Tilers in the industry who previously gained their CSCS cards via the Industry Accreditation (IA) route, as time served tilers, need to be aware that this route is no longer available.

This is in accordance with the Government’s aim to achieve a fully qualified workforce by 2020, stimulating the market by providing a route to qualification for experienced operatives via on-site assessment (OSAT). CSCS cards are required for all construction site workers no matter which trade.

As a result, further card renewals may not be accepted without the new NVQ qualifications. The TTA encourages those card holders to complete these qualifications via the EWPAR (Experienced Worker Practical Assessment Route) or OSAT route.

Experienced tilers who gained their CSCS cards via the Industry Accreditation route can achieve Level 2 NVQ following just one day’s assessment of their work on site or at BAL’s Innovation and Technology Centre.

The Assessor will also need all other supporting information concerning the candidate’s knowledge, which can be gathered verbally and through supporting documentation. Tilers who go down this route can carry on working, whilst being assessed to NVQ L2.

BAL has a CITB registered assessor and works closely with the TTA to support the qualification. BAL holds regular courses and assessments at its Innovation and Training Centre, with tiles, adhesives and grouts provided by the manufacturer.

Assessment costs at BAL are as following –

• £500 + VAT per fixer, plus £68 CITB registration fee for TTA Members
• £600 + VAT, plus £68 CITB Registration Fee. Independent Fixers will receive £100 refund on their first year’s membership – which is just £150 + VAT – if you join before the Assessment is completed.

Full cost of membership and benefits can be found on https://www.tiles.org.uk/member-registration/members-benefits/

Alternative arrangements can be made with BAL if you would prefer an on-site assessment – although this may incur additional costs as necessary.