What this card covers
This is a UK card scheme built on nationally recognised qualifications. It is issued against an assessed occupational standard and a valid health and safety test, and it is the card a site will ask for first.
Coverage
- Country or region
- United Kingdom
- Industry
- Construction
- Card type
- Trade card
- Registry sector
- Access & scaffolding
Accepted on UK construction and infrastructure sites that operate a carded-access policy.
Who it applies to
- Operatives, supervisors and managers working on UK construction sites.
- Anyone whose site access depends on holding a recognised occupational card.
- Employers who must show a carded, competent workforce at audit.
Eligibility and evidence
- A completed or ongoing nationally recognised qualification for the occupation claimed.
- A current health, safety and environment test taken within the last two years.
- Employer confirmation of the role and, for supervisory levels, evidence of experience.
- Photographic identity and the right to work in the country of issue.
Acceptance caveats
- A card proves competence, not authorisation for a specific task on a specific day.
- Some clients require a higher grade than the minimum the scheme allows.
- A card in a temporary or trainee category is often refused for unsupervised work.
Related requirements
Renewal
Typically renewed every five years, with the safety test retaken before renewal.
- Card validity
- 60 months
- Start renewal
- 90 days before expiry
Complete the two-day CISRS renewal course within the last six months of the card and pass the HS&E test.
How VARENTO records it
VARENTO stores this card as a dated competence on the worker profile, with its evidence document, verification status and expiry. Core cards drive the compliance score; every other scheme is recorded as an additional competence.