CISRS Scaffolder, Part 1, Part 2, and Skills Testing

Operatives who are undertaking the CISRS training required for a CISRS Scaffolder Card will initially  be required to obtain their CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card to qualify for the programme. A CISRS Trainee or CISRS Labourer Card must be held for 6 months before a trainee can attend Part 1 training. Should a CISRS Labourer Card holder wish to undertake scaffolding operations prior to attending Part 1 training, they will be required to apply for a CISRS Trainee Card in the first instance.

Note: The CISRS Trainee will be expected to have completed the following training/qualifications before obtaining an initial CISRS Trainee Card. A CISRS Trainee will initially require:

• A COTS course taken and passed within 2 years.
• A CITB Health, Safety and Environment test taken and passed within 2 years (or accepted exemption).

Any CISRS Trainee Scaffolder card holder will be considered a trainee scaffolder regardless of the experience they have within the scaffolding industry, and they should only undertake scaffolding activities under the direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder.

CISRS Course Detail

In addition to COTS training required to obtain the initial Trainee card, CISRS Trainees will be expected to complete the following training:

• CISRS Part 1 (within 18 months of obtaining a Trainee card)
• CISRS Part 2 (within 18 months of obtaining Part 1)
• NVQ Level 2 SCQF Level 5
• CISRS 1 Day Skills Test (for candidates who have already successfully completed their CISRS Part 1 and 2 courses and gained the minimum 6 months scaffold experience since completion of their Part 2 and completion of the NVQ Level 2).

Trainees will need to take and pass CISRS Part 1, before progressing to CISRS Part 2.

Note: It is important that all Employers ensure that Trainee Scaffolders are given Work at Height Training prior to being deployed to site to carry out scaffolding operations. This training must include as a minimum, SG4, the Use, Maintenance and Inspection of Harnesses and Awareness of Rescue Techniques. It is recommended that this training is recorded and stored in the Trainee’s personnel file.

CISRS Part 1

CISRS Part 1 is a 10-day programme. The CISRS Trainee will need to take and pass the CISRS Part 1 within 18 months after obtaining the CISRS Trainee card.

CISRS Part 2

To complete the CISRS Trainee programme the trainee will then need to take and pass the CISRS Part 2 within 18 months after passing CISRS Part 1. CISRS Part 2 is also a 10-day training programme. The Trainee will also need to complete and pass:

• NVQ Level 2 / SCQF Level 5
• A CISRS 1 Day Skills Test

CISRS One Day Skills Test

Candidates who have already successfully completed their CISRS Part 1 and 2 courses and gained the minimum 6 months scaffold experience since completion of their Part 2, must then pass a 1-day CISRS Skills Assessment and NVQ before applying for their Scaffolder card;  the skills test is to demonstrate that they can safely erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding.

Course Delivery

Courses are delivered at CISRS training centres located across the UK, and centres undergo annual audits to ensure they continually meet CISRS Scheme criteria.

Candidates must have successfully completed and passed required course elements at each point in the progression described above.

On completion of the programme an operative can then apply for the CISRS Scaffolder Card, which is valid for a period of 5 years at which stage it will expire. To renew the card it will be necessary to complete a CISRS 2 Day CPD/Refresher Course to continue the qualification.

Other relevant CISRS Courses

• CISRS COTS (for Trainee Scaffolders & Labourers)
• CISRS Scaffolding Awareness
• CISRS Advanced Scaffolder (the next step for those who wish to hold the Advanced Scaffolder Card)