Construction Skills Certification Scheme

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If you need to obtain a CSCS card but do not have the relevant qualification, please contact us and we will advise you what you need to do.

so, why do i need a cscs card?

In September 17, GQA Qualifications became the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass and Glazing industries following the announcement of its partnership with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) for its Q-Cards.

The agreement also extends access to the GQA CSCS card for those achieving a GQA Construction related Qualification, including, but not limited to, occupations such as Labourers, Bricklayers, Steel Fixers and Site Supervisors.

This arrangement covers new issue Temporary, Trainee and Apprenticeship cards (Red), Full cards (Blue, Gold and Black) and all renewals for expiring and expired cards.  It applies to GQA candidates and achievers and all other Awarding Organisations offering Glass industry qualifications.

Although this overview focuses primarily on the Glass Industries, GQA can issue CSCS Q-cards for GQA Construction qualifications as well including the construction site labourers card (Green)

The card application form contains more detail on how to apply, and a full and comprehensive set of scheme rules is available from GQA.

 

Red Card – the GQA Red CSCS Q-Card can be either a temporary card, a trainee card or an apprentice card. The card is valid for 12 months (trainee and temporary) and 2 years (apprentice) and they are not renewable.

To be eligible for a Red card you need to have proof of registration on a relevant, role specific qualification (temporary or trainee card) or a relevant, formal, Government funded Apprenticeship programme (Apprentice card). In addition you must have passed either the GQA CSCS H&S test or the CITB H&S test within the last 2 years.

 

Blue, Gold or Black Card – the GQA Blue, Gold or Black CSCS Q-Cards are ‘full’ cards issued based on achievement of a role specific qualification and are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. In addition you must have passed either the GQA CSCS H&S test or the CITB H&S test within the last 2 years.

Green Card – the GQA Green CSCS Q-Card enables those who have achieved the GQA Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety and have proof of passing either the CITB H&S test or the GQA equivalent H&S test within the last 2 years to work on site as a general Construction site labourer.

 

Eligibility :

Temporary, Trainee and Apprentice Cards require proof of registration on a role specific qualification and completion of either the CITB Health, Safety and Environmental touch screen test or the GQA Health and Safety test. This H&S evidence must have been completed within the 2 years preceding application. Full cards require proof of role specific qualification achievement and the same H&S evidence as above.

Please note we will require proof from the relevant Awarding Organisation that registration/certification evidence is authentic and reserve the right to pass on any related costs.


Further information about CSCS Cards can be found by visiting CSCS.UK.com and the Partner Card Schemes page CLICK HERE for more information or the BuildUK.org website CLICK HERE for more information

The GQA CSCS Q-card indicates that the card holder has demonstrated knowledge and skills in accordance with national occupational standards, with information on achievements, and any related GQA accredited training being accessible by scanning the card on the CSCS Smart Check app. Cards can also be validated by calling the GQA Office on 01142 720033.

What occupations are covered by the GQA CSCS type Q card?

All roles within the Glass and Glazing industries, including a number of roles previously issued with CRO cards and a large number of Construction occupations. The application form contains details of cards available for a specific role and what qualifications are required.

Where can the Health and Safety test be completed?

A number of GQA Approved Centres offer the GQA version, the CITB touch screen test can be booked online here.

Does the GQA CSCS type Q card follow the same colour scheme as the CSCS cards?

‘Yes, all GQA CSCS Cards issued from January 2021 will follow the same colour scheme as other CSCS cards.’

How can cards be checked for validity by site managers etc?

The cards have a QR code on them which can be read by the CSCS Smart Check app. GQA contact details are also included on the card.

 

Fraudulent CSCS Cards

From time to time we hear of fraudulent cards being in circulation.  The best way to ensure that cards are genuine is to scan them using the CSCS Smart Checker app.

If you are a site manager and believe a card is fraudulent then in the first instance please phone GQA Qualifications on 0114 272 0033 or email them on info@gqaqualifications.com

Will sites recognise and accept the GQA CSCS type Q Card?

CITB has an ongoing campaign to ensure sites are aware of any changes to types of cards, the GQA Q-Card carries the CSCS logo to comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements under the “one Industry Logo” action in 2015.

Will CSCS still issue a card for a Glass Industry occupation if that is the applicant's preference?

No, from September 1st 2017, the only organisation issuing CSCS cards for the Glass Industry is GQA Qualifications.

How much do cards cost?

All cards cost £30.

How long will it take to issue the card?

GQA aim to issue cards within 7 working days of receiving required information and payment.

How are cards issued?

Cards are posted by recorded delivery. Cards requested by Centres are posted to the Centre. Cards requested by individuals are sent to the address supplied on the application form. Please note that recorded delivery requires someone to be present to accept and sign for the card. We cannot be held responsible for any delays resulting from no-one being present in the household, or for non-collection from any Royal Mail delivery office. GQA reserves the right to charge for any cards re-issued as a result of non-collection / receipt.

Will GQA issue notifications for card renewals?

There is no current provision for GQA to contact card-holders; the expiry date of the card will be clearly visible on the card and its the cardholder’s responsibility to apply for a renewal.

How are lost cards replaced?

Contact GQA and an application form will be issued, cost is £30 for a reprint of the lost card.

What checks are made on card applications?

Any incorrect / incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. GQA will carry out visual checks of all supporting evidence and validity checks on all qualification and H&S evidence provided as part of the application. Attempts to use false documentation as part of an application will be treated seriously and made known to relevant parties, including CITB.

What can an applicant do if an application is rejected?

If an application is rejected for incomplete or incorrect information the applicant will be informed and advised of what is required to allow the application to be progressed.

Is there a procedure to appeal the decision?

Yes, GQA Qualifications has an Appeals Procedure, information will be provided on request.

what cscs card do i require?

Glass and glazing Related Occupations

The Glass and Fenestration Industries are among the oldest in the world, steeped in history and dating back 1,000s of years.

The current glass industry is one that surrounds us and covers the manufacture of flat glass, container glass, domestic glass, decorative glass, automotive and specialist areas such as Fire-resistant Glazing.

Glass also needs installing, in buildings as part of the vast range of Fenestration products manufactured throughout the world. GQA has over 20 industry relevant qualifications in these sectors underpinning its journey to achieve Quality through Qualifications.

GQA Qualifications are the Glass and Fenestration Industries Specialist Awarding Body.

Construction Related Occupations

Construction as a sector touches all aspects of society from private and social housing, commercial and industrial buildings, road building as well as public buildings such as schools and hospitals.

The sector is one of the most important areas affecting the national economy and is made up of “traditional” occupations such as plastering, bricklaying and joinery but is also at the fore front of new exciting cutting-edge technologies which support the green agenda.

GQA has a wide range of industry relevant qualifications in the Construction sector underpinning its journey to achieve Quality through Qualifications.

Occupational RoleQualification required
Level 2 Installer (Curtain Wall)Level 2 NVQ in Curtain Wall Installation or Level 2 NVQ in Fenestration Installation achieved in context of Curtain Wall
Level 3 Installer (Curtain Wall)Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Fenestration Installation achieved in context of Curtain Wall
Level 2 Installer (Windows, Doors, Conservatories)Level 2 NVQ/SVQ in Fenestration Installation or Level 2 Competency update
Level 3 Installer (Windows, Doors, Conservatories)Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Fenestration Installation or Level 3 Competency update
Level 3 Surveyor (Windows, Doors, Conservatories)Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Fenestration Surveying or Level 3 Competency update
Level 2 GlazierLevel 2 NVQ/SVQ in Glazing
Level 3 GlazierLevel 3 NVQ/SVQ in Glazing
Level 3 Surveyor/Installer Level 3 NVQ Diploma in the Combined Installation and Surveying of Windows, doors or conservatories
OR
Level 2 or 3 NVQ/SVQ in Fenestration Installation AND Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Fenestration Surveying
Level 2 Installer (Roofline Products)Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Domestic Fascia, Soffits and Bargeboards Installation
Level 2
  • Glass splashback/panel installer
  • Film/graphics application operative
  • in situ glass surface restoration operative
  • secondary glazing installer
  • window control systems installer
  • window or door maintenance operative
  • overhead/modular glazing installer
  • Site Surveyor for Glass Related activities
Level 2 Certificate for Glass Related Occupations
Level 2 Glass Reinforced Plastics Operative Level 2 Certificate for GRP Occupations
Occupational RoleQualification required
General Construction Site Labourer GQA Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety
Please note there is no option to request a temporary or trainee card for this role
Level 2 Bricklayer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)
Level 2 Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment-see unit groups for endorsement
Level 2 Carpenter / Joiner (Light Structural Timber Framing) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) see pathways for endorsements -
Level 2 Carpenter / Joiner (Structural Post and Beam Carpentry) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) see pathways for endorsements -
Level 2 Carpenter / Joiner (Timber Deck and Cladding) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)- see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Carpenter / Joiner (Timber Frame Erection) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)- see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Carpenter/Joiner (Architectural Joinery) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)- see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Carpenter/Joiner (Site Carpentry) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)
Level 2 Cavity Wall Extraction Inspector/Surveyor GQA NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Cavity wall extraction occupations-see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Cavity Wall Extraction Operative GQA NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Cavity wall extraction occupations- see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Cold Formed Steel Frame Erector GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Cold Formed Steel Frame (Construction)
Level 2 Concrete Driller/Sawer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations (Construction) Concrete Drilling and Sawing-see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering - Construction Operations-see pathways for endorsement
Level 2 Construction Operations and Civil Engineering-Highways Maintenance Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering - Highways Maintenance-see pathways for endorsement
Level 2 Damage Repair and resurfacing Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Associated Industrial Services Occupations (Construction)
Level 2 Formworker GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Formwork (Construction)
Level 2 Gas Membrane Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Associated Industrial Services Occupations (Construction) Passive Fire Protection-see optional units for endorsements
Level 2 In situ surface flooring (Screed) Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations (Construction) -In Situ Flooring (Screed)
Level 2 Insulation and Building Treatments Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction)-see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Interior Systems Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Interior Systems (Construction)-see pathways for endorsement
Level 2 Interior Systems Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Construction)-see pathways for endorsement
Level 2 Maintenance Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Maintenance Operations (Construction)-see optional groups for endorsements
Level 2 Metal Decking Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Metal Decking and Stud Welding Occupations (Construction)
Level 2 Non-hazardous Waste Removal Operative GQA Level 2 Certificate in Removing Non-Hazardous Wastes (Construction)
Level 2 Painter and Decorator (Industrial) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations
Level 2 Passive Fire Protection Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Associated Industrial Services Occupations (Construction) Passive Fire Protection
Level 2 Piling Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations (Construction)-see pathways for endorsement
Level 2 Plasterer (Fibrous) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plastering-see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Plasterer (Solid) GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plastering-see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Roof Sheeter / Cladder GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Cladding Occupations (Construction)
Level 2 Roof Slater GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction) -see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Roof Tiler GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction) -see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Roof Tiler and Slater GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction) -see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Shopfitter / Site Fixer GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) -see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Site Logistics Operative GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Site Logistics Operations (Construction)
Level 2 Slinger / Signaller GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/Signaller (Construction)
Level 2 Steelfixer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Steelfixing Occupations (Construction)
Level 2 Stud Welder GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Metal Decking and Stud Welding Occupations (Construction)-see pathways for endorsements
Level 2 Thermal Insulation Installer CSCS cards for this occupation are only issued by TICA, please see https://tica-acad.co.uk/
Level 2 Wall and Flooring Tiler GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling (Construction)
Level 2 Waterproof membrane roofing systems Installer GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Waterproof membrane roofing systems (Construction)-see Pathways for endorsements
Level 3 Occupations
Level 3 Bricklayer GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Cladding Operative (Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems) GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Cladding Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Cladding Operative (Roof and Wall Sheeting and Cladding) GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Cladding Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Formworker GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Formwork (Construction)
Level 3 Interior Systems Installer GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Construction)-see Pathways for endorsements
Level 3 Painter and Decorator-Decorative GQA Level 3 Diploma in Decorative Finishing - Painting And Decorating
Level 3 Plasterer (Fibrous) GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering (Construction)
Level 3 Plasterer (Solid) GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering (Construction)
Level 3 Roof Slater GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Roof Tiler GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Roof Tiler and Slater GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Shopfitting Site Joiner GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Site Carpenter GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 Occupational Work Supervisor (Construction) GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)-see Pathways for endorsements
Level 3 Thermal Insulation Installer GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Thermal Insulation (Construction)-see pathways for endorsements
Level 4 Occupations
Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor GQA Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision-see pathways for endorsements
Level 4 Construction Lifting Operations Supervisor GQA Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations-Supervising Lifts (Construction)
Level 5, 6 and 7 Occupations
Level 5 Construction Lifting Operations-Planner GQA Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Planning Lifts
Level 6 Construction Site Manager GQA Level 6 Diploma in Construction Site Management (Construction)-see pathways for endorsements
Level 6 Construction Contracts Manager GQA Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management -see pathways for endorsements
Level 7 Construction Senior Manager GQA Level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management (Construction)-see pathways for endorsements
Level 3 Installer (Insulation and Building Treatments) GQA Level 3 Diploma in Insulation and Building Treatments-see pathways for endorsements
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who we are

GQA Qualifications Limited is an Awarding Body for specialist sectors and occupational roles. Our current qualifications cover 17 sectors including the Glass and Fenestration Industries, Construction, Print, Automotive Glazing, Polymers, Nuclear, Chimney Occupations, Paper, Meteorology and Print.

Our aim is to work only with industries that we have access to knowledge within GQA…

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