* Those qualified to one route who want to add on either the General or VRS route at a later date. As you are skilled installer prior learning is taken into account and only the units specific to the occupation you are adding will need to be achieved.
VRS ONLY VRS fence system training required
FISS / CSCS
The Fencing Industry Skills Scheme (FISS) is supported by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme Ltd (CSCS) as required by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) under the Industrial Strategy
Fencing organisations are responsible for the installation of different types of fences, gates and barriers, across a broad cross-section of different environments from domestic and agricultural, through to commercial, industrial, high security and infrastructure (e.g. highways, rail and utilities) and so have their own card scheme – Fencing Industry Skills Card (FISS) supported by qualifications and health and safety training at different levels dependent on your role.
The Fencing Industry Skills Scheme (FISS) is supported by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme Ltd (CSCS) as required by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) under the Industrial Strategy: Construction 2025 as contracted with CSCS.
New Cards and Renewals
- Renewals For existing Card Holders
- Green Card Labourer / VRS Labourer / Assisting a Blue Card Installer
- Red Card Trainee – Anyone currently not holding a card
- Blue Card Skilled Installer – Anyone installing a fence
- Gold Card Supervisory Level – Anyone supervising installations
- Black Card Management Level – Installation & company managers
Supporting Information
FISS/CSCS Card Renewals
You need the following to renew
- Health & Safety Qualification
- CITB Health & Safety Test Pass
- Existing FISS/CSCS database record
- Attend appropriate refresher training
Free Card Checkers
Check a FISS/CSCS issued by Lantra click here or CITB click here.
Read the Smart Card App
In order to read a smart card, you will need to use a card reader, mobile phone or tablet device with the ‘Go Smart’ software installed. Download the free app from the following link here.
Green Card
General & VRS Labourer
This card is for Labourers employed in General Fencing, (including Environmental Noise Barriers), Site Work and the option to be a VRS Labourer* supervised by a competent and qualified Skilled Fencing Blue card holder.
What will your chip chip read?
Labourer/General Fencing Labourer/VRS Labourer*
* Only if VRS Training Course completed (which can be added on to the chip at a later date without having to change your card)
To get this card you need to:
Achieve the Lantra Awards Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (QCF) 601/1222/0
See accepted equivalent qualifications here and the Lantra Level 1 Award here
Pass the CITB Operative Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test
To book your CITB Operative Touch Screen Test click here
* VRS Labourer
Successfully complete the NHSS 10B VRS Foundation Course and test (within two years prior to initial application). This is optional for those who also work in VRS gangs.
For details click here
When you have completed your Level 1 Award, Touch Screen Test download the FISS CSCS application form here
VRS Labourers may also need to provide evidence of NHSS 10B VRS Foundation course certificate
Initial applications must include:
1. A letter confirming that the applicant has passed the CITB Operative Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years of initial application)
2. VRS Route ONLY NHSS 10B Foundation Course – certificate of training (within two years of initial application)
3. Copy of certificate for Lantra Awards Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (QCF) 601/1222/0, or equivalents
4. One good quality passport size photo with a light background fixed in the box in Section A of the form further information here
5. The application fee of £30 inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
To renew this card you need to:
1. Pass the Operative (CITB) Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years prior to renewal)
2. VRS Route ONLY – Successfully complete the NHSS 10B VRS Foundation Course and test (within two years prior to renewal)
3. Health and Safety – NOTE: If not achieved prior to renewing the card, the applicant must successfully complete Lantra Awards Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (QCF) 601/1222/0 or an equivalent
OR
Where the appropriate Level 1 Qualification is already held and is achieved more than 2 years prior to application, the applicant must successfully complete the Lantra Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness: Fencing training course [AHAS003] (within two years prior to renewal) or equivalent
Red Card
Trainee Fence Installer/Supervisor/Manager – General Fencing and/or VRS
This card is available if you are a trainee and are registered for a qualification that leads to a skilled FISS/CSCS card. On completion of your qualification, you are expected to move onto the appropriate skilled FISSS/CSCS card for your fencing occupation.
What will your card chip read?
Fencing Installer Trainee (General) and/or Fencing Installer Trainee (VRS) or Fencing Supervisor Trainee or Fencing Manager Trainee
To get this card you need to:
Successfully complete a Health and Safety qualification appropriate to the level of card you wish to receive (within two years prior to application)
“Touch Screen” Test appropriate to the level of card you wish to receive (within two years prior to application)
Proof of Registration and be working towards a qualification appropriate to the level of card you wish to achieve.
Training and/or qualifications required for working towards:
Blue Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
Gold Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
Black Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
IMPORTANT NOTE: The red card allows you to word towards completion of training and/or qualifications whilst working your blue, gold or black card. If you hold an existing FISS/CSCS card you will need to maintain it whilst working toward your next level and do not apply for the red card.
Initial applications must include:
- Letter confirming that the applicant has passed the CITB Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test appropriate to the level of card you are working towards (within two years of initial application)
2. Proof of registration to appropriate qualification approved by the FISS/CSCS Committee
3. Copy of certificate for Lantra Awards Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness: Fencing Course or equivalent.
4. One good quality passport size photo with a light background fixed in the box in Section A of the form – further information here
5. The application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Whilst it is not a mandatory requirement other than registration to the Diploma to initially to get the Red Card, where appropriate you must commit to achieving the qualification/training applicable to the level of card you are working towards.
Remember!
Your card expires after 5 years. All elements of the card route must be completed before expiry
Blue Card
Skilled Installer – General VRS
This card is for skilled installers employed in General, (including Environmental Noise Barriers) and/or VRS Installation. It allows the holder to install General and/or VRS whilst working as part of a General, and/or VRS installation gang.
What will your card chip read?
L2 Fencing Installer – General Fencing and/or VRS Fencing
To get this card you need to:
Lantra L2 Diploma in Work Based Fencing – Choose either the General Fencing Pathway or the VRS Pathway or BOTH Pathways*
For details click here
VRS Route ONLY
Successfully complete the Lantra NHSS 10B VRS Foundation and VRS Installer Courses and tests
Foundation course details here Installer course details here
Successfully complete the Lantra Awards Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness: Fencing course AHAS003.
For details click here
Or hold an accepted equivalent**
Pass the Operative CITB Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test
To book your CITB Touch Screen Test click here
VRS Route ONLY
Have current and valid training for each VRS system type you wish to install (for systems you are not qualified to install, you can assist someone who is qualified).
Contact the Training Provider who offers the VRS System Training
** Equivalents can be found in the BuildUK Training Standard here
Initial applications must include:
- Letter confirming that the applicant has passed the CITB Operative Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years of initial application)
2. Copy of certificate for Lantra Awards Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Fencing Gen and/or VRS
3. Copy of certificate for the Lantra Awards Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness: Fencing course AHAS003 (within two years of initial application) or equivalent**.
4. VRS Only Copies of the NHSS 10B VRS Foundation and VRS Installer Course certificates (within two years prior to initial application)
5. VRS Only Copies of current and valid training certificates for each proprietary system type you install
6. One good quality passport size photo with a light background fixed in the box in Section A of the form further information here
7. The application fee of £30 inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
To renew this card you need to:
Pass the CITB Operative Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within 2 years prior to renewal)
Pass the Lantra Awards Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness: Fencing course AHAS 003 or equivalent* (within 2 years prior to renewal)
VRS Only Pass the VRS NHSS 10B Installer Course and test (within 2 years prior to renewal) and refresher training for each proprietary system type you install – system renewal dates will vary
Gold Card
Supervisor – General & VRS
This card is for a contract supervisor who is responsible for the overall supervision of the General Fencing, (including Environmental Noise Barriers) and/or VRS installation and not the definitive Installation (i.e. not installer or nominated person). The supervisor could be responsible for several contracts and is not necessarily always on site.
Important Note 1: The Gold Card does not permit installation activities (including appointment as a nominated person) unless the requirements for the Blue skills card are also met and maintained.
Important Note 2: The Gold Card does not permit managerial activities.
Important Note 3: Where appropriate applicants who also meet the Blue FISS/CSCS skills card requirements can have these added to their Gold Supervisors card so you only carry ONE Card
What will your card chip read?
L3 in Fencing – General Fencing and/or VRS Fencing
To get this card you need to:
Successfully complete the Lantra Awards Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Fencing (QCF) 600/6640/4
For details click here
Successfully complete the Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) (within two years prior to initial application) For details click here
Or hold an accepted equivalent*
Pass the CITB Specialist supervisory (SUP) Health, Safety and Environment Test (within two years prior to application)
To book your CITB Touch Screen Test click here
VRS Route ONLY
Have current and valid training for each VRS system type you wish to Supervisor
Contact the Training Provider who offers the VRS System Training
When you have completed your Level 3 Diploma, the SSSTS, the Touch Screen Test and (VRS ONLY) the relevant proprietary system training you may apply.
*Equivalents can be found in the BuildUK Training Standard here
Initial applications must include:
- Letter confirming that the applicant has passed the CITB Supervisor Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years of initial application)
2. Copy of certificate for Lantra Awards Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Fencing
3. Copy of certificate for SSSTS or equivalent*
4. VRS ONLY Copies of current and valid training certificates for each proprietary system type they supervise
5. One good quality passport size photo with a light background fixed in the box in Section A of the form further information here
To renew this card you need to:
Pass the CITB Supervisor Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years prior to renewal)
Successfully complete the SSSTS Test (within two years prior to renewal) or equivalent*
VRS ONLY refresher training for each system type you supervise – system renewal dates will vary
Blck Card
Fencing Manager
This card is for a contract manager/manager who is responsible for the management of the General Fencing, (including Environmental Noise Barriers) and VRS installation and not the supervision or the definitive Installation (i.e. not installer or nominated person).
Important Note 1: The Black Card does not permit installation activities (including appointment as a nominated person) unless the requirements for the Blue skills card are also met and maintained.
Important Note 2: The Black Card does not permit supervision activities.
Important Note 3: Where appropriate applicants who also meet the Blue and/or Gold FISS/CSCS skills card requirements they can have these added to their Black Managers card so you only carry ONE Card
What will your card chip read?
L5 in Leadership & Management – General and/or VRS Fencing or equivalent**
To get this card you need to:
Successfully complete the Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management or equivalent*
For details click here
Successfully complete the Site Managers Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or equivalent** (within two years prior to initial application)
For details click here
Pass the CITB Managers Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years prior to application)
To book your CITB Touch Screen Test click here
RECOMMENDATION ONLY where you manage VRS
Attend training for each VRS system type of Fence you manage (no need to take the test). Contact the Training Provider who offers the VRS System Training
* If you have an equivalent management NVQ/Diploma qualification (e.g. the Cskills Awards L6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management) please present these for consideration by the FISS/CSCS Committee. Those with HND, Degree or professional qualifications please enquire about the AQP or PQP cards which are equivalent to the Black Card.
** Equivalents can be found in the BuildUK Training Standard here There are two levels of Health & Safety training for Black Card in the BuildUK Training Standard – Manager and Director Levels.
When you have completed your Level 5 Diploma or equivalent*, the SMSTS or equivalent**, the Touch Screen Test download application form here
* If you have an equivalent management NVQ/Diploma qualification (e.g. the Cskills Awards L6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management) please present these for consideration by the FISS/CSCS Committee. Those with HND, Degree or professional qualifications please enquire about the AQP or PQP cards which are equivalent to the Black Card.
** Equivalents can be found in the BuildUK Training Standard here There are two levels of Health & Safety training for Black Card in the BuildUK Training Standard – Manager and Director Levels.
Initial applications must include:
- Letter confirming that the applicant has passed the CITB Managers Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years of initial application)
2. Copy of certificate for Lantra Awards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management or equivalent*
3. Copy of certificate for SMSTS or equivalent**
4. One good quality passport size photo with a light background fixed in the box in Section A of the form – further information here
5. The application fee of £30 inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
To renew this card you need to:
Pass the CITB Manager Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test (within two years prior to renewal)
Successfully complete the SMSTS Test (within two years prior to renewal) or equivalent**
Renewals
Renewal routes for all existing card holders
A Red Card – Experienced Workers – see here
A Green Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
A Blue Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
A Gold Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
A Black Card either General and/or VRS Route see here
What will your card chip read?
Your Occupational Title on the card/chip of the card will be either Fencing Installer (General) and/or Fencing Installer (VRS) or Fencing Supervisor or Fencing Manager
To get this card you need to:
Successfully complete a Health and Safety qualification appropriate to the level of card you wish to receive (within two years prior to application).
Pass the CITB Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test appropriate to the level of card you wish to receive (within two years prior to application).
If you hold a qualification already, the FISS/CSCS database has a record.
Hold a card via Industry Accreditation (IA)? See important note below.
If you hold a qualification already, the FISS/CSCS database has a record.
Hold a card via Industry Accreditation (IA)? See important note below.
Cards last five years. Renewals must be six months prior or six months after your expiry date.
If you are having trouble meeting this deadline call AFI or Lantra who will advise you of your options.
Renewal applications must include:
- Letter confirming that the applicant has passed the CITB Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test appropriate to the level of card you are working towards (within two years of initial application)
2. Proof of registration to appropriate qualification approved by the FISS/CSCS Committee
3. Copy of certificate for Lantra Awards Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness: Fencing Course
4. One good quality passport size photo with a light background fixed in the box in Section A of the form – further information here
5. VRS Route only – maintain refresher training in accordance with the level of card you hold
6. The application fee of £30 inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing)
Important Note: Industry Accreditation (IA) – make sure you renew as per below or you could risk losing your card.
Remember!
Cards last five years. Renewals must be six months prior or six months after your expiry date.
If you are having trouble meeting this deadline call AFI or Lantra who will advise you of your options.
About FISS / CSCS
FISS/CSCS provides:
- a framework for skills development and progression through a structured card scheme
- access to FISS/CSCS cards that incorporates national fencing qualifications and health and safety training and assessment
- assurance to employers that labourers, installers, supervisors and managers have achieved a recognised qualification
The scheme is underpinned by Sector Schemes 2A, 2B, 2C and 5B (Note: 2B & 5B merged and became 10B).
The scheme aims to:>
- keep a record of workers in the fencing industry who have achieved a recognised level of competence
- raise health and safety standards thus reduce risks and accidents throughout the industry
- encourage fencing, construction, and all other related industries and their customers to use skilled workers
- provide certification for UK workers that could be accepted throughout Europe through agreements with other European national schemes to mutually recognise qualifications
- promote and include as appropriate National Highways Sector Schemes
- ensure that workers have access to a recognised card scheme to be able to access employment
- review and continually improve the skills and competencies of personnel employed in the fencing industry
The scheme provides the following benefits to individuals:
- recognition of skills, competence and qualifications
- improved health and safety awareness
- improved employment prospects
A range of cards are available in relation to occupational categories. Scheme membership is confirmed through the issue of a competence card. Additionally, the scheme provides assurance to employers that labourers, installers, supervisors and managers are health and safety trained and qualified.
Who manages/oversees the scheme?
The scheme is managed by Lantra and complies with the governments new Construction Leadership Council strategy 2025 to provide a common, recognisable logo (CSCS) on all skills registration cards. A committee regulates the administration of the scheme. The committee comprises stakeholders from the industry and currently includes representation from the following:
- Lantra
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
- Association of Fencing Industries (AFI)
- Highways England
Administration of the scheme
Lantra administers the FISS/CSCS scheme on behalf of the fencing industry.
Applicants send evidence of achievement to Lantra who check that the application is complete. Once validated Lantra will process the application so that a Smartcard can be produced and sent to the applicant.
The charge for each application is £30 inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing) and this fee is for the actual application. Fees will be banked at the start of the application process. Applicants will be contacted if the application is incomplete and requested to provide all supporting evidence within 90 days. Any supporting evidence submitted after 90 days will be subject to an additional application fee of £30 inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
What is CSCS role in FISS/CSCS?
CSCS is represented on the FISS/CSCS management committee to ensure consistency for the fencing industry.
CSCS ensure that fencing enquiries are directed to Lantra.
CSCS administers the CITB Health Safety and Environment “Touch Screen” Test.
FAQ
No you will get one card with both pathways on the cards.
No your Gold card will have the Blue Skills added to your gold card.
No your Black Card will have either your Blue or Gold Skills on the Black Card. Where you hold both Blue and Gold Skills both will be on your Black Card.
Applications received will be managed by the Lantra administration team. Any errors identified in the application paperwork will result in the paperwork being returned and the applicant will have 90 days in which to rectify the error(s) and return the paperwork to Lantra.
Note: The card application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing) is non-refundable. This will be banked by Lantra at the start of the card application process at which time the 90 days will commence.
Cards must be renewed before the expiry date.
There is a six-month period of grace after the FISS/CSCS card has expired for the holder to renew it. After this time the cardholder ceases to meet the FISS/CSCS requirements of the scheme.
Applications received within the time-frame noted above will be processed. Any errors identified in the application paperwork will result in the paperwork being returned and the applicant will have 90 days in which to rectify the error(s) and return the paperwork to Lantra.
The card application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing) is non-refundable. This will be banked by Lantra at the start of the card renewal process at which time the 90 days will commence.
Under exceptional circumstances an appeal may be made. All appeals should be made in writing directly to the Chair of the FISS/CSCS committee at Lantra. See appeals section below.
To apply for a FISS/CSCS card, the training/qualification requirements detailed as above.
The application form will be checked and processed by Lantra. If the application has not been completed correctly, or additional information is required, the application form will be returned with a request for further information. The applicant will have 90 days in which to remedy the error, after which a further fee will be required.
The card remains the property of Lantra. The card is issued to and should be kept by the named cardholder. Lantra, in liaison with the FISS/CSCS Committee, reserves the right to withdraw a card.
If there is a dispute, under exceptional circumstances, the matter should be provided in writing to Lantra. Disputes that Lantra cannot resolve will be referred to the FISS/CSCS Committee, whose decision shall be final.
Mandatory documents for appeals:
- An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) i.e. a full work history and details of qualifications you may have achieved
- Testimonial from your current and/or previous employer. If you are self-employed and do not have a previous employer, please include a testimonial from a person/company that has contracted or sub-contracted work to you
- Card history
- A copy of relevant Health & Safety training
- A copy of your CITB Constructions Skills Health, Safety & Environmental test pass confirmation letter
- A detailed letter, with supporting evidence where relevant, explaining the circumstances that prevented you from applying for renewal at the time of expiry of your previous card
- A cheque for £50 plus VAT (current fee at the time of writing) to process the appeal (non-refundable) – see additional notes below
If your Appeal is upheld, you will need to send in your application form with all supporting paperwork and a card application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Lost cards can be replaced. Apply in writing or email to Lantra to order a replacement card. Applications are priced at £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Email to sector.schemes@lantra.co.uk with the following information:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- National Insurance Number
- FISS/CSCS Registration Number (if available)
All FISS/CSCS applications are priced at £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Lantra retain achievement records for the purposes of producing cards and certificates.
If anyone is presented with what they suspect to be a fraudulent FISS/CSCS card, they should contact Lantra at sector.schemes@lantra.co.uk
Use a card reader, mobile phone or tablet device with the ‘Go Smart’ software installed. Download the app from the following link: https://download.cscsreader.co.uk/
FAQ
No you will get one card with both pathways on the cards.
No your Gold card will have the Blue Skills added to your gold card.
No your Black Card will have either your Blue or Gold Skills on the Black Card. Where you hold both Blue and Gold Skills both will be on your Black Card.
Applications received will be managed by the Lantra administration team. Any errors identified in the application paperwork will result in the paperwork being returned and the applicant will have 90 days in which to rectify the error(s) and return the paperwork to Lantra.
Note: The card application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing) is non-refundable. This will be banked by Lantra at the start of the card application process at which time the 90 days will commence.
Cards must be renewed before the expiry date.
There is a six-month period of grace after the FISS/CSCS card has expired for the holder to renew it. After this time the cardholder ceases to meet the FISS/CSCS requirements of the scheme.
Applications received within the time-frame noted above will be processed. Any errors identified in the application paperwork will result in the paperwork being returned and the applicant will have 90 days in which to rectify the error(s) and return the paperwork to Lantra.
The card application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing) is non-refundable. This will be banked by Lantra at the start of the card renewal process at which time the 90 days will commence.
Under exceptional circumstances an appeal may be made. All appeals should be made in writing directly to the Chair of the FISS/CSCS committee at Lantra. See appeals section below.
To apply for a FISS/CSCS card, the training/qualification requirements detailed as above.
The application form will be checked and processed by Lantra. If the application has not been completed correctly, or additional information is required, the application form will be returned with a request for further information. The applicant will have 90 days in which to remedy the error, after which a further fee will be required.
The card remains the property of Lantra. The card is issued to and should be kept by the named cardholder. Lantra, in liaison with the FISS/CSCS Committee, reserves the right to withdraw a card.
If there is a dispute, under exceptional circumstances, the matter should be provided in writing to Lantra. Disputes that Lantra cannot resolve will be referred to the FISS/CSCS Committee, whose decision shall be final.
Mandatory documents for appeals:
- An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) i.e. a full work history and details of qualifications you may have achieved
- Testimonial from your current and/or previous employer. If you are self-employed and do not have a previous employer, please include a testimonial from a person/company that has contracted or sub-contracted work to you
- Card history
- A copy of relevant Health & Safety training
- A copy of your CITB Constructions Skills Health, Safety & Environmental test pass confirmation letter
- A detailed letter, with supporting evidence where relevant, explaining the circumstances that prevented you from applying for renewal at the time of expiry of your previous card
- A cheque for £50 plus VAT (current fee at the time of writing) to process the appeal (non-refundable) – see additional notes below
If your Appeal is upheld, you will need to send in your application form with all supporting paperwork and a card application fee of £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Lost cards can be replaced. Apply in writing or email to Lantra to order a replacement card. Applications are priced at £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Email to sector.schemes@lantra.co.uk with the following information:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- National Insurance Number
- FISS/CSCS Registration Number (if available)
All FISS/CSCS applications are priced at £30 Inc. VAT (current fee at the time of writing).
Lantra retain achievement records for the purposes of producing cards and certificates.
If anyone is presented with what they suspect to be a fraudulent FISS/CSCS card, they should contact Lantra at sector.schemes@lantra.co.uk
Use a card reader, mobile phone or tablet device with the ‘Go Smart’ software installed. Download the app from the following link: https://download.cscsreader.co.uk/
Health & Safety
With an increasing demand for construction projects, it is essential that the fencing industry knows what skills are required and when and where they will be needed. A comprehensive training and qualifications structure capable of delivering the necessary skills together with an integrated relationship between the education system and employers is critical.
The FISS/CSCS committee recommends that the fencing industry works to the Build UK training standard. This will ensure that the outcome of construction training and qualifications delivered by or on behalf of the industry meets the needs of employers and that sufficient employment and apprenticeship opportunities are available to maintain a skilled and professional workforce.
Build UK’s Training Standard ensures those working on site have the correct card for their construction occupation. It also includes Partner Card Scheme Information, Additional Training Cards that can be used alongside the CSCS card and equivalent Health and Safety Training Requirements for each level of card.
To access the training standard please use the following link: https://builduk.org/members/contractor-members/ and download the training standard which is pinned to the page (by using the live link provided this will ensure you are always working to the latest version).
Important Note 1:
Site Safety Supervisors Training Scheme (SSSTS) will be accepted for a Blue Card for those who may be appointed as a Nominated Person by the Organisation to oversee the installation of the fence.
Important Note 2:
Please ensure when selecting equivalent courses from the training standard it is either 2 Lantra health and safety courses or the generic health and safety courses, not the specialist courses i.e. asbestos.
Important Note 3:
The list of equivalents for the Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Standard on the Build UK site is a list for both Green Card (level 1) and Blue Card (level 2), however in terms of FISS CSCS It should not be confused that the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is an equivalent for Blue Cards.
Green Card Only
Alternative qualifications accepted in place of the Lantra Awards Qualification Level 1 in Health, Safety and Environmental in a Construction Environment 601/1222/0, at initial registration only can be found on the CSCS website https://www.cscs.uk.com/hsce/
Your form will be returned to you if your health and safety does not comply with these rules.
Industry Accreditation
Whilst Industry Accreditation (IA) is no longer available to new applicants there are card holders who obtained their cards using this route (Grandfather Rights). This FAQ page provides information for those who are current holders of FISS/CSCS cards obtained under IA.Card holders without an NVQ were able to obtain their initial card by only doing the H&S Training and the CITB Touch Screen Test appropriate to their level of card. Note: IA was only ever initially available for the Blue, Gold and Black Cards.
It was in recognition of the experience that workers may have had. It was only open for a very limited period of time, two years at the start of the Scheme. After the two years IA was closed and to get the card you would also need to achieve a qualification for your occupation. Note: IA was available for all occupations across the Construction and Landbased Sectors.
The Construction Leadership Council has specified that all cards bearing the CSCS logo should be based on the achievement of a recognized industry qualification – more information can be found here
Whilst IA may acknowledge extremely experienced people it doesn’t define those who are competent and those that are not competent.
IA is due to close at the end of 2020. After 2020 you will be allowed to renew your card one more time up until 30th June 2024.
All cards will have the same expiry date of 31st December 2024.
Don’t let your card lapse! Check your expiry date and renew* in the six months prior to the expiry date.
* Renew by doing the H&S Training and the CITB Touch Screen Test appropriate to your level of card.
If you don’t renew within the renewal period and let your card lapse you will be unable to renew it and will be expected to apply for a card using the appropriate qualification in addition to H&S Training and CITB Touch Screen Test.
Completion of an appropriate qualification dependent on your level of card.
Note: It will be for ALL occupations within Construction and Landbased sectors whether a Fencer, Bricklayer, Carpenter etc.
If you are having trouble renewing prior to the expiry date there are other options. Contact the AFI and we can assist you so that your card doesn’t lapse.