An Informative Guide to CISRS Accredited Scaffold Courses: Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced Courses

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is the UK’s leading training and certification scheme for scaffolders. Recognised for its rigorous standards and comprehensive training, CISRS accreditation is a mark of excellence in the scaffolding industry. This article delves into the CISRS-accredited scaffold courses that Safety and Access regularly deliver in Nottingham and Humberside: the Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced courses.

CISRS Part 1: The Foundation of Scaffolding

Course Overview: CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Part 1 Training

A trainee must have held a CISRS Labourer Card for a minimum of 3 months and have gained relevant site experience prior to attending the Part 1 course. In most instances this initial period will be longer.

Part 1 training courses are held over 2 weeks (10 consecutive working days Monday to Friday) and can be delivered in both tube & fitting and system scaffold

Operatives will be required to sign a Delegate Acceptance Form which they will be given during the course induction. The form will confirm that the operative has had the required experience and is fit enough to carry out the practical course activities. It will also confirm that operatives who fail to demonstrate the required levels of experience, skill or knowledge will fail the course and will be required to attend the 2-week course again once they have gained sufficient experience.

Upon successful completion of Part 1 training, the operative will be issued with their first 18-month CISRS Trainee card.

CISRS Trainee Scaffolder card holders will be considered a trainee scaffolder regardless of the experience they have within the scaffolding industry.

Accordingly, they should not undertake any scaffolding activities unless they are under the direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder.

Key Components:

• Duration: 10 days
• Content:

• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• 1⁄2 Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12810/11 and TG20) tube and fittings courses.
• General Scaffolding Awareness
• Stability, Ties and Anchors (including TG4)
• Manual Handling Techniques
• Foundations & Ground Conditions
• Methods of Access
• Gin wheels, ropes, knots & hitches
• Interpretation of drawings
• Independent Tied Scaffold (theory & practical)
• Putlog Scaffold (theory and practical) tube and fitting courses
• Static Tower Scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Birdcage scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Alterations to scaffolds (e.g changing a lift height)
• TG20 Stair Access (theory & practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Scaffold Inspection (theory)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test

The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffold structures safely and in their correct sequence whilst under direct supervision.

Requirements:

• Trainees must be at least 18 years old.
• A minimum of 6 months of site experience is recommended.
• Completion of a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last two years.

Certification: Upon successful completion, trainees receive the CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card, enabling them to work as a trainee scaffolder under supervision.

Career Prospects: Graduates can begin working on construction sites, gaining practical experience and preparing for further training.

CISRS Part 2: Building on Basics

Course Overview: Operatives must have a minimum 6 months practical scaffolding experience following the successful completion of their Part 1 course before they can attend a Part 2 course. In most instances this period will be longer

The Part 2 course will be held over 2 weeks (10 consecutive days Monday to Friday) and can be delivered in both tube & fitting or system scaffold). Operatives do not have to use the same accredited centre at which they attended their Part 1 course.

It should be noted that operatives do not have to attend a Part 2 course in the same scaffold materials as their Part 1 course. However, the scaffold materials used in the Part 2 course will determine which scaffold material the operative will need to gather work-based evidence in and which endorsement will be placed on their CISRS Scaffolder Card.

Operatives will be required to sign a Delegate Acceptance Form which they will be given during the course induction. The form will confirm that the operative has had the required experience and is fit enough to carry out the practical course activities. It will also confirm that operatives who fail to demonstrate the required levels of experience, skill or knowledge will fail the course and will be required to attend the 2-week course again once they have gained sufficient experience.

Upon successful completion of Part 2 training, the operative will be issued with a CISRS Part 2 completion certificate and will be able to apply to have their CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card endorsed with Part 2 training.

Following the successfully completion of Part 2 training, operatives will be registered for NVQ Level 2/SCQF Level 5. Operatives will then gather work- based evidence before submitting their portfolio for assessment. This evidence must be provided in the same scaffold materials that were used in their Part 2 training e.g. T&F, System. Once the VQ is achieved and the operative has gained a minimum of 6 months relevant site experience since attending Part 2, they are eligible to attend a CISRS 1 Day Skills Test..

Successful completion of the 1-Day skills test is a mandatory element of the CISRS scheme. This is regardless of whether the trainee has previously achieved their VQ via another route e.g., OSAT. A CISRS card will not be issued to those who fail to successfully complete the 1-Day skills test. If a candidate fails the skills test, they must re-sit at a later date after gaining sufficient experience.

 Key Components:

• Duration: 10 days
• Content:

• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• 1⁄2 Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12811 and TG20) and Management of Temporary Works (BS5975)
• Basic Independent Tied Scaffold (theory and practical)
• Bridging with prefabricated beams (theory and practical)
• Protection Fans (theory and practical)
• Truss-out Scaffold (theory and practical)
• Pavement Gantry (theory and practical)
• Loading Bay (theory and practical)
• Roof saddle scaffold (theory and practical)
• Splay Scaffold (circular or radial) (theory and practical)
• Edge Protection (theory and practical)
• TG4 Tie testing (theory and practical)
• Basic Scaffold Inspection (theory and practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Alterations (e.g. removing standards from a structure)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test

The trainee operative will be able to interpret scaffold drawings.

The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffolds safely and in their correct sequence whilst under direct supervision.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of the CISRS Part 1 course.
• At least 6 months of on-site experience since completing Part 1.
• A valid CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card.

Certification: Trainees receive the CISRS Scaffolder Card upon successful completion of the course and passing the NVQ Level 2 assessment. This card certifies them as qualified scaffolders.

Career Prospects: Qualified scaffolders can work independently, take on more complex projects, and supervise trainee scaffolders.

CISRS Advanced Scaffolding Course: Mastery and Leadership

Course Overview: Operatives must be in possession of a CISRS Scaffolder Card for a minimum of 12 months before they can attend an Advanced Scaffolder Training Course.

The Advanced course will be held over 2 weeks (10 consecutive days Monday to Friday).

Operatives will be required to sign a Delegate Acceptance Form which they will be given during the course induction. The form will confirm that the operative has had the required experience and is fit enough to carry out the practical course activities. It will also confirm that operatives who fail to demonstrate the required levels of experience, skill or knowledge will fail the course and will be required to attend the 2-week course again once they have gained sufficient experience.

Following successful completion of the advanced scaffolder training, the operative will be issued with a CISRS Advanced completion certificate.

Following the successfully completion of advanced training, operatives will be registered for NVQ Level 3/SCQF6. Operatives will then gather work-based evidence before submitting their portfolio for assessment. Once the VQ is achieved and the operative has gained a minimum of 6 months relevant site experience since attending the advanced course, they are eligible to attend a CISRS 2-Day Skills Test.

Successful completion of the 2-Day skills test is a mandatory element of the CISRS scheme. This is regardless of whether the trainee has previously achieved their VQ via another route e.g. OSAT. A CISRS card will not be issued to those who fail to successfully complete the 2-Day skills test. If a candidate fails the skills test, they must re-sit at a later date after gaining sufficient experience.

Upon successful completion of the CISRS advanced scaffolder course, NVQ Level 3/SCQF Level 6, CISRS 2-Day Skills Test and CITB HS&E Test (or a recognised exemption), the operative will receive their CISRS Advanced Scaffolder Card.

The operative can now be deemed to be an advanced scaffolder. CISRS Advanced Cards are valid for 5 years.

Key Components:

• Duration: 10 days
• Content:

The 2-week advanced course will cover the following elements:

• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• 1⁄2 Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12811 and TG20) & Management of Temporary Works (BS5975)
• Tubular drop scaffold from steelwork (theory and practical)
• Cantilever drop scaffold (theory and practical)
• 2 Chord Raking shore (theory and practical)
• 3 Chord Raking shore (theory and practical)
• Dead shore (theory and practical)
• Flying shore(theory)
• Temporary roof scaffold (theory and practical)
• Stairways (theory and practical)
• Ramps (theory and practical)
• Advanced Scaffold Inspection (theory and practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Risk Assessment (theory and practical)
• Method Statements (theory and practical)
• Communication Skills Tool Box Talks (theory and practical)
• Testing of Ties (TG4)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test

Upon qualification at Advanced Scaffolder level the operative will be able to interpret complex design drawings.

The operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffolds safely and in their correct sequence.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of the CISRS Part 2 course.
• NVQ Level 2 in scaffolding.
• A minimum of 12 months of on-site experience since completing Part 2.
• A valid CISRS Scaffolder Card.

Certification: Upon successful completion, candidates receive the CISRS Advanced Scaffolder Card. They must also complete the NVQ Level 3 assessment to fully qualify.

Career Prospects: Advanced Scaffolders are qualified to undertake and supervise the most complex scaffolding projects. They often assume roles such as site supervisors, foremen, or scaffolding inspectors.

CISRS accredited scaffold courses—Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced—provide a structured and comprehensive training pathway for scaffolders, from foundational skills to advanced expertise. Each course is designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge, practical skills, and certifications to advance their careers in the scaffolding industry. Whether you are starting out or looking to elevate your skills, CISRS courses offer the training needed to achieve professional excellence and ensure safety in the workplace; contact us today Phone: 0115 979 4523 or Email: safe@safetyaccess.co.uk to book a course or visit our website https://safetyaccess.co.uk/product-category/training-courses/cisrs-training-courses/.

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) is the UK’s leading training and certification scheme for scaffolders. Recognised for its rigorous standards and comprehensive training, CISRS accreditation is a mark of excellence in the scaffolding industry. This article delves into the CISRS-accredited scaffold courses that Safety and Access regularly deliver in Nottingham and Humberside: the Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced courses.

CISRS Part 1: The Foundation of Scaffolding

Course Overview: CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Part 1 Training

A trainee must have held a CISRS Labourer Card for a minimum of 3 months and have gained relevant site experience prior to attending the Part 1 course. In most instances this initial period will be longer.

Part 1 training courses are held over 2 weeks (10 consecutive working days Monday to Friday) and can be delivered in both tube & fitting and system scaffold

Operatives will be required to sign a Delegate Acceptance Form which they will be given during the course induction. The form will confirm that the operative has had the required experience and is fit enough to carry out the practical course activities. It will also confirm that operatives who fail to demonstrate the required levels of experience, skill or knowledge will fail the course and will be required to attend the 2-week course again once they have gained sufficient experience.

Upon successful completion of Part 1 training, the operative will be issued with their first 18-month CISRS Trainee card.

CISRS Trainee Scaffolder card holders will be considered a trainee scaffolder regardless of the experience they have within the scaffolding industry.

Accordingly, they should not undertake any scaffolding activities unless they are under the direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder.

Key Components:

• Duration: 10 days
• Content:

• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• 1⁄2 Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12810/11 and TG20) tube and fittings courses.
• General Scaffolding Awareness
• Stability, Ties and Anchors (including TG4)
• Manual Handling Techniques
• Foundations & Ground Conditions
• Methods of Access
• Gin wheels, ropes, knots & hitches
• Interpretation of drawings
• Independent Tied Scaffold (theory & practical)
• Putlog Scaffold (theory and practical) tube and fitting courses
• Static Tower Scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Birdcage scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Alterations to scaffolds (e.g changing a lift height)
• TG20 Stair Access (theory & practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Scaffold Inspection (theory)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test

The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffold structures safely and in their correct sequence whilst under direct supervision.

Requirements:

• Trainees must be at least 18 years old.
• A minimum of 6 months of site experience is recommended.
• Completion of a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last two years.

Certification: Upon successful completion, trainees receive the CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card, enabling them to work as a trainee scaffolder under supervision.

Career Prospects: Graduates can begin working on construction sites, gaining practical experience and preparing for further training.

CISRS Part 2: Building on Basics

Course Overview: Operatives must have a minimum 6 months practical scaffolding experience following the successful completion of their Part 1 course before they can attend a Part 2 course. In most instances this period will be longer

The Part 2 course will be held over 2 weeks (10 consecutive days Monday to Friday) and can be delivered in both tube & fitting or system scaffold). Operatives do not have to use the same accredited centre at which they attended their Part 1 course.

It should be noted that operatives do not have to attend a Part 2 course in the same scaffold materials as their Part 1 course. However, the scaffold materials used in the Part 2 course will determine which scaffold material the operative will need to gather work-based evidence in and which endorsement will be placed on their CISRS Scaffolder Card.

Operatives will be required to sign a Delegate Acceptance Form which they will be given during the course induction. The form will confirm that the operative has had the required experience and is fit enough to carry out the practical course activities. It will also confirm that operatives who fail to demonstrate the required levels of experience, skill or knowledge will fail the course and will be required to attend the 2-week course again once they have gained sufficient experience.

Upon successful completion of Part 2 training, the operative will be issued with a CISRS Part 2 completion certificate and will be able to apply to have their CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card endorsed with Part 2 training.

Following the successfully completion of Part 2 training, operatives will be registered for NVQ Level 2/SCQF Level 5. Operatives will then gather work- based evidence before submitting their portfolio for assessment. This evidence must be provided in the same scaffold materials that were used in their Part 2 training e.g. T&F, System. Once the VQ is achieved and the operative has gained a minimum of 6 months relevant site experience since attending Part 2, they are eligible to attend a CISRS 1 Day Skills Test..

Successful completion of the 1-Day skills test is a mandatory element of the CISRS scheme. This is regardless of whether the trainee has previously achieved their VQ via another route e.g., OSAT. A CISRS card will not be issued to those who fail to successfully complete the 1-Day skills test. If a candidate fails the skills test, they must re-sit at a later date after gaining sufficient experience.

 Key Components:

• Duration: 10 days
• Content:

• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• 1⁄2 Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12811 and TG20) and Management of Temporary Works (BS5975)
• Basic Independent Tied Scaffold (theory and practical)
• Bridging with prefabricated beams (theory and practical)
• Protection Fans (theory and practical)
• Truss-out Scaffold (theory and practical)
• Pavement Gantry (theory and practical)
• Loading Bay (theory and practical)
• Roof saddle scaffold (theory and practical)
• Splay Scaffold (circular or radial) (theory and practical)
• Edge Protection (theory and practical)
• TG4 Tie testing (theory and practical)
• Basic Scaffold Inspection (theory and practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Alterations (e.g. removing standards from a structure)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test

The trainee operative will be able to interpret scaffold drawings.

The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffolds safely and in their correct sequence whilst under direct supervision.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of the CISRS Part 1 course.
• At least 6 months of on-site experience since completing Part 1.
• A valid CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card.

Certification: Trainees receive the CISRS Scaffolder Card upon successful completion of the course and passing the NVQ Level 2 assessment. This card certifies them as qualified scaffolders.

Career Prospects: Qualified scaffolders can work independently, take on more complex projects, and supervise trainee scaffolders.

CISRS Advanced Scaffolding Course: Mastery and Leadership

Course Overview: Operatives must be in possession of a CISRS Scaffolder Card for a minimum of 12 months before they can attend an Advanced Scaffolder Training Course.

The Advanced course will be held over 2 weeks (10 consecutive days Monday to Friday).

Operatives will be required to sign a Delegate Acceptance Form which they will be given during the course induction. The form will confirm that the operative has had the required experience and is fit enough to carry out the practical course activities. It will also confirm that operatives who fail to demonstrate the required levels of experience, skill or knowledge will fail the course and will be required to attend the 2-week course again once they have gained sufficient experience.

Following successful completion of the advanced scaffolder training, the operative will be issued with a CISRS Advanced completion certificate.

Following the successfully completion of advanced training, operatives will be registered for NVQ Level 3/SCQF6. Operatives will then gather work-based evidence before submitting their portfolio for assessment. Once the VQ is achieved and the operative has gained a minimum of 6 months relevant site experience since attending the advanced course, they are eligible to attend a CISRS 2-Day Skills Test.

Successful completion of the 2-Day skills test is a mandatory element of the CISRS scheme. This is regardless of whether the trainee has previously achieved their VQ via another route e.g. OSAT. A CISRS card will not be issued to those who fail to successfully complete the 2-Day skills test. If a candidate fails the skills test, they must re-sit at a later date after gaining sufficient experience.

Upon successful completion of the CISRS advanced scaffolder course, NVQ Level 3/SCQF Level 6, CISRS 2-Day Skills Test and CITB HS&E Test (or a recognised exemption), the operative will receive their CISRS Advanced Scaffolder Card.

The operative can now be deemed to be an advanced scaffolder. CISRS Advanced Cards are valid for 5 years.

Key Components:

• Duration: 10 days
• Content:

The 2-week advanced course will cover the following elements:

• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• 1⁄2 Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12811 and TG20) & Management of Temporary Works (BS5975)
• Tubular drop scaffold from steelwork (theory and practical)
• Cantilever drop scaffold (theory and practical)
• 2 Chord Raking shore (theory and practical)
• 3 Chord Raking shore (theory and practical)
• Dead shore (theory and practical)
• Flying shore(theory)
• Temporary roof scaffold (theory and practical)
• Stairways (theory and practical)
• Ramps (theory and practical)
• Advanced Scaffold Inspection (theory and practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Risk Assessment (theory and practical)
• Method Statements (theory and practical)
• Communication Skills Tool Box Talks (theory and practical)
• Testing of Ties (TG4)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test

Upon qualification at Advanced Scaffolder level the operative will be able to interpret complex design drawings.

The operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffolds safely and in their correct sequence.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of the CISRS Part 2 course.
• NVQ Level 2 in scaffolding.
• A minimum of 12 months of on-site experience since completing Part 2.
• A valid CISRS Scaffolder Card.

Certification: Upon successful completion, candidates receive the CISRS Advanced Scaffolder Card. They must also complete the NVQ Level 3 assessment to fully qualify.

Career Prospects: Advanced Scaffolders are qualified to undertake and supervise the most complex scaffolding projects. They often assume roles such as site supervisors, foremen, or scaffolding inspectors.

CISRS accredited scaffold courses—Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced—provide a structured and comprehensive training pathway for scaffolders, from foundational skills to advanced expertise. Each course is designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge, practical skills, and certifications to advance their careers in the scaffolding industry. Whether you are starting out or looking to elevate your skills, CISRS courses offer the training needed to achieve professional excellence and ensure safety in the workplace; contact us today Phone: 0115 979 4523 or Email: safe@safetyaccess.co.uk to book a course or visit our website https://safetyaccess.co.uk/product-category/training-courses/cisrs-training-courses/.

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