Confusion with the CAB Course? Read on!

Who issues CSCS cards for the Glazing and Fenestration Sector?

A great deal of confusion exists around the issuance of CSCS Cards in the sectors of glazing, fenestration, aluminium and the requirement for installers to undertake the ‘1-day CAB Curtain Wall Essential Knowledge course (aka the CAB Course). We have broken this down below.

On the 29th August 2017 CSCS announced that all glazing and fenestration occupations were transferred to GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority). This decision was made because CSCS and GQA agreed that the Q-card (the GQA official CSCS partner card) is better placed to represent the glazing and fenestration sector.

In simple terms, this means that only GQA now issue CSCS cards (the Q card) for the following occupations:

  • Fenestration Surveyor
  • Installer: Conservatories
  • Installer: Curtain Wall
  • Installer: Windows and Doors
  • Glazier

What is the CAB Course?

To comply with the requirements of the Building Safety Bill introduced in the House of Commons on 5th July 2021, the Council for Aluminium in Building, in partnership with GQA, devised the 1 day CAB Course which now forms part of the requirement to access or renew a CSCS card in the sector of Curtain Wall Installation.

This one day class taught technical knowledge course reinforces and refreshes the candidates knowledge of the latest installation specifications and techniques and includes a written test at the end.

Do I need to take the CAB Course?

In order to renew or access the CSCS card for Curtain Wall installers you will be required to:

  • be qualified (hold a relevant diploma at level 2 minimum)
  • have passed the CSCS test
  • have successfully undertaken the 1 day CAB Course

Without all of the aforementioned you will likely be unable to obtain or renew your CSCS card for this Curtain Wall installer and there is growing concern that the lack of knowledge around this requirement could result in skills shortages at the work face when installer CSCS cards become due for renewal. Employers are urged to contact the Council for Aluminium in Building and raise awareness of the requirement with staff, especially self employed staff and sub contractors who may not be advised or learn of the requirement until their CSCS Cards expire.

There are a number of routes outlined for the installers looking to renew their CSCS cards and you can see more information about this below.

For further information relating to this topic you can follow the links below which we have provided for your convenience and for verification of this notification and its contents.

We understand that understanding the route to qualification or obtaining your CSCS Card can be difficult and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require additional information or clarification about this.

CLICK HERE to see the Council for Aluminium in Building CAB Course page (opens in new window).

CLICK HERE to see the CSCS notification that GQA (Q Card) will represent glazing and fenestration (opens in new window).