CSCS digital skills passport: setup, site checks and a 30 day rollout plan featured image
Hiring, Training & HR

CSCS digital skills passport: setup, site checks and a 30 day rollout plan

TrainAR Team 1 month ago 6 min read

CSCS digital skills passport: setup, site checks and a 30 day rollout plan

Contents

The CSCS “digital skills passport” is live in the My CSCS app. It stores a worker’s qualifications, training and CPD and shows a digital CSCS card for site entry. For UK contractors, this is a fast way to prove competence on the gate and keep records tidy without more spreadsheets. It also aligns with the HSE definition of competence and the Building Safety Act focus on verified skills.

My CSCS – Your Digital Skills Passport • HSE on competence

Site manager scanning a worker’s My CSCS digital card at a UK site gate. Overlay shows flow: My CSCS app → Smart Check → Site access.

Quick answer

  • What it is: the My CSCS mobile app holds a worker’s verified qualifications, CPD and a digital CSCS card. Supervisors scan it with CSCS Smart Check to verify on the spot.
  • Why use it: faster gate checks, fewer induction delays, cleaner evidence of competence for audits.
  • What you need: workers install My CSCS; supervisors install CSCS Smart Check on gate phones or tablets.
  • Rollout: pilot on one gate for 2 weeks, then make it your default site access method with a simple written policy and signage.

What the CSCS digital skills passport is

The My CSCS app acts as a digital skills passport. Cardholders can store qualifications, skills, training and CPD and present a digital CSCS card for entry. The app’s My Skills section lets operatives keep an up‑to‑date skills profile they can share.

Official CSCS overview • Brief industry coverage: Construction News report

How site access works with Smart Check

CSCS Smart Check is a free app for supervisors to verify a worker’s card (physical or digital). Scan the QR or tap the digital card. You’ll see live card status, card type and key details.

  • On the gate: security or a supervisor scans the My CSCS digital card with Smart Check before issuing a pass or turnstile token.
  • Evidence: Smart Check shows real‑time status. You don’t need to store screenshots unless your client requires a record. If you do store images, set a retention period and keep them secure.
  • Competence: the HSE defines competence as the mix of training, skills, experience and knowledge applied safely. The passport helps you evidence this quickly at the point of work.

Read more: HSE competence • See our guide to pairing access with inductions: QR code site induction and CSCS Smart Check

Set it up step by step

  1. Ask workers to install My CSCS
  • Send this link and a deadline in your mobilisation email: My CSCS
  • Ask them to add recent qualifications and CPD (photos or certificates)
  1. Equip your gate team
  • Install CSCS Smart Check on gate phones or tablets
  • Test scanning a few digital cards and check your Wi‑Fi coverage at the gate
  1. Update your site induction
  • Add a line: “Present your My CSCS digital card on arrival. No card, no start.”
  • Add a fallback for agency staff on day one (see Templates)
  1. Put up simple signage
  • “Have your digital CSCS card ready” at the turnstile or sign‑in desk
  1. Decide what you will store
  • Default: verify live in Smart Check and do not store images
  • If your client wants evidence, store a single screenshot per worker in your induction folder and delete after project closeout
  1. GDPR basics
  • You’re viewing credentials the worker presents; only store copies if you have a clear purpose and retention period
  • Limit access to HR or the site manager and encrypt any folder shares

30 day rollout plan

Week 1

  • Pick one site and one gate. Train two supervisors and security
  • Test signal strength and device battery routines

Week 2

  • Add the induction line and signage
  • Invite all workers to install My CSCS and update My Skills

Week 3

  • Go live at the pilot gate. Log any delays or issues
  • Add a fallback for agency staff (temporary pass for one shift while the app is set up)

Week 4

  • Extend to the whole site and your next project
  • Measure: average gate time per worker, number of failed checks, and time saved in inductions

Tie it into right to work and training

Templates you can copy

Access control wording (site induction)

“Present your My CSCS digital card on arrival. Supervisors will verify your credentials using CSCS Smart Check. If you cannot present a valid card, you will not be permitted to start work.”

Agency fallback message (SMS/WhatsApp)

“Please install the My CSCS app before arrival and add your qualifications. If you don’t have it by gate time, we may issue a one‑shift temporary pass at the site manager’s discretion.”

Supervisor daily check note

“Before issuing a permit or task brief, verify each operative’s digital CSCS card in Smart Check. If expired or invalid, stop and escalate to the site manager.”

Privacy note (RAMS or site rules)

“We verify competence via live card checks. We do not keep card screenshots unless a client requires evidence. Any stored images are deleted at project closeout.”

Troubleshooting

  • Phone dead/no data: keep a charge station by the gate; Smart Check can read QR codes offline and sync when back online
  • No My CSCS yet: issue a one‑shift temporary pass and require setup before next shift
  • Name or photo mismatch: escalate to HR; do not permit work until identity is confirmed
  • Subcontractor with non‑CSCS scheme: verify via the relevant scheme’s card in Smart Check where supported
  • Client wants evidence: store a single screenshot in a secure project folder with 6–12 month retention

Video: My CSCS overview

A short official explainer you can play in inductions.

FAQ

Do I still need to see physical CSCS cards?

No. The digital card in My CSCS is valid and can be verified with CSCS Smart Check. Keep a fallback for workers who only have a physical card on day one.

Can I use the passport to prove competence for audits?

Yes. The combination of My CSCS records and a Smart Check verification log satisfies many auditors that you have a live competence process at the point of work. Store evidence only if your client requires it.

What if a worker’s qualifications aren’t visible in the app?

Ask them to add recent training or upload certificates into My Skills. If a core qualification is missing, request evidence before allocating higher‑risk tasks.

Is it GDPR compliant to keep card screenshots?

Only keep screenshots if you have a clear purpose and policy. Limit access, encrypt folders and delete at project closeout. Otherwise, rely on live Smart Check verification without storing images.

Will this work for agency and subbies?

Yes, ask agencies to brief workers to install My CSCS before arrival. Retain a one‑shift temporary pass fallback with supervisor approval.