CISRS and CSCS in 2027: what GCC card holders need to know

Updated 29 Oct 2026

In short

Existing CISRS cards stay valid for their normal term. If the change goes ahead, new and renewed cards from June 2027 will not carry the CSCS logo. Training and qualifications do not change. The statements we read do not mention OSTS (overseas) cards, so check with your training centre or CISRS. On GCC sites, the client's own rules decide which cards are accepted.

What is changing?

CISRS has given notice to end its licence to use the CSCS logo, with a proposed end date of 31 May 2027. If the separation goes ahead, new and renewed CISRS cards issued from June 2027 will not show the CSCS logo.

Is CISRS changing its name?

The announcement, as reported by Scaffmag and Safety & Access, says the scheme plans to use the name Competence in Scaffolding Record Scheme from 1 January 2027, keeping the CISRS initials.

Is my current card still valid?

CISRS has said existing cards remain valid for their normal five-year term, until the expiry date on the card.

Do I need to retrain or renew early?

No change to training has been announced. CISRS says qualifications, training and assessment routes continue, and no early renewal has been announced. Renew on your normal date. Blue (Scaffolder) and Gold (Advanced Scaffolder) renewals still need the CPD refresher.

Why is this happening?

CISRS says the Construction Leadership Council card scheme rules, revised in March 2024, limit CSCS-logo cards to construction occupations. Many CISRS scaffolders also work in industrial, offshore and other non-construction settings, and CISRS wants one card that covers all of them.

Is the decision final?

Not necessarily. CISRS has said the notice could be withdrawn if an acceptable solution is reached, and talks continue. The position may change before May 2027.

I hold a CISRS OSTS card from a GCC training centre. Does this affect me?

The statements we read do not mention the Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS). OSTS training is delivered by CISRS-accredited overseas centres, including centres in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar. Ask your training centre or CISRS directly before you assume anything.

Will sites in Saudi Arabia and the GCC still accept my card?

Each client and main contractor decides which cards it accepts on its sites. On Saudi Aramco sites, Saudi Aramco's own requirements apply. Nothing in the statements changes a GCC client's rules. Ask the site HSE team which cards they accept, and keep your card in date.

What should employers in the GCC do now?

Keep training plans going, keep a register of every card and its expiry date, confirm with each client which cards it accepts, and do not change company policy on rumours. Check the CISRS website for updates.

How can I show my knowledge while this settles?

A free AL-YASSIN exam is a neutral knowledge check you can add to your CV, with a certificate anyone can verify. It is not a card and does not replace CISRS, CSCS or any client approval. AL-YASSIN is independent of CISRS, NASC, CSCS and Saudi Aramco.

Sources (read 29 Oct 2026)

A summary of public statements as of 29 October 2026, not legal advice. The position may change; check cisrs.org.uk for the latest.