CSCS Academic qualifications transferred to SKILLcard

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is notifying the industry that all Building Engineering Services qualifications currently accepted for the Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card are being transferred to the SKILLcard scheme.

SKILLcard is managed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and is the card issuing scheme for the mechanical sector of the building engineering services industry. It is used by heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration operatives to provide proof of qualifications, skills and experience.

SKILLcard recently launched their own AQP card to enable graduate engineers and those holding further education qualifications such as HNDs and HNCs to provide evidence of their qualifications which is needed to be allowed on site. SKILLcard’s AQP card includes the same health, safety and environment test requirements as the CSCS AQP card.

Following discussions between CSCS and BESA, it is agreed that BESA is better placed to represent the Building Engineering Services sector and the following qualifications should be transferred to SKILLcard:

• BTEC Higher Certificate in Building Services Engineering
• BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering)
• BTEC Level 6 Diploma in Construction (Building Services Engineering)
• Building Engineering and Materials Degree
• Integrated Engineering Degree
• Manufacturing Engineering and Management Degree
• Mechanical and Computer Aided Engineering Degree
• Mechanical Engineering Degree
• Building Services Engineering Degrees
• Engineering Mechanical Degree
• Engineering Mechatronics Degree
• Engineering Science Degree

From 29th March 2021, CSCS AQP card applications (both for first time and renewals) for the above qualifications should be made directly through SKILLcard.

CSCS Scheme Manager Angeleen Hill said “The Building Engineering Services sector is best placed to determine what qualifications are appropriate for the sector. CSCS fully supports SKILLcard taking responsibility for the carding of these qualifications. This is positive news for the sector and the people who work in it.”

As part of the card renewal process CSCS will be reminding card holders of the steps to be taken to move across to the SKILLcard scheme.

More information on SKILLcard’s AQP card can be found here or by calling 01768 860406.