Thu, 03 April, 2025
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a certification scheme owned by unions and employer organisations representing the breadth of the construction industry. TWI Certification Ltd (TWI Cert) are licensed to issue CSCS logoed cards by CSCS Ltd, to CSWIP Certificate holders who wish to work on construction sites in the UK.
The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) was licensed to issue CSCS logoed cards in the Engineering Inspection and Welding sectors, but have recently chosen to withdraw from the CSCS Alliance. However, measures have been put in place to ensure that SAFed card holders are not prevented from carrying out their work. Sites are advised to continue accepting CSCS-logoed SAFed cards until 30th September 2025, as long as they are valid and within the original expiry date. During this time, SAFed cardholders, or their employers, must replace their cards via the relevant channel, dependent on their occupation. (For cards expiring before 30th September 2025, you will need to transfer to another CSCS Alliance Scheme for your renewal).
TWI Cert can assist those card holders who have been affected who hold the following certifications:
Welding Inspectors
- If the individual has a valid CSWIP Welding Inspector certification and a CSCS card, i.e., they have passed the CITB or TWI Cert Health and Safety test, they can apply directly to get a CSCS card issued by TWI Certification Ltd (TWI Cert).
- If the individual has a valid CSWIP Welding Inspector certification but no CSCS card, i.e., they have not passed the CITB or TWI Cert Healthy and Safety test, they must pass this and then apply to TWI Cert for their CSCS card.
Welders
- If the individual has a valid CSWIP certification and a CSCS card, i.e., they have passed the CITB or TWI Cert Health and Safety test, they can apply directly to get a CSCS card issued by TWI Certification Ltd (TWI Cert).
- If the individual has a valid CSWIP certification but no CSCS card, i.e., they have not passed the CITB or TWI Cert Health and Safety test, they must pass this and then apply to TWI Cert for their CSCS card.
- Those who are coded welders, e.g., they hold a Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) issued by TWI Cert or another (UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17024) Recognised Third Party Organisation (RTPO), must undertake a job knowledge test and either the CITB or TWI Cert Health and Safety test (as mentioned above) if they don’t already have one or a CSCS card.
For those individuals who do not have a valid CSWIP certification, they must attain one before a card can be issued.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to help SAFed card holders during this time of transition. We understand that this may be a challenging time but will endeavour to answer any questions and provide assistance wherever possible. More information about TWI Cert and its CSCS partnership can be found on our dedicated webpage: https://www.twicertification.com/certifications/construction-skills-certification-scheme