The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) will be increasing the cost of a card to £36 (this includes VAT) with effect from 1st September 2018. This increase applies to all cards administered directly by CSCS.

CSCS is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry. A CSCS card provides proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out.

The last price increase occurred in 2010 but since then costs associated with running the scheme have increased significantly.

Graham Wren, CSCS Chief Executive said:

We have managed to maintain the current card price for the last eight years however inflationary pressure, together with increased costs associated with combatting fraudulent activity, have pushed our costs up to the point where the current price is not sustainable. In addition, with our current contact centre provider CITB having served notice to exit the service contract the CSCS Board have agreed to invest in new technology and systems to ensure the application process is modernised. Modernising the application process is a key priority for the CSCS Board and the additional investment will ensure the card continues to add value and play its part in improving standards and safety on UK construction sites

CSCS are announcing the price rise in July to ensure the industry has sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments before September.

CSCS is a not-for-profit organisation owned by three employer and two union organisations representing the breadth of the construction industry.  CSCS’s seven non-executive Directors are nominated from the owner organisations and also represented on the Board are two independent non-executive Directors nominated by the Construction Industry Council and the Construction Clients Group.

Should you require further information on CSCS’s decision to introduce a price rise please visit the website here.