Knowledge is power within any professional field. However, certain industries need to take safety as well as hands-on training into account. The construction sector is a perfect example in this sense. It is therefore a good idea to quickly examine a handful of the most important certifications that may be required in order to adhere to current regulations within the industry.
There are several qualifications that you need to have to work on a construction site. We take a look at the top 7 qualifications and certificates needed in the construction industry.
1. CSCS Card certification
Most employers will require that a construction worker has a CSCS card.
Almost every construction job where you work on a site requires a CSCS card.
2. CPCS
The CPCS scheme shows that you have the skills to operate relevant machinery. It also shows that you have a health and safety awareness of the machinery you are operating.
Most plant operators require a CPCS card, including:
- 360 Excavator Operator
- Telehandler Operator
- Tower Crane Operator
- Telescopic Forklift Driver
- Hoist Operative
- Groundworker
- Dumper Driver
For the red card you need to:
- Carry out training that can be given by a trainer
- Pass CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test
- Pass CPCS Theory Test
- Pass CPCS Practical Test
For the blue card you need to:
- Do an SVQ or NVQ in the category you are applying for
- Pass CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test
- Pass CPCS Theory Test
- Pass CPCS Practical Test
3. SMSTS
The SMSTS certificate shows that you have knowledge of health and safety practices, CDM regulations, risk assessment, and other construction practices.
Main jobs requiring SMSTS are:
- Site Manager
- Project Manager
- Site Supervisor
4. First Aid At Work
The main job titles where this is required are:
- Site Manager
- Site Engineer
- Project Manager
5. Asbestos Awareness
Anyone who works in an environment where asbestos is present is legally required to have asbestos training
Any job where you will be working on a building built before the year 2000.
Examples of these occupations are:
- General maintenance workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Joiners
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Roofers
- Shop fitters
- Gas fitters
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Demolition workers
- Telecommunication engineers
- Fire/burglar alarm installers
- Computer and data installers
- Architects
- Building surveyors
6. SSSTS
The SSSTS course is will help you in understanding health and safety, what is expected of a supervisor, and teach construction best practices.
Most jobs where you have supervisory responsibilities, such as:
- Team leader
- Foreman
- Ganger
- Site supervisor
7. ECS
The ECS card shows that you meet a health & safety standard in the electro-technical industry.
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