I note in BSj 10/04 that you state that there have been difficulties in getting professional qualifications recognised for the issue of Skillcards by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and its partner organisations.

I am currently in the process of applying for the same and would like to point out that if a Skillcard is applied for at the Platinum level (professional and management) up to the end of October 2005 it is only necessary to have two referees of equal standing and/or higher – regardless of the professional qualification of the applicant at all (if he or she has one at all). It is, however, still necessary to undertake and pass the CSCS health and safety test. The CSCS safety test for this level of card is virtually as irrelevant as the suggestion that qualified professionals don’t know what they are doing or have no common sense. Since it is aimed primarily at the construction workforce, I can assure your readership that it is worth the time and effort and that no-one should have anything to worry about (besides, if you fail the first time you simply redo it again on the spot till you get it right!).

My other suggestion is that readers undertaking a pre-tender list of contractors for consultants/architects/etc avoid using the Major Contractors Group and any other companies that insist on using this scheme and, hey presto, problem solved! 

Bernard Glossop IEng ACIBSE MSLL

Source

Building Sustainable Design