The UK’s international qualifications agency UK NARIC and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have announced additional measures relating to the assessment of overseas qualifications.

From 01 December 2017, overseas construction workers wishing to work in the UK will have the technical content of their overseas qualification mapped against the relevant UK National Occupational Standard for that occupation.

What this means for overseas applicants applying for CSCS cards

Currently, applicants with qualifications from outside the UK are required to apply to UK NARIC for an evaluation and verification of their overseas qualifications. Once approved, applicants are issued with a Statement of Comparability for Construction Skills. This statement is required by CSCS before a card can be issued.

From 01 December 2017, applicants to UK NARIC will continue to have their qualifications evaluated and verified. However, in addition, the technical content of the qualification will be mapped against the relevant UK National Occupational Standard.

The mapping must then be verified by CITB (acting as the Standard Setting Body) before the qualification can be accepted as an approved alternative.

Once the qualification is approved, UK NARIC will issue the applicant with a Statement of Comparability for Construction Skills which will include a skills mapping chart.

In cases where the overseas qualification is not considered to be comparable to the appropriate UK National Occupational Standard, applicants will be directed to seek appropriate training and/or assessment to address the gaps highlighted in mapping.

Applicants whose overseas qualifications pass the enhanced assessment process should email the following to customerservice@cscs.co.uk

• UK NARIC Statement of Comparability for Construction Skills with skills mapping chart
• Primary Source Verification Report (issued by UK NARIC / DataFlow Group)
• Copy of your original qualification (preferably translated)
• Fully completed CSCS application form.

Once this information is received, CSCS will review and confirm if the qualification is suitable for a CSCS card.

Please note: CSCS will continue to accept the UK NARIC Statement of Comparability for Construction Skills without skills mapping until 31 December 2017. However, CSCS will have the final decision on the suitability of these statements, which will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

CSCS Scheme Manager Angeleen Hill said: “The mapping of overseas qualifications against the appropriate UK National Occupational Standard is to be welcomed. We now have assessments in place for overseas qualifications that are similar to those for UK-based card applications. By certifying that overseas construction workers have the correct training and qualifications, UK NARIC, CITB and CSCS are improving standards and safety in UK construction.”

Further information from UK NARIC can be viewed here.