A new provisional card offers commercial signage installers safe site access and a clear pathway to full qualification.
The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA), in partnership with the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS), has launched the new SICCS Commercial Signage Installer – Provisional Card to help signage professionals gain safe, compliant site access while working towards a full qualification.
Designed to make life easier for installers, the new digital-only card gives operatives in the signage and shopfitting sectors verified site access and supports their professional development on the job. It also gives site managers a structured way to assess skills and competence against a recognised, fit-for-purpose framework, helping to ensure that installers are both technically capable and professionally recognised.
Historically, sign installers were able to gain a CSCS card through NVQ Level 2 units in signmaking, with separate categories for illuminated and non-illuminated installations. But as standards have evolved, so too has the need for a modern route to verified competence. The new Provisional SICCS Card bridges that gap, offering uninterrupted site access while skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours are assessed against national benchmarks.
Linda Edwards, managing director at the BSGA, said: “This new card is an important step forward for our industry. It ensures that installers who are actively working on site can do so safely and compliantly while continuing to build their qualifications. It also gives employers and site managers confidence that the people they’re bringing onto site are progressing within a recognised framework. The BSGA is proud to be working closely with NAS on a solution that supports both professionalism and opportunity across the signage sector.”
Amanda Scott, UK Skills Lead at NAS, added: “The BSGA has shown great leadership in driving change for their membership and sector. I look forward to the next 18 months of joint development work as we ensure our installers are safe, competent, and professionally recognised.”
The SICCS Card Scheme is managed by NAS, a member of the CSCS Alliance Partnership, and the only licensed CSCS partner authorised to issue this card. Each digital-only card bears the CSCS logo and can be verified on site through the Smart Checker system.
This new route provides a practical solution for commercial signage operatives who previously couldn’t access sites using green CSCS cards, which are reserved for general labourers. While the full SICCS / CSCS Experienced Commercial Signage Installer (Blue Card) is being developed over the next 18 months, the Provisional Card ensures continuity for those already working in the industry.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet three criteria:
- CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Operative-level test within the last three years of the date of application.
- Recognised Health and Safety qualification: RQF Level 1 or SCQF Level 4 Award, or SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate.
- Non-BSGA/NAS members must complete a professional discussion with the BSGA within three months of card issue.
Additional details:
- Valid for 18 months (non-renewable)
- Card cost: £30 + VAT
- Professional discussion: £25 + VAT (one-off)
Next steps
If you work in shopfitting, interior contracting, or commercial signage, a valid competency card is mandatory for site access. Check your eligibility and apply for your Provisional SICCS Card today at shopfitters.org/siccs, or contact a member of the BSGA team at ask@uksigns.org for more information.
With this initiative, the BSGA and NAS are reaffirming their shared commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and ensuring that signage professionals receive the recognition they deserve.