Are CSCS Cards Being Scrapped?

No, CSCS cards are not being completely scrapped; however, some significant changes have been made.

As of 2024, Industry Accreditation (IA) cards - sometimes referred to as grandfather rights cards - are no longer valid in the UK construction industry. While new IA cards are no longer issued and cannot be renewed, many existing holders will need to make the transition to a different CSCS card that is backed by professional qualifications. 

Here at Contractwise, we’re experts in all areas of the construction industry. In addition to protecting contractors and subcontractors with CIS compliance services, we also have a thorough understanding of CSCS cards, and in this article, we’ll look at the question of ‘are CSCS cards being phased out?’ 

Read on for more information… 

Are CSCS cards being scrapped?

To clarify, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, commonly known as CSCS, is not shutting down. The vast majority of the cards remain unchanged, but what is ending is the Industry Accreditation (IA) route, which previously allowed some workers to obtain a CSCS card without a formal qualification.

A decision by the Construction Industry Council meant that all IA cards expired in 2024, and a clear shift has occurred. Every card must now be linked to a nationally recognised qualification or membership of a professional body.

What were Industrial Accreditation cards?

Industry Accreditation cards were introduced alongside the other CSCS cards in 1995. Rather than being based on official qualifications, these cards relied on employer recommendations and evidence of industry experience. Sometimes, these cards were also referred to as ‘grandfather rights’ since they allowed long-serving workers who had been in the industry for many years to get a CSCS card rather than having to retrain.

These cards date back many years, and for many workers, they provided a practical way to hold a CSCS card, especially before construction and trades-based qualifications became widespread. However, now, the IA route no longer aligns with the Construction Leadership Council’s ambition to have a fully qualified workforce. This led to the decision to phase out IA cards. In fact, new IA cards stopped being issued in 2010, before renewals were stopped in 2024.    

What are grandfather rights?

Grandfather rights is another term that is used to describe IA cards. It is the informal way many people refer to them in the industry. Essentially, they used to allow workers to get a CSCS card based on their industry experience and employer recommendations without having to get a formal qualification. Over time, this method has become less compatible with modern safety and regulatory expectations.

While this route was shut down in 2010, people were still able to renew their existing cards under this method. However, as of 2025, this has now changed. Everyone applying for or renewing a CSCS card must have a relevant and recognised qualification (like an NVQ) or be a member of a professional body.

How to transition and maintain your CSCS card

If you currently hold an IA card, you cannot renew it. These cards are no longer valid, so your only option is to transition to a different CSCS card.

Here’s how you can make that transition:

Check your current situation

First, think carefully about exactly what your role is on a site. There are different cards for different roles (labourer, supervisor, manager etc). You may already hold a relevant qualification like an NVQ or SVQ, which will speed up the process.

Choose the qualification route

If you do need a qualification, there are a few options you can choose from:

• An NVQ or SVQ
• An apprenticeship
• Other academic qualifications, like degrees that are recognised by CSCS

Meet additional requirements

You will probably need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test if you haven’t already. These tests are only valid for two years, so in most cases need to be redone during a renewal.

Apply for a new CSCS card

When you have completed your qualification, you can then apply for the correct CSCS card for your role.

Consider funding

Since these changes, more funding has been made available to help people transition and gain the necessary qualifications, so explore these options to see if you’re eligible. 

Without transitioning to a new CSCS card, you will not hold a valid card of any kind. This means you will likely not be permitted to work on many construction sites. 
 

Changes to labourer and trainee cards

As well as the removal of IA cards, CSCS has also made some big changes to labour and trainee cards. At the start of 2025, the following changes were made:

• Labourer cards: The validity of the initial card has been reduced from five years to two years. To renew for a full five years, the labourer will need to prove they are employed as a labourer.
• Trainee cards: This is now available to individuals who already have an occupation-related non-competence qualification.

These changes are designed to encourage new entrants to go through a proper training pathway to get their cards rather than holding them indefinitely. 

Does everyone on a construction site need qualifications?

Yes, from now on, all workers who require a CSCS card must have some qualifications. The days of simply relying on experiences or employer recommendations are now over. IA cards are no longer valid, so it’s important to get your qualifications as soon as possible.  

How to apply for a new CSCS card

To apply for a new CSCS, follow these steps:

• Determine your role
• Check your qualifications
• Book and pass the CITB HS&E test
• Complete qualifications
• Gather all your supporting documents
• Apply via CSCS - this can be done online or via the app
• Pay for your card - a CSCS card costs £36
• Receive your card - your physical card will be delivered within three to five days or instantly on the app.

At Contractwise, we’re here to protect construction workers from damaging HMRC reclassifications with a range of services, including payroll audits. For more information, get in touch with our team today.