RICS recognised by CSCS

RICS is pleased to announce that members can now use their RICS memberships to apply for Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.

Many in construction are familiar with CSCS cards, which provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site.

In most cases applicants are required to achieve a recognised construction related qualification (usually an NVQ or SVQ) as well as pass the Construction Industry Training Board’s health, safety and environment test within the last 2 years.

In addition to this, CSCS also offer cards for members of certain recognised Professional Bodies. In such instances, applicants for CSCS cards can use their Professional Body membership to prove their competence, rather than the achievement of an N/SVQ or other equivalent qualifications.

CSCS and RICS have worked closely to carry out a detailed mapping exercise of RICS membership criteria. As a result, the following CSCS cards can now be offered to those at the following level of RICS membership:

Gary Strong FRICS, Global Building Standards Director at RICS commented: “This will be a great benefit for all our members who work on construction sites in the UK, simplifying the process to apply for a CSCS card and helping to ensure high levels of standards and safety in the industry.”

Alan O’Neile, Head of Communications at CSCS said: “This is another great example of the industry working together to improve standards and safety on UK construction sites. The RICS have been maintaining professional standards in chartered surveying for over 150 years and it is their commitment to continual professional development that really ties in with the objectives of the PQP card.”

The PQP card is valid for five years and all applicants must pass the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test.

When applying for this card, Associate RICS members will need to provide a letter from the RICS confirming how they gained their membership to ensure that they are applying for the correct card. Student and Chartered RICS members must provide proof of their current RICS membership.

MORE INFORMATION ON APPLYING FOR CSCS CARDS >