CSCS have just announced GQA’s new-look CSCS card design

CSCS have just announced GQA’s new-look CSCS card design – read all about it HERE

From 2 June 2025, the design of GQA’s Q-card will change to more closely resemble a CSCS card, with industry encouraged to accept all CSCS-logoed cards at site gates provided they are valid and in-date.

The CSCS logo and card design is a trusted hallmark for industry, ensuring individuals have the appropriate training and qualifications for the role they do on site.

Sites are also advised that GQA Q-cards with both designs will be in circulation for several years until the older cards are renewed. Whether they show the previous or updated design, all should be accepted as usual, provided they are confirmed as valid and in-date by CSCS Smart Check.

All cards, including the GQA Q-card, carrying the CSCS logo meet the standards set out in the Construction Leadership Council recommendations, which also support the use of CSCS Smart Check when verifying individuals’ training and qualification records.

Shaun McAllister, GQA Qualifications Chief Executive, said: ‘GQA’s Q-card will now align much more closely with the look and feel of a CSCS card. The improved design consistency is aimed at limiting instances where valid GQA Q-cards are rejected.’

Alan O’Neile, CSCS Director of Communications, said: ‘The CSCS logo serves as an industry standard for the verification of training and qualifications and any card carrying it should be accepted at site gates provided it has been verified by CSCS Smart Check and is the right card for the holder’s role.’

Visual checks are not enough to ensure a card’s legitimacy or help protect the industry from fraudulent or fake cards, with CSCS Smart Check having been developed by the CSCS Alliance to check all 2.2 million cards from across the 38 schemes.

CSCS Smart Check can be used via CSCSSmartCheck.co.uk or downloaded as an app through Google Play or the App Store.