The TICA Skill Card is your proof of skill and passport to site. 

It provides recognised evidence that you are qualified, trained, and competent to work safely within the thermal insulation industry. 

Issued under the CSCS logo, the card is recognised across the UK and accepted by contractors as evidence of competence. 

Following wider changes across construction, including the Building Safety Act, proving competence is now essential. 

The TICA Skill Card provides a clear, trusted way to demonstrate that you: 

• Meet industry standards 
• Hold the correct qualifications and safety training
• Are fit for the job and ready to work on site 

Applying for a TICA Skill Card is quick and straightforward: 

• Fully online application 
• Upload proof of qualifications and safety certificates 
• Applications processed within 10 working days 
• Cards issued directly to your home address 

Postal applications are no longer accepted. 

👉 Apply for your TICA Skill Card here

To apply for any TICA Skill Card, you must hold valid qualifications and safety training. 

Mandatory for all cards: 

• Asbestos Awareness (issued within the last 2 years)

   

• One of the following safety qualifications:
  ○ A current CCNSG Safety Passport
  ○ CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test (Operatives) within the last 2 years
  ○ MIST (Offshore Oil & Gas) within the last 4 years 

TICA offers Asbestos Awareness e-learning for operatives who need to complete or refresh this requirement. 

Yes. TICA Skill Cards are available as: 

• Digital (smartphone) card – £26 (inc. VAT) 
• Physical card – £36 (inc. VAT), which includes a free digital version 

Both formats are equally recognised on site. 
All prices are subject to change. 

The route depends on how you have gained your skills:

• Apprentices complete the 4 year onsite apprenticeship.

• Experienced operatives or NVQ holders may complete a Practical Skills Assessment (PSA), previously known as the TICA Competency Assessment.

TICA does not deliver NVQs. The Practical Skills Assessment is used to confirm practical competence where required for the relevant Skill Card route.

If you have industry experience but have not completed an apprenticeship, you may be eligible to apply through the TICA Accreditation route. 
 
As part of this route, you may be required to complete the Practical Skills Assessment (PSA). The PSA is a hands on assessment that confirms your practical ability and safe working practices against current industry standards. 

You can find full details about the Accreditation route and eligibility criteria on the TICA Accreditation page. 

In some cases, yes. 

If your NVQ was completed outside a current apprenticeship standard, a Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) may be required to ensure your skills align with modern expectations. 

You should apply for the Trainee Worker Card until you meet the 4 year onsite experience requirement.

Once eligible, you can apply for the Blue Skilled Worker Card.

No.

The Trainee Worker Card is valid for 4 years and is non renewable.

You will not be eligible to progress to the Blue Skilled Worker Card until all qualification and experience requirements are met.

You may need to reapply once eligible.

Acceptable evidence includes:

• A signed letter or statement from a current or previous employer confirming your onsite experience

• Records linked to a valid CSCS or Green Labourer Card

Most major contractors accept digital CSCS-logo cards. 

However, some sites may still prefer a physical card, which is why both options are available. 

You are responsible for keeping your card valid. If your card expires, you may be refused site access until it is renewed. 

Yes. An employer can apply on behalf of an individual. 

However, the Skill Card will be issued in the individual’s name and sent directly to their home address and registered email. 

Errors should be reported as soon as possible. Corrections can usually be made if notified promptly. 

Your TICA Skill Card belongs to you, not your employer. It remains valid regardless of who you work for, as long as it is in date. 

No. Your job title is whatever your employer uses. 

Some qualification frameworks use terms like Operative (Level 2) and Technician (Level 3), but this does not change your job title or status. The card simply reflects your verified level of competence. 

Union signatories have been consulted and involved throughout the development of industry competence requirements and card pathways. 

If you are a union member, you can also speak to your union representative for further guidance. 

Yes. Asbestos Awareness is mandatory for TICA Skill Card applications and must be issued within the last 2 years. 

This training is about recognising and avoiding risk, not working with asbestos. 

These certificates are not required to obtain a TICA Skill Card. 

However, valid copies can be added to your card record if needed for site access. To request this, email a copy of the certificate to the Skill Card team, clearly stating your Skill Card number in the email. The team will confirm once the certificates have been added to your record.  

SSSTS is a course and qualification, not a touchscreen test. It is delivered by approved training providers. 

Your employer will usually arrange this, or you can choose a recognised provider directly. 
 
Visit the CITB website for more information – Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) course – CITB 

Not usually, provided your SSSTS certificate has at least 6 months validity remaining at the time of application. 

Applications are processed within 10 working days, provided all documents are submitted correctly. 

Applications must be completed within 90 days. If an application remains incomplete after this time, an additional fee may apply. 

No. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

No. 

You are not required to complete a higher-level qualification unless you are progressing to a role or card level that specifically requires it. The system recognises competence using EPA or PSA where needed. 

No. The system is designed to recognise competence clearly, not undermine experience. 

Any additional assessment is about consistency, safety, and protecting operatives, employers, and sites. 

Standards are set collaboratively by industry bodies, employers, unions, and standards-setting organisations, not by TICA alone. 

This ensures consistency across all qualification routes.

Apprentices have always been required to complete 4 years of onsite experience before progressing to the Blue Skilled Worker or Gold Advanced Craft Card. The same standard now applies to all applicants.

The requirement to verify onsite experience applies to all applicants to ensure a consistent, auditable standard of competence.

This approach is being implemented across the wider construction industry following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the introduction of the Building Safety Act. There is now a much stronger focus on formally demonstrating competence, not simply relying on time served.

If you have not previously held a CSCS card, you can still meet the requirement by providing a signed statement from a current or previous employer confirming your work history and onsite experience.

Yes. Fire Safety is being introduced across the sector as part of the continued focus on competence and building safety. 

Where Fire Safety becomes mandatory for card types, this will be clearly communicated in advance, including what is required and when it applies. 

Yes. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will become a requirement to support ongoing competence and card renewal. 

CPD has not yet been introduced, but a phased introduction is planned. Clear guidance will be issued before CPD becomes mandatory.