Your Questions on Security, CSCS and APLH

With this week’s FAQ blog series, we’re here to help with your top questions. Not only about the SIA Licence, but we’re also covering important bits on CSCS and CITB. We aim to clear any confusion and answer your most pressing queries straightforwardly. It’s all about making things more straightforward and simpler for you in security and construction. So, let’s get to it and tackle those questions one by one!

Q1: What kind of process do I have to do to get a CSCS card?

Answer: To get a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose the right CSCS green card course for your occupation or job role.
• Complete the relevant health and safety course or qualification required for that card.
• Book and pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test (commonly known as the CSCS test).
• Apply for your CSCS card online through their website or by post/mail.
• Pay the application fee and provide all necessary documentation, including proof of qualifications and identity.
• They will review your application, and your CSCS card will be issued if approved.

Note: Some occupations may require additional certifications specific to their industry.

For more detailed information on getting a CSCS card and to apply online, visit the official CSCS website. You can get your CSCS course done through Get Licensed as well. 

Q2. Are the APLH and PEAT the same course? If not, do you need both to run a pub?

Answer: The APLH (Award for Personal Licence Holders) and PEAT (Personal Licence Holder’s Accredited Training) are not the same course. However, both are required to run a pub in the United Kingdom.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. APLH: The APLH is a qualification that individuals must obtain to apply for a personal licence to sell alcohol at licensed premises. It covers legal responsibilities, licencing objectives, key regulations, and best practices related to selling alcohol.

2. PEAT: The PEAT course is specific training designed for those already holding an APLH or SCPLH (Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders). It focuses on practical aspects of managing licensed premises, such as age verification, dealing with conflict situations, and understanding social responsibility.

To summarise:

• You must complete the APLH course and pass its exam to obtain a personal licence.
• Once you have the personal licence, you can take the additional PEAT training to run a pub or manage licensed premises effectively.

For more information about these courses and their requirements, I suggest visiting the Get Licensed website or downloading the GuardPass app, which provides access to relevant training materials and course dates.

Q3: Hi, how are you? I’m coming next month to the UK. Can you guide me about construction company names because I have 20 years of experience in the civil work construction field?

Answer: I can certainly help you with construction company name suggestions based on your experience in the civil work construction field. Here are a few tips and ideas:

1. Keep it professional: Choose a reputable and trustworthy name.

2. Reflect on your expertise: Consider incorporating terms related to civil engineering or construction in the name.

3. Highlight specialisation: If there is a specific aspect of civil work construction that you excel in (e.g., roadworks, bridges), consider including it in the name.

4. Local touch: Incorporate your location or region into the company name to emphasise your local presence.

Some example names for inspiration:

– ProConstruct Ltd

– Precision Builders

– Prime Civil Engineers

– CivilWorks Construction

– Expert Infrastructure Solutions

– Cornerstone Construction Services

Remember to check for availability and trademark conflicts before finalising any business name.

Q4: I really wish to be a first-aider

Answer: Becoming a first-aider is a valuable skill that can make a difference in emergencies. Here’s how you can become a qualified first-aider:

1. Find an accredited training provider: Look into the Get Licence Health category and select first aid courses such as the First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).

2. Choose the right course: Depending on your needs and requirements, select the appropriate level of training. EFAW is typically suitable for most workplaces, while FAW provides more comprehensive training.

3. Attend the course: Enrol in the chosen course and attend all required sessions to learn essential first aid skills, including CPR, dealing with bleeding, burns, fractures, and other common medical emergencies.

4. Pass assessment: Complete any practical assessments or exams associated with the course to demonstrate competency in providing first aid.

5. Certification: Upon completing the course, you will receive a certification valid for a specific period (usually three years). Make sure to keep it updated by attending refresher courses before expiration.

Remember that maintaining your knowledge and skills through regular refreshers is crucial for staying up-to-date with best practices in first aid.

For more information about available first-aid courses near you and upcoming dates, I suggest visiting our first-aid course page.

Q5: One question, sir, is there any tips or advice for a new Door Supervisor? I’ve never been on a door as I’m a full-time university student going to start working part-time soon in security. 

Answer: Hey, Che-Vaugn, that’s great to hear! We have numerous interviews with experienced door supervisors on our YouTube channel. But our main advice is to be confident and understanding (especially if people have had a drink) and communicate! Best of luck, you’ll smash it! 

Here are some more tips and advice for a new door supervisor:

1. Training and Licencing:

– Complete the necessary Door Supervisor training course and obtain your SIA badge. 

• This will equip you with essential knowledge of laws, regulations, conflict management techniques, and duties of a door supervisor.

2. Familiarise Yourself with Venue Policies:

• Understand the specific policies and procedures of your work venue.
• Know the entry requirements, dress code, ID verification procedures, and other rules.

3. Professionalism and Customer Service:

• Maintain a professional demeanour at all times.
• Provide excellent customer service by being polite, approachable, and attentive to patrons’ needs while maintaining security protocols.

4. Conflict Resolution Skills:

• Develop practical communication skills to defuse conflicts calmly.
• Use negotiation techniques rather than physical force whenever possible.

5. Observation Skills:

• Be vigilant in observing people’s behaviour within your designated area. 
• Look for signs of potential trouble or individuals who may pose a safety risk.

6. Teamwork with Colleagues:

• Coordinate effectively with other security staff members on-site.
• Communicate incidents or relevant information promptly to ensure everyone knows of potential risks or concerns.

7. Continual Learning: 

• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and changes in legislation related to door supervision through continuous learning opportunities such as refresher courses or online resources.

8. Personal Safety Precautions: 

• Prioritise your safety by being aware of emergency exit locations, having access to appropriate protective equipment (if required), maintaining good physical fitness levels, and promptly reporting any health & safety concerns.

Remember that experience will help you further develop your skills as a door supervisor over time. Stay proactive in learning from your experiences and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues or mentors in the industry. Good luck with your door supervision career!

Q6: Hi, I’m having trouble uploading my ID on the Get Licensed website to write the level 1 HSE test for my green card. Any solutions? Thank you!

Answer: This might be happening due to a technical issue. Please clear the cache off the app. If this does not help, please uninstall and reinstall the app. Attempting to clear the cache should resolve the issue.

Q7: It’s very similar to the CITB test. Why should I repeat this?

Answer: Let me help you understand the difference between CITB and CSCS. The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) test and the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card are closely related but serve different purposes:

1. CITB Test (also known as the Health, Safety and Environment Test): 

• It’s a prerequisite for obtaining many types of CSCS cards.
• The test ensures that workers understand health, safety, and environmental matters relevant to their work.
• CSCS is a test that individuals must pass to demonstrate their knowledge of health and safety requirements on a construction site.

2. CSCS Card: 

• Once an individual passes the CITB test, they can apply for a CSCS card.
• The CSCS card is a physical card that proves that the worker has the required training and qualifications for their work on construction sites.
• Different coloured CSCS cards represent different levels of experience, qualifications, and types of job roles in the construction industry.

In summary, the CITB test is necessary to obtain a CSCS card, showing employers that the cardholder has the knowledge and training to work safely on a construction site.

Q8: Hi mate, where do you find the qualification and institute for the HS&E awareness test?

Answer: To find the qualification and institute for the HS&E (Health, Safety & Environment) awareness test, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of CITB.

2. Navigate to their “HS&E Test” section or search for “HS&E test” on their website.

3. Look for information about the required qualifications and approved training providers that offer preparation courses for the HS&E test.

4. CITB’s Health, Safety & Environment Test is often a prerequisite for obtaining CSCS cards in various construction-related occupations, so you may also refer to CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) resources as they provide guidance on qualifications and training requirements related to health and safety in construction.

Choosing an accredited training provider recognised by CITB or other relevant industry bodies is essential when preparing for the HS&E awareness test. They will typically offer courses designed to help you pass this exam successfully.

Q9: How do I pass the exam question for CITB?

Answer: To improve your chances of passing the CITB exam, here are some tips:

1. Study the material: Familiarise yourself with the content covered in the exam by studying relevant resources such as textbooks, training materials, or online resources.

2. Take practice tests: Use mock exams and practice questions to get a feel for the types of questions and to assess your knowledge gaps. This can help you identify areas that require further study.

3. Understand question formats: Pay attention to the type of questions (e.g., multiple-choice, true/false) and understand how to solve them.  

4. Time management: During the exam, manage your time effectively by allocating appropriate amounts of time to each question or section. Take your time with difficult questions; instead, move on and come back if there’s time left at the end.

5. Read carefully: Read each question carefully before selecting an answer option to ensure you fully understand what is being asked.

6. Elimination strategy: If you’re unsure about an answer, use process-of-elimination techniques to rule out incorrect options and increase your chances of selecting the correct one.

7. Stay calm and focused: Maintain a calm mindset during the exam to avoid unnecessary stress or panic hindering your thinking process.

Remember that preparation is key when it comes to passing any exam successfully. Make sure you have thoroughly studied all relevant materials before attempting it.

Q10: I failed my PI. Would I have to resit if I downgrade to a grade from the door supervisor?

Answer: If you failed your PI (Physical Intervention) assessment while attempting to qualify for a higher grade, and you wish to downgrade to a lower grade, such as Security Guard, you will likely have to resit the relevant training and assessments specific to the security guard qualification. 

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact your training provider: Contact the organisation or training provider who conducted your original PI assessment and explain your situation.

2. Inquire about downgrading options: Ask them if an option is available for you to transfer or downgrade your qualification from a higher grade, i.e. Door Supervisor, to a lower grade, like Security Guard.

3. Follow their guidance: The training provider will provide information on any additional requirements, fees, or courses that may be necessary for you to obtain the Security Guard qualification.

Need More Clarity?  

Please feel free to reach out if you need clarification or have any questions. We’re always here to help. You can contact us directly at:

Email: http://we.care@get-licensed.co.uk. 

Our dedicated team members are well-equipped to assist you with any concerns or provide more insights into the security industry and its qualifications.

For further assistance or more detailed guidance on transferring qualifications within the security industry of the UK, I recommend contacting Get Licensed customer service.

In Conclusion 

I hope this week’s FAQ blog has helped you gain knowledge and understanding. We look forward to resolving any further confusion you might have related to the security industry, CITB, CSCS, or any other licence. Furthermore, you can utilise the fantastic AIBot, which we have trained to curate your security-related questions.