Complete an NVQ to Continue Working in Construction?
Essentially, yes. Construction professionals who have relied on grandfather rights will now have to complete an NVQ or equivalent qualification to keep their CSCS and CPCS cards.
What is an NVQ, and How is it Different from Grandfather Rights?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It requires you to put together a portfolio of assessment-based evidence that demonstrates your skills and competences. It replaces the previous system, which was based more on experience and qualifications.
Can I Get Financial Assistance for an NVQ in Construction?
Yes, there are financial assistance programs, grants, and funding from organisations like the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to help construction workers, or their employers pay for Construction NVQs. There may even be government funding available for NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 qualifications.
Can NVQs be Completed Online?
NVQs typically offer a range of assessment methods to gather the necessary evidence that you carry out your job. Some of this might be done on-site, while some may come from things like:
- Conversations with your assessor.
- Photographs and videos.
- Written evidence.
Your assessor will work with you to find the right way to gather evidence and build a portfolio suited to your role and experience to complete your NVQ.
How Do I Make the Transition from Grandfather Rights to an NVQ?
You could get in touch with us to learn about the NVQs we offer, including Skilled Worker and Management qualifications needed to apply for a black CSCS card. We can provide guidance and support for your transition.
Are Black CSCS Cards Being Phased Out?
Black CSCS cards will continue to be used in the industry. But you will have to get a corresponding qualification to get one which means completing an NVQ Level 6 or above such as;
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management.
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management.
- Level 6 NVQ Occupational Health & Safety.
- Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management.
Contact us to learn more about the specifics of obtaining black CSCS cards after 2024.
Is There Any Way to Get a CSCS Card by Grandfather Rights After 2024?
No, the grandfather rights scheme is being completely phased out and new qualifications will be needed.
How Long Does an NVQ Last?
Once you complete your NVQ, you are permanently qualified to that level. You will not need to renew your NVQ or take it again, unless you want to move up to a higher level NVQ qualification. Essentially, once you have attained a certain level of qualification, you have it forever.
What NVQ Level do I Need for a CSCS Card?
As you are probably aware, there are lots of different CSCS card colours, each with different meanings. Each one represents different competencies and skill sets, which means they need different NVQ qualifications to qualify for them. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what you would need to do to get the CSCS card you want.
- CSCS Green Card (Labourer): This is an entry-level card and requires a QCF Level 1 or SQCF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.
- CSCS Blue Card (Skilled Worker): To get a CSCS Blue Card you will need the relevant health and safety qualification, as well as a relevant NVQ Level 2 qualification or an employer-sponsored apprenticeship.
- CSCS Gold Card (Advanced Craft/Supervisor): This will require you to have completed a relevant NVQ Level 3 or 4.
- CSCS Black Card (Manager): You must complete your health and safety training and have achieved NVQ Levels 5, 6 or 7 in the relevant construction management qualification.
- CSCS White Card: These cards represent a professional or academic qualification, usually related to certain degrees, certificates or diplomas.
You can use the CSCS Card Finder to find out which card you will need for the construction work you intend to apply for.
It’s vitally important to get it right before embarking on any training required for that card, especially as that training will likely cost you time and money.
We offer a free CSCS card checking service and can help you understand what training and qualifications you will need to apply for the CSCS card you wish to obtain. As an accredited provider of CITB training and a ProQual approved NVQ centre offering construction NVQs, we can also provide the relevant training you will need to progress your career in construction.
If you would like to use our free CSCS card checker service and get expert advice from our friendly team, please get in touch using the button below.
Conclusion
Most younger employees on a site will have earned their CSCS card by completing an NVQ, apprenticeship, or other qualification. But there will still be people whose cards were issued through grandfather rights, and this is going to end on 31st December 2024.
If this is going to affect you, now is the time to start thinking about getting your qualification. If you fail to do this, it is unlikely you will be able to remain in your position. To progress your career, the NVQ Level 6 qualification would give you all you need to go into management with a black CSCS card.
Even if you are hoping to get a CSCS card that needs a lower qualification, completing this level would enable you to get this and set you up for progressing later in your career.
Think about what will work best for you and take action before it’s too late. If you need any help or advice on which qualification you need to obtain the relevant CSCS please don’t hesitate to get in touch.