How To Get A Blue CSCS Card Without NVQ?
Table of contents
Introduction
What is a Blue CSCS card?
Can I Get A Blue CSCS Card Without An NVQ?
How To Get A Blue CSCS Card Without NVQ / SVQ? Three Other Routes
- A City & Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate
- A Trailblazer Apprenticeship with CSCS Approval
- EWPA route or OSAT route
Attempt A CITB HS&E Test
How To Apply For A Blue CSCS Card Without An NVQ?
FAQs
Final Words
Introduction
Are you a skilled worker in the construction industry trying to get a blue CSCS card, but don’t have an NVQ? Fret not! Luckily, you have other options available and you can still obtain a blue CSCS card without an NVQ.
In this blog post, we’re going to check out different routes and alternative qualifications to obtain a blue CSCS card without an NVQ. Along with that, we will also discuss how to apply for a blue CSCS card, and much more.
Let’s get started!
What is a Blue CSCS Card?
As you know there are several types of CSCS cards, the blue card is one of the most popular cards. Like other CSCS cards, it also requires certain qualifications such as NVQ or SVQ level 2, which are the most popular ones. There’s a common misconception that you can get a blue CSCS card only if you have an NVQ. However, that’s not true! You may go through different qualification routes to obtain your blue CSCS card which we will discuss later in this blog.
A Blue CSCS card is suitable for you if you’re a skilled and experienced worker or performing a specialized role such as bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry.
Obtaining a CSCS blue card can have several benefits for your construction career. It offers you better career opportunities, a high salary, and an understanding of the health & safety standards.
Can I Get A Blue CSCS Card Without An NVQ?
Yes, you can get a blue CSCS card without an NVQ. It’s due to the recent updation by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in the requirements for accepting apprenticeships by CSCS.
In the past, there were a number of apprenticeships that eliminated the requirement to obtain NVQ/SVQ. But these apprenticeships were not accepted by CSCS. That’s the reason there’s still confusion that the only way to obtain a blue CSCS card is to get an NVQ,
Fortunately, with the new updation, now CSCS accepts apprenticeships that are nationally recognized in all 4 UK nations even if they don’t include an NVQ. Once you complete a relevant apprenticeship, you become eligible for a Blue CSCS card.
How To Get A Blue CSCS Card Without NVQ / SVQ? Three Other Routes
Typically, the most common way to get a blue CSCS card without an NVQ is to apply for a CSCS red card. However, there are also some other routes you can choose from. Below are the three other ways of obtaining a blue CSCS card. Let’s check out.
- A City & Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate
- A Trailblazer Apprenticeship with CSCS Approval
- Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route or the On-Site Assessment (OSAT) route
A City & Guilds of London Institute Craft Certificate
Here we’re going to discuss the first route which is to get higher-level qualifications from City & Guilds. Depending on your job role, you can obtain a qualification from this institute ranging from Management, Engineering Technology, Building Services Engineering, and Professional Engineering. Moreover, this institute also offers degrees of apprenticeships for different job levels.
After completing the qualification from City & Guilds, you become eligible to obtain a CSCS Blue card.
A Trailblazer Apprenticeship With CSCS Approval
The second route to get a blue CSCS card without an NVQ is the Trailblazer Apprenticeship, which is a designed standard for a relevant job role in the construction sector.
Basically, the Trailblazer is a group that develops occupational standards that are important to support the T levels and technical qualifications.
If you have a qualified Trailblazer Apprenticeship which is approved by CSCS, it means you have a recognized skill and a dedication to safe and healthy work practices. And that’s the reason, your employers consider you as a good resource in the construction industry. Therefore, you have higher chances of employment with better remuneration. And above all, it helps you obtain a blue CSCS card.
On-Site Assessment (OSAT) route and Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route
EWPA is the third route to obtain a Blue CSCS Card without an NVQ. EWPA is an off-site assessment that offers a fast-track route as compared to OSAT.
If you have a practical knowledge of your trading then you don’t require any training; all you have to do is to take an EWPA route. The assessment continues for 1 or 2 days during which the examiner follows all this procedure.
Whereas OSAT is the on-site most common route for a worker who needs some individual training. If you want to get a CSCS card through this route you need to appear in 4 to 6 visits over the course duration of 3 to 6 months. Another requirement for this route is to present a portfolio of evidence. And for that, an examiner and a learner work together. A portfolio of evidence shows that a worker has gained trade skills and has the required level of competency to be eligible for a blue CSCS card.
If you want to obtain a Blue Card without NVQs, you can choose any of these two assessment routes.
Attempt A CITB HS&E Test
After completing any of your selected routes, you must schedule and pass a CITB test to apply for a Blue CSCS Card. The CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test is a multiple-choice test that evaluates your understanding of health and safety at the site.
The duration of a CITB test is 45 minutes and it costs you £22.50. To attempt the test, you need to appear at UK’s authorized test centres. The passing criterion for this test is to correctly answer 45 out of 50 questions.
How To Apply For A Blue CSCS Card Without An NVQ?
As you have learned different routes and the requirement to pass the CITB HS&E test to obtain a blue CSCS card without an NVQ, the next step is to apply for a Blue CSCS Card.
Apply for your card over the phone or online
If you want to book a card over the phone, call 0344 994 4499. Alternatively, you can apply online. You can also learn how to apply for a CSCS card in detail.
There are different cards fee according to the type of card. Some cards cost you ﾣ36 and others cost you ﾣ60.
To apply for the card, you must provide the required documents and a passport-style photo. Once you successfully submit your application, you will get your Blue CSCS card in 15 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When applying for the Blue CSCS card without an NVQ, are there any tests or assessments required?
If you want to apply for a Blue CSCS Card with or without NVQ, you must pass a CITB Test. CITB Test is a mandatory step to get a Blue CSCS Card.
Is my blue CSCS card valid worldwide?
A blue CSCS card cannot be used outside of the UK. You might need to obtain a different card or certificate that is recognized by the local authorities and employers if you want to work in other countries.
How do I locate a training facility for the alternative qualification?
You can search online to find institutes that provide training for alternative qualifications. Look for the reviews other learners have given on particular courses. Also, it’s always the best practice to consult with your friends and colleagues.
What is the easiest way to get a blue CSCS card?
The easiest way to obtain a blue CSCS card is by completing the relevant NVQ or SVQ Level 2 qualification in your trade or occupation. After that, you must pass a CITB HS&E exam and then apply for the CSCS blue card.
How do I get a blue CPCS card without an NVQ?
Identifying the category of plant machinery is the first step before applying for a Blue CPCS Card. The second step is to enrol yourself on a CPCS-accredited training programme. When you pass both the theoretical and practical parts of the assessment, apply for your Blue CPCS Card.
Can I apply for a CSCS card without qualifications?
Yes, you can apply for a CSCS card without formal qualifications. For instance, you can obtain a blue CSCS card without NVQ qualifications but you must choose one of the alternative ways such as a Trailblazer Apprenticeship. Passing the CITB test is also required for this card.
Final Words
There’s a widespread misconception that you can get a blue CSCS card only if you earn a Level 2 NVQ. In this blog, we’ve addressed this misunderstanding whether you get a Blue CSCS Card without an NVQs or not, and if yes then what are the different steps and routes you have to follow.
While the traditional NVQ route remains the most recognized and straightforward method, exploring options such as apprenticeships and on-the-job experience can offer great alternatives for you if you’re seeking a blue CSCS card.
By pursuing these alternative routes and demonstrating a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism, you can successfully obtain a blue CSCS card.
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