New smart CSCS cards

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is launching a new smart card at the end of the year in a bid to reduce the number of fraudulent cards in circulation.

Over 1.4 million workers have a CSCS card which provides proof of occupational competence and covers hundreds of occupations within the construction industry. They are often requested by contractors, clients and others as evidence to the competence of an individual.

The new card will contain the same information as the existing card but will also have a chip where information is stored and can be verified as being genuine. It also has the potential to store additional information relating to an individual’s training and professional development.

From the end of the year all new CSCS cards issued will be the smart card. Existing CSCS cards will remain valid until their expiry date when holders will be reissued with a smart card.