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Declanmorgan1982  
#1 Posted : 05 April 2015 23:01:43(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Declanmorgan1982

I understand maybe this forum is not the most ideal place for this question but finding it hard to get proper information on this subject, so hoping somebody here might be able to help. Offer a job in UK and they said I need to have cscs card, is construction manager position so im assuming they want Black CSCS Card. Don’t have any NVQ’s but have a degree in construction management obtained in Ireland. So I got to apply to Naric to translate my my degree into the uk equivalent. I sent a mail via cscs site but reply was just different sections of their site copied and pasted really. I also found a page on their site titled Overseas Qualifications it broadly says Once you have received your confirmation letter from UKNARIC you then need to send the following to CSCS: 1. UK NARIC certificate and letter 2. CV detailing your full work history 3. Copy of your original qualification (preferably translated) 4. Job description of work you currently carry out on site 5. State the one specific occupation you do on site which you require a CSCS card So my questions are 1.There is no mention of having to complete the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test. Do you think I don’t have to do it, was expecting to. 2.I have no clue of nvq’s so what’s the chances of my degree been equal or greater than NVQ’s level 4 or 5. I know the CIOB recognise the degree course I did so would be hoping it would be seen as equal to a degree obtained in uk. And therefore I am guessing a uk degree is greater than NVQ 4 or 5. Is this true and if my degree was translated say to 1 level below a uk degree would this still be greater than NVQ 4. Also on NARIC stuff if I get the degree course I done translated can I give a copy of that to other people who undertook the same course?
wood1e  
#2 Posted : 06 April 2015 08:38:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
wood1e

Declan, Have you got or could you get MCIOB? Then you could use your proffesional membership to apply for a managers card. You would definately need to do the managers / PQP test either way.. Also if you are in Southern Ireland can you not do safe pass as a construction manager and then apply to cscs and they will issue you a card. Hope that helps a bit.
Declanmorgan1982  
#3 Posted : 06 April 2015 23:50:12(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Declanmorgan1982

Thank Wood1e Could get MCIOB, intend to over the next year, my understanding of the process is it will take a few months to complete. Yes honestly can’t imagine I wouldn’t have to do CITB MAP, just asked on the slim chance. Yes I do have a Safe Pass, but as far I understand that only entitles exemption from taking the CITB Health, safety & environment test which I am guessing gets the most basic cscs card. I never seen a company asking for a specific colour cscs card, so in theory could a site manager have the most basic cscs card and work as a site manager.
fiesta  
#4 Posted : 08 April 2015 17:02:09(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
fiesta

Hi Declan, Just a thought. Could you not apply for the "Academically Qualified Persons" card. I know you'll have all the same issue with Irish / English qualifications. My understanding is that a UK Degree is normally viewed as a Level 6 qualification, so if Irish degrees are the same you should be O.K. Good Luck. I'm the safety manager for a construction Co. with a Nebosh Diploma (level 6) and I had to jump through hoops to get my card. I even had to send my cert off to be verified as there was a minor discrepancy between the wording on my certification and the wording they expected to see. Grrr - No know has ever asked to see my cscs card in the last 10 years. Andy
bob youel  
#5 Posted : 09 April 2015 08:04:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

worked in all types of construction [channel tunnel etc. to house bashing] since the 60's and never had a card!! And initially the ideas behind the cards etc. were good ones but the cards have become an academic only exercise in my view and are worthless and its down to the client requirements anyway Only yesterday I was standing at a public crossing point with some of my grandchildren waiting to cross a bus lane widening road job on the East Lancs Road nr Manchester when the foreman slated the guys [he swore and was smoking as well where the public were close by] who were standing there waiting to to start work because they asked for proper PPE [I over heard the conversation] yet he would not let them start without their cards!!! This is yet another good example of just what the cards are worth
ashleywillson  
#6 Posted : 09 April 2015 08:22:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
ashleywillson

Declanmorgan1982 wrote:
I never seen a company asking for a specific colour cscs card, so in theory could a site manager have the most basic cscs card and work as a site manager.
Yes! The CSCS scheme is not compulsory and most contractors sites I have been on just ask for it to tick a box. I have my H&S quals, but still have my green construction site operative card, I have been asked to produce it once and this was, again, just to tick a box!! I really think the entire scheme needs a massive overhaul and needs to become compulsory before it really carries any weight. On top of that, it is horrendously expensive for what it is.... I think my views on it are pretty clear....
jarsmith83  
#7 Posted : 09 April 2015 20:48:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jarsmith83

I have been through this with a Polish worker my company. Send your quals to Naric, they will tell you what level within the UK National Qualification Framework your quals are the equivalent to. Then have a look at the card you are applying for and if your degree is level 4 or above you should be fine.
jarsmith83  
#8 Posted : 09 April 2015 20:49:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jarsmith83

Forgot to add - you will be applying for academic route. The only addition might be membership of professional body, but I cannot answer that part.
Lawlee45239  
#9 Posted : 15 April 2015 12:23:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Lawlee45239

Declanmorgan1982 wrote:
I understand maybe this forum is not the most ideal place for this question but finding it hard to get proper information on this subject, so hoping somebody here might be able to help. Offer a job in UK and they said I need to have cscs card, is construction manager position so im assuming they want Black CSCS Card. Don’t have any NVQ’s but have a degree in construction management obtained in Ireland. So I got to apply to Naric to translate my my degree into the uk equivalent. I sent a mail via cscs site but reply was just different sections of their site copied and pasted really. I also found a page on their site titled Overseas Qualifications it broadly says Once you have received your confirmation letter from UKNARIC you then need to send the following to CSCS: 1. UK NARIC certificate and letter 2. CV detailing your full work history 3. Copy of your original qualification (preferably translated) 4. Job description of work you currently carry out on site 5. State the one specific occupation you do on site which you require a CSCS card So my questions are 1.There is no mention of having to complete the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test. Do you think I don’t have to do it, was expecting to. 2.I have no clue of nvq’s so what’s the chances of my degree been equal or greater than NVQ’s level 4 or 5. I know the CIOB recognise the degree course I did so would be hoping it would be seen as equal to a degree obtained in uk. And therefore I am guessing a uk degree is greater than NVQ 4 or 5. Is this true and if my degree was translated say to 1 level below a uk degree would this still be greater than NVQ 4. Also on NARIC stuff if I get the degree course I done translated can I give a copy of that to other people who undertook the same course?
You Irish Degree should be the same as an NVQ Level 6, an NVQ is a national vocational qualification, and I think the Level 6 is the same a diploma, therefore you should be ok. Check out this link http://www.cscs.uk.com/c...ically-qualified-person/ I think this will be the best route for you, and you can get a Construction Management Card on that.
JohnW  
#10 Posted : 15 April 2015 14:32:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

A couple of years ago I sat the CITB H&S Test for Managers and Professionals to gain a Black CSCS Card, because I'm not a builder but a safety adviser who gets offered work for building site inspections etc. I scored 100% but when I submitted to CSCS they would only give a CSCS Red Trainee card because I am only TechIOSH with NEBOSH Gen Cert, a science degree and 10 years H&S experience. So along with my Red Card I also carry the CITB Pass 'certificate' to show that I passed the management test. P.S. since 2013 no builder has ever asked me for my CSCS credentials :o)
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