Are CSCS Cards Being Phased Out

Are CSCS Cards Being Phased Out?

In the construction industry, the CSCS card has long been seen as a benchmark for site competence, proving that workers have the appropriate training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out. But in recent years, there’s been ongoing chatter about whether these cards are being phased out altogether. If you're a contractor, subcontractor, or tradesperson wondering what this means for you, this article offers a clear breakdown of the current position, future changes, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

What Is a CSCS Card and Why Is It Important?

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a scheme that issues cards to prove individuals working on construction sites have the necessary training and qualifications for the job they do. While not a legal requirement, CSCS cards are widely used across the UK and often required by principal contractors and major developers to gain access to construction sites.

There are different types of CSCS cards for different roles—ranging from green labourer cards to gold supervisor cards and black manager cards. The colour of your card reflects your level of responsibility, qualifications, and experience.

The scheme plays a key role in promoting health and safety, competency, and standardisation across UK construction sites.

Are CSCS Cards Being Phased Out?

The simple answer is no—CSCS cards themselves are not being phased out. However, some specific types of cards are being withdrawn as part of CSCS’s effort to align all cards with qualifications recognised under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These changes are aimed at phasing out so-called “grandfather rights” and ensuring that all cardholders meet current qualification standards.

The key phase-out involves:

• Industry Accreditation (IA) cards—often referred to as “grandfathered” cards, issued without formal qualifications based on employer recommendation or industry experience.

• Construction Related Occupation (CRO) cards—withdrawn in 2017.

• Some CSCS ‘Visitor’ cards and temporary cards.

What’s Happening with Industry Accreditation Cards?

Industry Accreditation (IA) allowed experienced workers to obtain CSCS cards without holding a recognised qualification. Many in the industry saw this as a practical approach when formal qualifications weren’t widely available. However, to comply with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)'s 2015 recommendation, all IA cards will expire by 31 December 2024 and cannot be renewed after this date.

If you currently hold a CSCS card through Industry Accreditation, you’ll need to gain a recognised qualification, such as an NVQ/SVQ, to continue holding a valid card after that date.

CSCS is working with employers and training providers to help workers transition to recognised qualifications before the deadline.

Why Is This Happening?

This shift is part of a broader drive to professionalise the UK construction workforce. The aim is to ensure that everyone on site—whether they’re labourers, supervisors, or managers—has formal, verifiable training. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) set a target that only individuals with nationally recognised qualifications should be eligible for CSCS cards by the end of 2024.

This helps promote:

• Higher standards of safety and workmanship

• Greater trust between contractors and clients

• Better career progression routes for workers

How Do You Know If Your Card Is Affected?

If your card was issued under Industry Accreditation, it should say so on the back. These cards are mostly:

• Blue (Skilled Worker)

• Gold (Supervisor)

• Black (Manager)

You should have already been contacted by CSCS if you're affected, but if in doubt, you can check your CSCS card status online or contact CSCS directly.

What Do You Need to Do?

If you hold an IA card:

• Act now—you must achieve a recognised qualification (typically NVQ Level 2 or higher) by 31 December 2024 to keep your card.

• Check your CSCS card expiry date—if it expires before the cut-off, you may be able to renew it one last time, but it will not be renewable after the deadline without a qualification.

• Book your NVQ assessment through an approved provider. These assessments often include on-site observations and evidence gathering, so they don’t always require time away from work.

For those unsure where to begin, CSCS offers guidance, and many training providers offer flexible options tailored to experienced workers.

Are CSCS Cards Still Needed?

Yes. While some card types are being phased out, CSCS cards remain widely required by contractors, principal contractors, and major clients. In many cases, site access is restricted without one.

The changes do not mean the end of CSCS—they represent a move towards better qualifications and more robust standards within the scheme.

If you’re a subcontractor or sole trader, having the right CSCS card continues to improve your credibility, employability, and access to higher-paying contracts.

Are There Exceptions?

There are a few roles where CSCS cards might not be necessary—for example, non-construction workers visiting a site (e.g. delivery drivers, auditors), but this is always at the discretion of the main contractor. In most cases, a valid card relevant to your role is expected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking your card type—many cardholders don’t realise they were issued their card under Industry Accreditation.

• Leaving it too late—NVQ assessments can take weeks or months, especially for higher-level qualifications.

• Assuming you’re exempt—unless you’ve confirmed with your contractor or CSCS, don’t assume you can carry on without updating your card.

Final Thoughts

The CSCS scheme remains a vital part of the construction industry’s efforts to ensure safety, training, and competence on site. Cards are not being scrapped, but certain outdated routes—like Industry Accreditation—are coming to an end.

For subcontractors, site workers, and construction companies, now is the time to prepare. If you or your team hold cards without formal qualifications, getting started on the NVQ pathway ensures you won’t be locked out of work in 2025.