CPD FAQs

All good employers will strive to keep their employees up to date with the relevant information through additional training, tool box talks etc, however this is not the case in all instances.

Some scaffolders may not have received any additional training or information since initially obtaining their scaffolder card, which could have been many years ago and possibly through Industry accreditation/Grandfather rights.

CISRS would find it very difficult to verify exactly what additional training had been received by individual scaffolders in the previous 5 years of holding their cards. Other issues would include what the qualifications were held by the person who delivered the additional training, what was the method of delivery, where it was delivered etc.

In order to ensure that all CISRS card holders receive the correct information, regardless of whether they work for a responsible employer or otherwise, it is essential that they all attend the 2-day course with an approved training provider prior to renewing their card.

Scaffolding is often viewed as a high risk occupation, when carried out properly this is not the case. However, we need to ensure that the operatives have the correct and up to date information and knowledge that will continue to allow them to work safely.

“HSE Inspectors sometimes come across scaffolders on site who are not up to date on current accepted practices with respect to safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. This is an issue that is easily resolved through CPD and HSE welcomes the introduction of this into the CISRS scheme. This brings the scheme into line with many other construction trades and it will have a very positive effect, particularly for those who may not have received any formal training in many years. It should help employers demonstrate that their operatives have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.”

Ray Cooke
Head of Construction Sector Safety Unit, Health & Safety Executive

CPD has been on the agenda for a long time, when it was agreed to incorporate it into the scheme, we decided that a long lead in time was required to ensure that industry was ready for its introduction. Whatever date was chosen to introduce a new requirement, there would always be those who fall either side of the deadline. We were aware that 2016 was going to be a large card renewal year. Around 8000 operatives due to renew their cards this year. In 2017 this figure will drop to around 4000, with the introduction of CPD in July 2017, approximately half of these operatives will miss the CPD programme this time round. CPD had to start sometime and it was agreed with a one year lead in time, it would be July 2017.

CPD and additional training on top of trade competence is already in operation across a wide range of sectors, i.e Plant Operators, Electricians, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steeplejacks, Lightening Engineers, with some of these trades required to undertake a minimum of 30 hrs CPD on an annual basis (150 hours over 5 years). CISRS CPD will require 14 hours on a 5 yearly cycle. CPD/Refresher Training is already in existence for some CISRS card renewals, i.e Labourer, Inspection and Supervisor cards.

It was apparent when considering the proposed content, that this could not be covered in 1 day.
Other than ensuring that all individuals were up to speed with the latest relevant industry guidance (TG20, SG4 etc.) at the time of card renewal, the working party looked to include as much value added training as possible.

Scaffold inspection modules are now included in Pt1, Pt 2, and Advanced Courses, we have included a scaffold inspection module within CPD training. This will also allow those who qualified several years ago to have their cards endorsed accordingly, Scaffolder cards will be endorsed with Basic Inspection and Advanced cards with Advanced Inspection.

Alloy Tower Modules are now also included in Pt1, Pt 2, and Advanced Courses, we have also included an Alloy Tower module within CPD training. This will allow those who qualified several years ago to gain the Alloy Tower endorsement on their card.

CISRS does not set prices for courses delivered by their providers, the market will set the price. However, prices are expected to be in line with current rates for short duration courses (SSPTS/SITS) ranging from around £250 – £350 excl. VAT (these are estimated prices you will need to contact the centre directly). These may vary due to location and centre status, as some centres have charitable status and do not charge VAT.

No, a health and safety element will be included in the 2 Day CPD Course which (if passed) will negate the need for the CITB HS&E Test. Revision Booklets for the CPD Health, Safety & Behavioural Test will be available from CISRS Training Centres upon booking.

No, all delegates who attend the CPD course will have completed the refresher training required to renew their card. They can however fail the Inspection and Alloy Tower modules, which will result in these endorsements not being added to the renewed card. They can also fail the Health, Safety & Environment Test which will mean that they have to submit evidence of a CITB HS&E Test passed within 2 years, or an accepted exemption to have a card issued. No re-takes of any tests will be permitted.

CISRS Training Centres have all been required to sign up to a “Cards Without Application” system, which means that CPD delegates will not need to submit applications for card renewals. It should be noted however, that if a delegate fails the CISRS Health, Safety & Behavioural Test, they will need to submit separate evidence of a CITB HS&E Test (or recognised exemption) to have their renewed card issued.

All renewed CISRS cards will be endorsed with Scaffolder Refresher CPD to show the card holder has received this training. If the delegate passes the additional Inspection and/or Alloy Tower modules, these endorsements will also be added.

CPD courses can only be delivered by CISRS Registered Instructors at CISRS Accredited Training Centres. Centres with Part 2 approval can deliver the Scaffolder CPD course and centres with Advanced approval can deliver both the Scaffolder and Advanced CPD courses. To ensure that the correct facilities, training structures, equipment etc. are used, CPD courses cannot be delivered in-house or on-site.

The scheme rules allow for CPD courses to be run over weekends. If there is sufficient demand, centres may introduce weekend courses.

Yes Scaffolders and Advanced Scaffolders may be booked onto the same CPD course. They will however be separated for the card specific Inspection Module.

CISRS is a not for profit organisation. CISRS’ main source of income comes from cards, it receives no income from course fees. If the strategy of CISRS was to simply make money from card sales, it would look to make cards easy to obtain e.g. reduce training & assessment requirements and increase the cost of cards. The CISRS card has remained at £26.50 for the last six years, this increased from £23.50 which had remained at that level for ten years, making the cost of a CISRS card lower than almost all other industry recognised cards. Our aim is to continue to improve the CISRS Scheme and to maintain it’s current high standing amongst industry. CISRS’ view is that Scaffolders are tradesmen and as such need to follow the lead of other trades that already require Refresher/CPD Training.

All levy payers will be able to apply for CITB grant funding
Via website https://www.citb.co.uk/grant/