Welcome to the SKILLcard CRO phasedown area, a dedicated resource to explain all things CRO related. This area will continue to be updated with further information throughout the phasedown process.
Work has commenced by SKILLcard to close the CRO application route and identify paths for those affected occupations to be signposted to an agreed industry qualification for that occupation. In cases where occupations are deemed non-construction related, the current SKILLcard route will be withdrawn.
We would like to reassure all CRO cardholders that their current card remains valid until the expiry date shown on the card.
What is the current status of CRO cards?
CRO Card Type | Current Status |
Ductwork Cleaning Specialist, Kitchen Grease Extract Operative, Ventilation Hygiene Specialist |
Withdrawn Find out more about the new SKILLcard route for Grease Hygiene operatives/Supervisor/Technician. |
Medical Equipment Installer |
Withdrawn Operatives should approach the Life Science Credentialing Register for further details about the Accredited Registers programme. |
Fire Sprinkler Installer |
Withdrawn Find out more about the new SKILLcard route for Fire Sprinkler Installers. |
Engineering Installation & Maintenance Engineer |
Withdrawn Find out more information and details of the new SKILLcard routes. |
Compressed Air Installer, Compressed Air Maintainer, Compressed Air Commissioning Engineer, Lubricant/Compressed Air Pipework Installer |
Withdrawn Find out more information and details of the new SKILLcard routes. |
Air Handling Equipment Service and Installation Specialist Air Handling Unit/HVAC Plant Movement Specialist BMS/Building Controls Engineer Building Air Integrity Sealing/Testing Specialist Building Water Treatment Service Provider Cold-room Installer Convection Heating & Radiant Panel Installer Domestic Air Leakage Tester/Consultant Dust Extraction Systems Installer Fire Extinguisher Engineer Fridge/Freezer Fitter Fume Cupboard Installer Heat Recovery Systems Specialist Hot Tapping/Line Stopping Specialist Humidification Engineer HVAC Equipment Manufacturers Support Staff Industrial Boiler Erector Kitchen Fire Suppression System Installation Specialist Medical Gas Services Installer Engineer Pipe Freezing Specialist Plastics Fabrication Specialist Service Engineer - Vibration Analysis/Fan Balancing Smoke and Natural Ventilation Installer Specialist Refrigeration Unit Installation Personnel Steam and Industrial Fluid Equipment Service Engineer Swimming Pool Equipment Installation and Service Personnel Underfloor Heating Installer (Dry System) Underfloor Heating Installer (Wet System) Ventilation System Installer- Fire/Smoke Ventilation Systems Installer- Louvre and Smoke Ventilation System Installer - Odour Control |
Withdrawn.
Find out more information and details of the new SKILLcard routes. |
Why is SKILLcard closing its CRO Route?
SKILLcard is a partner card scheme of CSCS and is authorised to carry the CSCS logo. SKILLcard is committed, alongside all CSCS partner card schemes, to deliver to the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) 2025 vision. As a result, card schemes carrying the CSCS logo including SKILLcard, must only certify those occupations with nationally recognised construction related qualifications, i.e. NVQs or approved equivalents.
Will I still need a SKILLcard?
For individuals working predominately on construction sites undertaking a recognised construction occupation a SKILLcard is required. The minimum standard for skilled occupations is a relevant NVQ Level 2 qualification plus a separate health and safety element. Cards will no longer be required in respect of non-construction occupations.
With this in mind, it is now necessary for SKILLcard to begin the closure of CRO cards to satisfy the elements of the CSCS and CLC requirements for all partner card schemes: to agree appropriate qualifications for each occupation and set a minimum standard for skilled occupations at NVQ Level 2 by 2020.
What if my occupation has been withdrawn and deemed non-construction related but site managers are still asking for a card?
SKILLcards are intended for construction related occupations only. If your occupation is not listed on Find the Right card or covered by a Partner Card Scheme, then your occupation may not be considered to be construction related.
Due to the wide range of skills required on construction projects, there are times when a worker arrives on site to perform a non-construction related activity, for example catering staff, cleaners, delivery drivers etc. These individuals are not construction workers and SKILLcard does not issue cards for these kinds of occupations. It is the responsibility of site managers to induct and escort non-construction related personnel to ensure they remain safe at all times when on site.
If you do not work in a construction related occupation on a construction site then you do not need a SKILLcard card.
The decision not to issue CSCS cards for non-construction related occupations is fully supported by the CLC announcement that not everyone needs a card to gain access to site, and that cards should only be issued to those working in a construction related occupation.
Should your entry to site be refused by a contractor because you do not hold a SKILLcard card, please direct them to this webpage.
SKILLcard will be in contact with all CRO cardholders to explain the pathways available to them throughout the phasedown process, allowing sufficient time to take action.
In the meantime, if you would like further information about the phasedown we are here to help, so please contact our team on skillcard.info@theBESA.com.