7 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 262 - December 2025 | January 2026 INDUSTRY / NEWS The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA), in partnership with the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS), has officially launched the SICCS Commercial Signage Installer – Provisional Card. The SICCS is the Shopfitting and Interior Contracting Competence Scheme (SICCS) and is managed by NAS, a member of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Alliance Partnership, making NAS the only licensed CSCS partner authorised to issue the new card. The digital-only SICCS card provides operatives in the signage and shopfitting sectors with safe, compliant site access while they work towards a full qualification, aiming to support professional development and building confidence on site. In addition, the card gives site managers a structured way to assess skills and competence against a recognised, fit for purpose framework, helping to ensure that operatives are both technically capable and professionally recognised. Speking of its launch, Linda Edwards, managing director of the BSGA, says: “This digital-only credential provides installers within the signage and shopfitting sectors safe, compliant site access whilst individuals work towards a full qualification. More than just a site access tool, it anchors an individual’s professional growth, supports stakeholder confidence on site, and provides site management with a clear, structured pathway to assess skills and competence against a recognised, fit-for-purpose framework.” Following the announcement, Edwards spoke exclusively to SignLink, in order to outline the benefits and goals of the new provisional card: Why does this matter for the signage industry? Historically, signage installers could gain a CSCS card through NVQ Level 2 units in sign-making, with separate categories for illuminated and non-illuminated sign installers. Whilst many operatives have benefited from this route, completing these qualifications has become increasingly challenging due to practical and resource constraints. The new provisional SICCS card addresses this, offering an accessible, structured pathway to verified competence and continued professional development, ensuring operatives maintain uninterrupted site access and formal recognition of their skills. Can you tell us why the BSGA partnered with NAS rather than issuing a CSCS-branded card independently? The answer lies in practicality and industry alignment. NAS, as a licensed partner within the CSCS Alliance Partnership, provides the established governance, frameworks, and validation systems that ensure the card is fully compliant, accepted on site, and recognised nationally. The SICCS scheme is managed exclusively by NAS. All SICCS cards are digital, carry the CSCS logo, and are validated on site via the Smart Checker system, giving operatives, site management, and industry stakeholders confidence in individuals’ verified competence and safety standards. Additionally it establishes the foundation for the full SICCS / CSCS Experience Commercial Signage Installer (blue card), due for development over the next 18 months. What do you have to do to receive a card? To secure a provisional card, applicants must complete the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) Operative level test within the last three years. They must also hold a recognised health and safety qualification (RQF Level 1 or SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate). Non BSGA or NAS members are required to complete a professional discussion with the BSGA within three months of card issue. The card is valid for 18 months (non-renewable), with a card fee of £30 excluding VAT. Professional discussion can potentially reduce that to £25 excluding VAT as a one-off. BSGA discusses new SICCS card scheme By Jonathan Pert [Pictured] Linda Edwards, managing director of BSGA, spoke to SignLink about the new scheme The new SICCS card, which is valid for 18 months, requires you to hold a recognised health and safety qualification SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink
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