I am writing to you to let you know about some important developments regarding the Building Air Integrity Sealing/Testing Specialist CRO SKILLcard which you hold. Please let me start by assuring you that your existing card is still valid until the expiry date displayed on the front of the card.
Why is SKILLcard closing these CRO Cards?
CRO cards are being phased out over a period of time in order to deliver the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) 2025 vision and Industrial Construction Strategy. As a result, card schemes carrying the CSCS logo, including SKILLcard, must only certify those occupations with nationally recognised construction related qualifications, i.e. minimum level 2 NVQs/SVQs or approved equivalents.
Closure Timetable
SKILLcard will no longer be accepting new applications for this card from the 31stJanuary 2021.
Renewal applications continue to be open until 30th June 2021, following which they will no longer be accepted.
All existing CRO cards are still valid until the expiration date on the card.
Alternative Card Routes
Officially, Air Tightness Testers do not need to have a CSCS card to access construction sites. This has been confirmed by the Construction Leadership Council, however, many site managers are still not facilitating testers on to site without on.
Those of you that would still prefer to carry a card and who do not have a specific background trade should apply via SKILLcard to be a Construction Site Visitor. The application route is the same with the CITB H&S test required to be completed.
Those with a specific trade, or who have a site based NVQ can continue to apply for a card with their skillset. You will still be required to have an up to date H&S test and demonstrate evidence of your qualifications.
You can read more about the CRO closure and see the details of the alternative routes on the dedicated CRO Closure page on the SKILLcard website.
Need more guidance?
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the SKILLcard team.
Email: skillcard.info@theBESA.com
Tel: 01768 860406
