More vocational qualifications now valid. Digital ACE cards available. Renewals via CSCS app.
Following the news in July that new ACE (Assuring Competence in Engineering) cards contained greater fraud protection standards, the ECITB has announced a further raft of upgrades to the scheme.
The number of eligible vocational qualifications has been extended, there are changes to the way workers apply for their cards and digital cards are now available.
ACE is one of the 37 CSCS Alliance card schemes that meet Construction Leadership Council (CLC) recommendations.
More qualifications valid in ACE card upgrades
Previously the ACE Scheme was only open to individuals who hold both an ECITB vocational qualification and a current CCNSG safety passport.
Now, as well as ECITB vocational qualifications, workers who hold a Skills England Apprenticeship Standard relevant to ACE together with a current CCNSG safety passport can apply for an ACE card.
The additional qualifications now valid under this extension are:
- Engineering Construction Erector Rigger – ST0433
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician – ST0154
- Engineering Fitter – ST0432
- Engineering Construction Pipefitter – ST0162
- Plate Welder – ST0852
- Pipe Welder – ST0851
Workers can now access their ACE card digitally
In addition to the increased number of qualifications eligible, all current ACE card holders will now have access to a digital ACE card via the My CSCS app.
Workers will still receive a physical card but they can use their digital card for site access.
Changes in applying for an ACE card
A key change to the scheme is that existing ACE cardholders will now need to use the CSCS app to renew (when they update their CCNSG Safety Passport).
Those applying for their first ever ACE card must apply via the online form on the ECITB website.
All ACE Cards remain free of charge.
“The changes form part of the planned programme of improvements we are making to the industry-led card scheme.
“ACE allows individuals to move between civil and engineering construction sites with a single card that validates their credentials. Extending the eligible qualifications makes it easier for our companies to manage this.
“We have rigorously mapped and verified all of the additional qualifications that we are accepting as part of the scheme to ensure that these cover the skills and training needed by our employers. We are looking to add further qualifications to the eligible list over the coming months.
“Industry has been calling for us to provide digital versions of the card. The CSCS app provides this and makes the online application process quick and easy for workers.”
Chris Mann
Director of Learning & Assurance, ECITB
Find out how to download the CSCS app
About CSCS Alliance schemes and Smart Check
CSCS Alliance schemes operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations, providing assurance that over two million UK construction workers are trained and qualified for the job they do on site.
CSCS Smart Check can be used, free of charge, as an app or via the website to validate all CSCS Alliance cards. It is used within existing site access and induction systems by industry’s largest contractors.
