CISRS Is Leaving CSCS in 2027: What Scaffolders and Site Workers Need to Know
CISRS has announced plans to leave the CSCS scheme in 2027.
The announcement was made on 8 September 2026 and affects scaffolders, scaffolding employers, site managers and anyone responsible for checking construction cards.
The change does not mean that existing CISRS cards immediately stop working.
CISRS has confirmed that current cards will remain valid until their normal expiry dates. However, new and renewed cards issued from June 2027 are expected to have a revised design without the CSCS logo.
This guide explains what is changing, what is staying the same and what scaffolders and construction employers should do now.
Important: This article reflects the information available on 10 September 2026. Always check the latest guidance from CISRS, the relevant principal contractor and the site access team before starting work.
THE KEY DATES
The current transition plan includes four important points:
- 8 September 2026: CISRS announces its plan to end its CSCS licence agreement.
- 1 January 2027: The scheme is expected to use the name Competence in Scaffolding Record Scheme, while retaining the CISRS initials.
- 1 June 2027: New and renewed CISRS cards are expected to be issued without the CSCS logo.
- After June 2027: Existing CISRS cards carrying the CSCS logo remain usable until their expiry date.
The existing CISRS qualifications, training programmes and assessment routes are expected to continue.
WHY IS CISRS LEAVING CSCS?
CISRS says the change will allow scaffolders to use one competence card across a wider range of industries.
Scaffolders may work in:
- Construction
- Utilities
- Marine
- Aviation
- Petrochemical and industrial environments
CISRS states that the same scaffolding skills and competence standards apply across these sectors. Its position is that workers should not need separate cards simply because they are working outside a traditional construction setting.
The change follows CSCS licensing arrangements introduced in March 2024, which placed greater limits on the use of cards issued under the CSCS licence.
CISRS believes leaving the scheme will reduce duplication and allow the specialist scaffolding card to operate across more industries.
DO EXISTING CISRS CARDS REMAIN VALID?
Yes, according to the CISRS announcement.
Existing CISRS cards that carry the CSCS logo are expected to remain valid until their normal expiry date.
Cardholders do not need to replace a valid card immediately because of the announcement.
CISRS has also stated that current cards will remain valid at the same sites as before during the transition.
If you already hold a CISRS card:
- Check the expiry date.
- Continue using the card as normal while it remains valid.
- Keep your training and assessment records available.
- Confirm any project-specific requirements with your employer or site manager.
- Renew through the normal CISRS process when required.
When a valid card expires after the transition, the replacement card is expected to use the updated CISRS design without the CSCS logo.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NEW ENTRANTS?
New entrants should not assume that a standard green CSCS Labourer card qualifies them to work as a scaffolder.
A green Labourer card is for unskilled labouring duties only.
It is not proof of scaffolding competence.
If you want to work as a scaffolder, you need to follow the correct scaffolding training and competence route. This may include CISRS training, practical assessment, industry experience and the relevant health and safety requirements.
The exact route depends on:
- Your current experience
- The type of scaffolding work
- Your intended role
- The required CISRS card category
- The requirements of the employer or site
Before booking training, check the current requirements directly with CISRS or an approved training provider.
Do not pay for a card or course that does not match the work you intend to carry out.
WHERE DOES CISRS FIT WITHIN THE CSCS SYSTEM?
CSCS provides cards for different construction occupations, qualifications and experience levels.
CSCS states that it issues thirteen different card types. The colour of a card is often used as a quick indication of the holder’s role or level.
Green CSCS Labourer card
The green Labourer card is for unskilled workers carrying out general labouring duties.
Typical tasks may include:
- Moving materials
- Supporting tradespeople
- General site preparation
- Basic site cleaning
- Manual work under instruction
The card is not for skilled trades.
CSCS states that applicants normally need:
- The appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment test
- A recognised Level 1 health and safety qualification or approved alternative
The first Labourer card is valid for two years. Further renewal rules apply, including evidence that the holder is still working in a labouring role.
Read the current CSCS Labourer card requirements before applying.
Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card
The blue Skilled Worker card is for a recognised skilled occupation.
It normally requires a relevant construction qualification, such as an NVQ or SVQ, or an approved apprenticeship route.
A blue card may be suitable for qualified workers in recognised trades. However, it does not automatically replace a specialist scaffolding competence card.
Scaffolders should check whether their role requires CISRS certification, a CSCS occupation-specific card or both.
Gold, black and white cards
Other CSCS categories include:
- Gold cards for advanced craft and supervisory routes
- Black cards for managers
- White cards for academically or professionally qualified people
- Red cards for certain trainee, provisional or experienced worker routes
The correct card depends on the job, qualification and level of responsibility.
Use the official CSCS card finder to identify the correct route.
WHAT IS THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT TEST?
The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test checks knowledge of construction health and safety, environmental awareness and relevant site responsibilities.
Different card applications may require different test levels, including:
- Operatives
- Specialists
- Managers and Professionals
The required test depends on the card route.
Passing a health and safety test does not by itself prove that someone is competent to carry out skilled scaffolding work.
It is one part of a wider competence and card application process.
Good health and safety training remains important throughout a construction career. Workers must understand site rules, personal protective equipment, working at height, manual handling, emergency procedures and hazard controls.
WHAT SHOULD SITE MANAGERS DO?
The transition may create questions for site managers because future CISRS cards will not carry the CSCS logo.
Site managers should prepare before June 2027.
Recommended actions:
- Review current card-checking procedures.
- Record which workers hold CISRS cards and their expiry dates.
- Speak to principal contractors about future acceptance rules.
- Check whether project specifications require a CSCS-logo card.
- Confirm how CISRS-only cards will be verified.
- Update induction and site access teams.
- Brief subcontractors and labour providers.
- Keep copies of current competence and training records.
- Avoid rejecting valid existing CISRS cards without checking the published transition position.
The most important issue will be the acceptance of future CISRS-only cards on individual projects.
CISRS has stated that existing cards remain valid until expiry. However, contractors should still check each client’s policy because project requirements can differ.
Build UK’s published training standard has supported the use of cards carrying the CSCS logo. The transition arrangements for new CISRS cards will therefore need careful communication between CISRS, CSCS, principal contractors and clients.
WHAT TO DO NOW: A CHECKLIST
For scaffolders
- Check your CISRS card expiry date.
- Continue using a valid card during the transition.
- Do not replace a valid card early unless instructed.
- Keep certificates and training records safe.
- Ask your employer which card will be required for future projects.
- Check the correct CISRS renewal route before your card expires.
- Do not use a green Labourer card for skilled scaffolding work.
- Maintain your construction health and safety knowledge.
For new entrants
- Identify the scaffolding role you want.
- Check the current CISRS entry requirements.
- Choose an approved training route.
- Complete the required health and safety training.
- Confirm which card will be accepted by your intended employer.
- Check the latest CISRS guidance before booking.
For employers and site managers
- Create a list of current CISRS cardholders.
- Monitor expiry dates.
- Contact principal contractors about post-June 2027 requirements.
- Update card verification procedures.
- Communicate changes to subcontractors.
- Keep competence records accurate and accessible.
- Plan refresher training and health and safety updates.
BUILD YOUR CONSTRUCTION CAREER WITH ZEMS ACADEMY
Zems Academy provides practical construction training and health and safety programmes for people preparing to enter the industry or progress into new roles.
The Academy offers a CSCS Card Package with a Level 1 Health & Safety in Construction Environment qualification.
This route is designed for eligible learners seeking a green CSCS Labourer card. It is not a replacement for CISRS scaffolding training, but it can provide a useful foundation for people beginning a construction career.
Zems Academy also provides wider CSCS and Health & Safety training, including courses for site safety, risk assessment and workplace competence.
Book construction health and safety training with Zems Academy.
Get the right foundation.
Prepare for site work.
Build your professional career.
View available training courses
FINAL POINT
CISRS leaving the CSCS scheme is a major change for scaffolding certification, but it is not an immediate reason to panic.
Existing CISRS cards remain valid until their expiry dates.
The main priority is preparation.
Scaffolders should check their card status and future renewal route. New entrants should choose the correct competence pathway. Site managers should confirm how CISRS-only cards will be accepted from June 2027.
Keep checking official guidance, maintain strong construction health and safety knowledge and make sure your card matches the work you perform.