CSCS Changes For Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) Cards

What's changing with PQP cards?

From the 30th of June 2023, PQP cards will only be available to applicants that are a part of one of the approved professional bodies. There is a list available to the public of all 63 CSCS-approved professional bodies to check whether you are on the approved list.

If you are a part of an approved body on the above list, you can continue to apply for your PQP card through your organisation. The changes that are coming into place will only affect those who are not a part of the approved bodies on the list.

CSCS Announcement

On the 9th June 2023, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) announced requirement changes for those who wish to apply for Professionally Qualified Person cards (also known as PQP cards). This decision has come after a recent review of the recognition of professional bodies across the construction industry.

Can I Apply for a PQP Card if I’m Not Fully Qualified?

If you are not fully professionally qualified, then you can apply for your required card directly through the CSCS website. Depending on your experience and qualification, you should then be able to apply for one of the following: 

• Apprentice Card

• Trainee Card

• Academically Qualified Person (AQP) Card

 You will need to show that you are an approved CSCS worker in order to become a Professionally Qualified Person, which can be done through qualifying for a CSCS Card.  

Why Have the Requirements Been Changed?

The CSCS have stated that the review was necessary to stay in line with Construction Leadership Council (CLC) requirements. These specific requirements ensure that the PQP card should never fall into under-qualified hands, as this would pose the risk of safety and harm to other employees and peers.

Another reason for the changes is to limit the amount of fraudulent activity surrounding CSCS card applications. These changes have been made in the hope that it will make the application process easier - and safer - for everyone involved. After all, if you're hiring someone for a job, you want to make sure they really are the Professionally Qualified Person they claim to be! 

CSCS will be conducting an audit of all 63 professional bodies in July 2023 to ensure that they are compliant with the proposed changes. 

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