CSCS, CPCS and NPORS checks on site: simple steps to spot fakes and stay compliant

Category: Hiring, Training & HR • Niche: competence verification, IDVT, right to work, site access, automations

Contents

• Quick answer
• Who this is for
• What to check on site, in what order
• How to verify CSCS cards fast
• How to verify CPCS and NPORS cards
• Right to Work and IDVT: when and how to use
• Automation tips: log every check
• Common red flags and what to do
• What the law and schemes expect
• FAQ

Quick answer

• Always check Right to Work first (share code or approved documents), then competence cards.
• Use official checkers:
  • CSCS: CSCS Smart Check app or web smart check.
  • CPCS: NOCN Job Cards Card Checker.
  • NPORS: NPORS card checker.
• Record the check (who, when, result, evidence) for audit.
• If anything looks off, refuse access and escalate per your site rules.

Who this is for

• Site managers, gate staff and supervisors controlling access.
• Small contractors who need a simple, repeatable process that stands up in audits.

What to check on site, in what order

1. Identity and Right to Work

• UK employers must verify Right to Work (RTW) before employment starts. Use the GOV.UK online share code service, a manual document list, or a Home Office certified IDSP using IDVT.
• Keep copies/records as required by the Home Office employer guidance.

2. Competence card matches the person and task

• CSCS (core trades), CPCS/NPORS (plant), plus allied schemes.
• Check the name, photo, card type, expiry and the qualifications/endorsements cover today’s task.

3. Any site-specific training/inductions

• Confirm the person has completed your induction and any method statement briefings (RAMS).

Helpful links:

• GOV.UK Right to Work employer guidance: https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work
• IDVT policy background: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-identity-document-validation-technology-idvt/identity-document-validation-technology-in-the-right-to-work-and-right-to-rent-schemes-and-dbs-pre-employment-checking-accessible-version
• Official IDSP register (filter to Right to Work): https://www.digital-identity-services-register.service.gov.uk/register/register-search

How to verify CSCS cards fast

• Use the free CSCS Smart Check app (Android/iOS) to check any scheme that participates in the CSCS Alliance Smart Check.
• Three ways:
  • Near Field Communication: tap the card if it’s smart-enabled.
  • QR: scan the QR on newer cards or digital passes.
  • Manual: type the card number and surname.
• Official CSCS Smart Check guidance: https://www.cscs.uk.com/checkcards/cscs-smart-check/

Tip: build this into your gate process. One person scans; another cross-checks photo to the person in front of you.

How to verify CPCS and NPORS cards

• CPCS (plant): use the official NOCN Job Cards Card Checker.
  • Web card checker: https://cardchecker.nocn.org/
  • Help page: https://cpcs.nocn.org.uk/help-and-support/card-checker/
• NPORS (plant and lifting): use the official NPORS card checker.
  • Web card checker: https://npors.com/npors-card-checker/

What to confirm

• Name matches photo ID; endorsements cover the specific machine/category; valid expiry; any medical or employer authorisations required.

Right to Work and IDVT: when and how to use

• RTW is separate from competence cards. An NI number or a CSCS card alone is not proof of RTW.
• Options:
  • Share code: candidate provides code; you check on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
  • Manual documents (originals) per the Home Office lists.
  • Digital via a certified IDSP using IDVT. Find approved providers on the official register: https://www.digital-identity-services-register.service.gov.uk/register/register-search (filter Role type = Identity, Supplementary code = Right to Work).
• Keep a record of the check that meets the Home Office “statutory excuse” standard.

Automation tips: log every check

• Use a simple form at the gate (Google Form, Microsoft Forms or your job system) to capture:
  • Person, company, who checked, time, scheme, method used (NFC/QR/manual/web), result, photo evidence.
• Attachments: screenshot of the checker result page, or a short screen recording saved to the worker’s profile.
• Create a daily CSV or Sheet of access checks for audits. Lock edit rights after sign-off.
• If you already run QR induction, add a second step that prompts “Scan card now” and uploads the proof into the same record. See our article on QR code inductions with Smart Check for a full workflow.

Common red flags and what to do

Red flags

• Card photo doesn’t match the person.
• Card number not recognised by the official checker.
• Wrong colour/card type for trade or plant.
• Expired card or missing endorsement for the machine/task.
• Person can’t produce a share code or acceptable RTW documents.

Actions

• Refuse access politely. Move the conversation off the gate to avoid hold-ups.
• Retain suspected fake CSCS if safe to do so and follow CSCS advice on reporting fraud (see CSCS guidance for reporting fraudulent cards).
• Notify your PC/SM and record the incident. If it’s a supplier, escalate to procurement.

Useful references

• CSCS Smart Check overview and fraud info: https://www.cscs.uk.com/blog/check-cscs-card-smart-check/
• CITB guidance on fraudulent cards: https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/check-a-card-training-record/fraudulent-cards/

What the law and schemes expect

• Employers have a legal duty to do RTW checks correctly. See the Home Office employer guide PDF for full detail.
• For competence, many UK sites require CSCS or equivalent; plant ops often need CPCS or NPORS. Clients may specify which.
• Keep auditable records: who checked, when, method, outcome. Tie these to your RAMS and induction records.

FAQ

Is a CSCS card proof of Right to Work?

No. A CSCS card shows industry competence but is not proof of immigration status. Use share code/manual docs or an approved IDSP.

Can I let someone start work while I wait for their card?

Avoid it. If they must enter, risk-assess and put them under direct supervision after a successful RTW check. Get proof of competence from the scheme or awarding body first.

What if the CSCS app is down or there’s no signal?

Use manual entry when possible. If connectivity is poor, set up offline capture of card photos and check later before issuing a site pass. For remote sites, consider a MiFi/dual-SIM phone.

How do I report a suspected fake CSCS card?

Follow CSCS guidance. You can email intel@cscs.co.uk with details. See CSCS fraud reporting steps: https://www.cscs.uk.com/checkcards/tackling-fraud/how-to-report-a-fraudulent-cscs-card/

Where do I verify CPCS/NPORS quickly?

• CPCS: https://cardchecker.nocn.org/
• NPORS: https://npors.com/npors-card-checker/

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