The TICA Governing Council has agreed a temporary reduction in the verifiable work experience required to apply for the accreditation route. Previously, applicants needed 20 years of verifiable work experience that commenced before 1998. Now, TICA will accept applications from those who can provide evidence of 5 years of verifiable work experience that began before January 2020. This temporary change is set to expire in December 2026, depending on demand. Insulators with verifiable work experience after January 2020 must follow the apprenticeship or NVQ qualification routes to competence already established, details can be found here 

This decision aims to support the Thermal Insulation industry by reducing the number of those working under a green card (or without a card) and supporting them to acquire the correct qualification and TICA skills card. Evidence of competence via the CSCS card scheme is becoming increasingly important across the Construction industry and holds relevance to those individuals and contractors working under the Building Safety Act.  

This route allows individuals without a formal qualification to have their skills and competence recognised at the appropriate level and gain a recognised qualification and TICA skill card. 

Strict eligibility criteria remain in place for the accreditation qualification route. The TICA Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) will provide a recognised qualification to be eligible to apply for the relevant TICA skill card. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Verifiable proof of a minimum of 5 years of continuous experience working as a thermal insulator commenced before January 2020. 

• Evidence of CSCS Green labourers’ card prior to 2020 

• Evidence of experience in installing a variety of insulation materials, coverings (including preformed metal cladding), and specifications. 

• Level 3 applicants must also provide evidence of their metal fabrication experience. 

*Please note that any candidates without proof of a Green card prior to January 2020 would need to provide 20 years verifiable work history within Thermal Insulation prior to 1998.* 

The information provided by candidates during the application process will be thoroughly scrutinised, and references will be rigorously checked. Qualification completion certificates for the PSA will be awarded by IETTL following both internal and external verification of the assessment evidence.  

The 2 day Practical Skills Assessment is held in Darlington at the National Training Centre and can be arranged by downloading, completing and returning this form.