What is a CISRS Card?

A CISRS card is the official competence card issued under the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme. It proves a worker holds the training and skills needed to carry out scaffolding work safely and legally on UK construction sites. Cards range from Labourer to Advanced Scaffolder, each with its own training requirements. 

If you work in scaffolding (or employ people who do), you’ve almost certainly come across the CISRS card. It’s the industry-standard proof of competence for scaffolders across the UK, and most main contractors won’t let an operative on site without one. 

This guide explains: 

• What a CISRS card is 
• Different card types available 
• How to get a CISRS card 
• What it costs 
• How long each card lasts 
• Which card applies to your work 
• How to find scaffolding leads through Once For All Marketplace 

Please note: Constructionline does not provide CISRS cards – they must be obtained from the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme, along with relevant training. 

 

What is a CISRS card in scaffolding? 

A CISRS card is part of the CISRS¹, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). 

 

 

What does CISRS stand for? 

CISRS stands for the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme.  

It has been the recognised scaffold training scheme in the UK for over 50 years. A CISRS card confirms that the holder has completed the required training and assessment to work on scaffolding to a defined level of competence. 

For subcontractors, holding the right CISRS card matters for two reasons: 

1. It demonstrates compliance with health and safety expectations on site. 
2. It helps you win work: many main contractors now mandate valid CISRS cards as a minimum requirement before granting site access. 

 

What are the different types of CISRS cards? 

CISRS issues several cards, each reflecting a different level of training and responsibility. The colour-coded system makes it easy for site managers to identify competence at a glance. 

CISRS Scaffolding Labourer (Green Card) 

This card is for site operatives and labourers involved in scaffolding operations. Holders cannot erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding, and may only work from a safe, fully erected platform or solid surface. 

To get this card, you must: 

• Complete the CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) course 
• Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within two years (or hold an accepted exemption) 

The Labourer card is valid for 5 years.

CISRS Trainee Scaffolder (Red Card) 

The Trainee card is for those undergoing structured scaffolding training on the path to becoming a qualified scaffolder. Holders must always work under the direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder. 

This card is issued after completing CISRS Part 1 training and progressing through the scheme. Trainees work towards their COTS qualification, CISRS Part 1 and 2, an NVQ Level 2, and a One Day Skills Test. 

CISRS Scaffolder (Blue Card) 

Once you complete the required training, you can apply for the Scaffolder card. With it, you’re qualified to carry out scaffold operations and lead a team on basic scaffold structures. To reach this level, you’ll need to complete CISRS Part 1 and Part 2 training, gain at least six months of on-site experience, achieve an NVQ Level 2, and pass the One Day Skills Test. 

The Scaffolder card is valid for 5 years. 

CISRS Advanced Scaffolder (Gold Card) 

The Advanced Scaffolder card is the highest level of competence, covering complex scaffold structures and team leadership. To qualify, you must: 

• Hold a Scaffolder (Blue) card for at least 12 months 
• Complete the CISRS Advanced Scaffolder course and an NVQ Level 3 (or SCQF Level 6) 
• Pass the CISRS 2-Day Skills Test 

CISRS also offers additional cards, including the BASE (Basic Access System Erector) card for workers using specific scaffold system products, and Scaffold Inspection cards (Basic and Advanced) for those carrying out statutory scaffold inspections. 

 

How do I get a CISRS card? 

The route to a CISRS card depends on the level you’re aiming for, but the general process follows clear steps: 

1. Pass the CITB HS&E test: this covers core health and safety knowledge and is a prerequisite for most cards. 
2. Complete the relevant CISRS course: for example, the COTS course for a Labourer card, or Part 1 and Part 2 for a Scaffolder card. 
3. Gain on-site experience: progression to Scaffolder requires a minimum of six months’ practical scaffolding experience. 
4. Pass the required skills test: such as a One-Day Skills Test for a Scaffolder card or the 2-Day Skills Test for Advanced Scaffolder. 
5. Apply for your card: your training provider typically submits the application on your behalf, along with the necessary documentation. 

 

How much does a CISRS card cost? 

The card application fee is set by CISRS and covers the card itself. Please note that costs vary depending on the route you choose, where training is also required on top of this, with prices varying between providers. 

 

How long is a CISRS card valid?

Most CISRS cards are valid for five years. To renew a Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder card, holders must attend a CISRS CPD Refresher course, usually delivered over two days, delivered by a wide-range of third-party providers. This refresher keeps operatives up to date with changes in legislation and good working practice—an important point if you want to keep your workforce compliant and site-ready. 

From January 2025, the refreshed Scaffolder card design also displays a “first issue” date², giving employers a quick visual indication of an operative’s experience level. 

 

Why CISRS cards matter for subcontractors

For scaffolding subcontractors, valid CISRS cards are more than a formality. They’re a passport to work. Contractors increasingly demand proof of competence before awarding contracts or granting site access, so a fully carded workforce strengthens your bids and protects your reputation. 

Keeping cards current also supports your wider compliance picture. As building safety standards tighten across the industry, demonstrating that your team is properly trained and certified helps you stand out to buyers and win more work. 

How long does it take to get a CISRS card? 

A Labourer card can be obtained relatively quickly, once you’ve completed the COTS course and passed the HS&E test. Becoming a qualified Scaffolder takes longer, as it requires Part 1 and Part 2 training, a minimum of six months’ on-site experience, an NVQ, and a skills test. 

How to renew a CISRS card 

Renew a Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder card by attending a CISRS CPD Refresher course before your card expires. This two-day course ensures you remain up to date with current legislation and best practice. 

 

Already have a CISRS card? How to find scaffolding jobs on Once For All Marketplace 

Once you’ve got your CISRS card, you’re on your way to finding work and getting on-site. But where can you go to find scaffolding jobs near you? 

Fortunately, Once For All Marketplace brings the work to you. Sign up and get access to:

• Opportunities Board: live packages you can tender for, including exclusive opportunities from main contractors who use our platform 
• 500,000+ opportunities across the private and public sector, as well as upcoming Planning Applications 
• Relevant leads by location: use the filters to fit your criteria 
• Contact details: our UK-based Market Intelligence team source details so you can connect directly with main contractors, and see what projects they’ve got coming up 
• Exclusive partner discounts: available through Once For All Perks with a paid Marketplace-only or compliance membership 
• And so much more! 

Note that many main contractors will request subcontractors to have a compliance membership, such as Constructionline, which includes access to Marketplace. 

 

Next steps 

Sign up to one of our memberships and start your search for relevant scaffolding jobs near you! 

Marketplace-only membership 

Compliance membership – everything in our Marketplace-only membership, PLUS compliance 

 

Key takeaways 

• Working on scaffolding project? Obtain a CISRS card  
• Expect to undertake training as you progress in your scaffolding career 
• Use Once For All Marketplace to find relevant scaffolding leads and build your pipeline with confidence 

 

FAQs 

What Scaffolding Associations are there? 

There are various Scaffolding Associations in the UK. Notable ones include The Scaffolding Association and NASC – National Access & Scaffolding Confederation. 

Are CSCS cards and CISRS cards the same? 

No. CSCS cards and CISRS cards are not the same.  

CSCS cards relate to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, where CISRS cards relate to Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme. 

Read our CSCS card blog to learn more. 

Who needs a CISRS card? 

Anyone working on scaffolding operations on a UK construction site should hold the appropriate CISRS card. The level depends on the work involved: labourers need a Labourer card, while those erecting, altering, or dismantling scaffolding need a Trainee, Scaffolder, or Advanced Scaffolder card. 

What’s the difference between the green, red, blue, and gold cards? 

• Green CISRS card: labourers 
• Red CISRS card: trainee scaffolders working under supervision 
• Blue CISRS card: qualified scaffolders 
• Gold CISRS card: advanced scaffolders working on complex structures and leading teams