The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is urging construction to prepare for the introduction of the free CSCS Smart Check app, which will roll out from April and will be able to verify the 2.1 million cards from all 38 CSCS partner schemes.
Those who want to see a demonstration of the app can attend free webinars on 10, 17, 23 and 31 March. These webinars are intended to provide industry with an overview of the application, training and support materials, and any key updates that will need to be considered.
The Smart Check app is a mobile-only app that is able to validate verified cards from all CSCS partner card schemes via API integrations into the various databases.
The application has been designed to recognise both QR codes and NFC (contactless) cards, with a back-up option of manual entry available for any cards whose QR code is wearing off or unreadable.
Once the application has scanned a verified card, it will validate the card details and present back to the person checking their card on site the following key information:
- cardholder photo ID
- cardholder name
- cardholder job title
- cardholder qualifications (where available)
- card expiry date
To prevent fraud, the details are held on the database rather than the card.
In late 2020, the Construction Leadership Council stated that, by 31 March 2022, “all card schemes must use smart technology which has the capability to electronically check agreed information relevant to a cardholder, using a common interface, without the need to manually enter data”.
