The COTS course Includes:

• Relevant Regulations and Codes of Practice
• General Responsibilities
• Basic Scaffold Terminology (Components & Application)
• Servicing of Equipment, Tube, Fittings, Boards & Stock
• Quality Control
• Health, Welfare, Hygiene & Housekeeping.
• Electrical Safety
• Fire Prevention & Control
• Noise & Vibration
• Work at Height
• Accident Prevention & Reporting
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Site Transport Safety (Including Loading & Unloading)
• Equipment & Tools
• Manual Handling (Including a practical element)
• Lifting Equipment Using a Rope & Wheel
• Questions/Test Paper

If an operative is expected to erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding, they will need to hold a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder, Scaffolder or Trainee Card.
All prospective Scaffolding Labourers must have completed the COTS course and have passed a CITB HS&E Test (or hold a recognised exemption) within the previous 2 years of the course date in order to apply for a CISRS Scaffolding Labourer Card.
CISRS Scaffolding Labourer Cards are valid for 5 years.

This course is designed to bring operatives up to date with current standards. Alongside a re-cap on Part 2 training, delegates will receive updates on TG20 and SG4 and will cover subjects such as Mental Health Awareness, Anchor Ties, Design Appreciation, Vehicle Safety, Manual Handling, Temporary Edge Protection, System Product updates, PPE, Protection of the Public and Impact Wrenches. All delegates will have this training endorsed onto their renewed CISRS cards. Health, Safety & Behavioural Test The scaffold specific test papers consist of 12 Behavioural Questions and 38 Knowledge Questions. Revision Booklets will be available from Training Centres at the time of booking CPD courses. If this test is passed, the delegate will not need to pass an additional CITB HS&E Test to renew. However, if this test is not passed, delegates will be required to submit evidence of a CITB HS&E Test taken within 2 years or a recognised exemption to CISRS to have their card issued. Scaffold Inspection Module This module covers the Role of the Inspector, Statutory Inspections in Practice, Work at Height Regulations, Tagging, Handover Certificates and includes a practical and written test. This module is card specific and if passed, will result with either a Basic Scaffold Inspection or Advanced Scaffold Inspection endorsement being added to the renewed CISRS card. Alloy Tower Module This module covers Alloy Tower components, Assembly/Moving/Dismantling of Towers, Types of Towers, Hazards and Inspection and concludes with a written and practical test. If the module is passed, renewed cards will be endorsed with CISRS Alloy Tower training.

To attend this course, delegates must have held a CISRS Labourer or CISRS Trainee scaffolders card for a minimum of 3 months. 

CISRS Part 1 Course Content – Tube and Fitting
The 2-week (Monday-Friday consecutive weeks) Part 1 course will cover the following elements:
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• ½ Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12810/11 and TG20) tube and fittings courses.
• General Scaffolding Awareness
• Stability, Ties and Anchors (including TG4)
• Manual Handling Techniques
• Foundations & Ground Conditions
• Methods of Access
• Gin wheels, ropes, knots & hitches
• Interpretation of drawings
• Independent Tied Scaffold (theory & practical)
• Putlog Scaffold (theory and practical) tube and fitting courses
• Static Tower Scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Birdcage scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Alterations to scaffolds (e.g changing a lift height)
• TG20 Stair Access (theory & practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Scaffold Inspection (theory)

The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffold structures safely and in their correct sequence whilst under direct supervision.

To attend this course, delegates must have attended and passed a CISRS Part 1 course a minimum of 6 months before attending this course. 

CISRS Part 2 Course Content – Tube and Fitting
The 2-week (Monday-Friday consecutive weeks) Part 2 course will cover the following elements:
• Centre Induction and completion by delegates of Training Terms and Conditions Form
• Health and Safety Awareness
• Mental Awareness
• ½ Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12811 and TG20) and Management of Temporary Works (BS5975)
• Basic Independent Tied Scaffold (theory and practical)
• Bridging with prefabricated beams (theory and practical)
• Protection Fans (theory and practical)
• Truss-out Scaffold (theory and practical)
• Pavement Gantry (theory and practical)
• Loading Bay (theory and practical)
• Roof saddle scaffold (theory and practical)
• Splay Scaffold (circular or radial) (theory and practical)
• Edge Protection (theory and practical)
• TG4 Tie testing (theory and practical)
• Basic Scaffold Inspection (theory and practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Alterations (e.g. removing standards from a structure)
• 50 Question Test Paper (plus a 25-question mock at the end of the first week)
• Practical Test
The trainee operative will be able to interpret scaffold drawings.
The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffolds safely and in their correct sequence whilst under direct supervision. Awareness

The is the final mandatory element of the CISRS scheme to achieve a CISRS Scaffolder card.

To attend this course, delegates must have attended and passed a CISRS Part 2 course a minimum of 6 months before attending this course and passed their Level 2 NVQ Accessing Operations & Rigging – Scaffolder.

The 1-day Skills Test can be completed in either Tube & Fitting or System Scaffolding.

To attend this course, delegates must have held a CISRS Labourer or CISRS Trainee scaffolders card for a minimum of 6 months. 

CISRS Part 1 Course Content – Tube and Fitting
The 2-week (Monday-Friday consecutive weeks) Part 1 course will cover the following elements:
•CISRS Part 1 Course Content – System Scaffolding
The 2-week Part 1 course will cover the following elements:

• Health & Safety Awareness
• Mental Health Awareness
• ½ Day Fall Prevention Training (SG4)
• Performance Standards (BS EN 12810/11 and Manufacturers’ Instructions)
system scaffold courses.
• General Scaffolding Awareness
• Stability, Ties and Anchors (including TG4)
• Manual Handling Techniques
• Foundations & Ground Conditions
• Methods of Access
• Gin wheels, ropes, knots & hitches
• Interpretation of drawings
• Independent Tied Scaffold (theory & practical)
• Static Tower Scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Birdcage scaffolds (theory & practical)
• Tube and fitting appreciation (theory and practical stability measures e.g
raking tubes, ties) system scaffold courses
• Alterations to scaffolds (e.g hop-up bracket movement) system scaffold
courses
• Alterations to scaffolds (e.g changing a lift height)
• TG20 Stair Access (theory & practical)
• Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders (MATS)
• Scaffold Inspection Theory

The trainee operative will be able, as a member of a team, to erect, alter and dismantle the above scaffold structures safely and in their correct sequence under direct supervision.

The 2-Day System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) provides structured training in system scaffold products for operatives who had previously only received training in tube and fittings. The scheme provides scaffolders with the skills and knowledge required for the safe use of the system scaffold product, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

These courses are only available to operatives who have completed a minimum of CISRS Part 1 training. Trainee card holders may use the system scaffold product they have been trained in, but only under the direct supervision of a CISRS Scaffolder/Advanced Scaffolder who also holds the relevant system scaffold product endorsement.

Operatives who successfully complete the SSPTS course will have their CISRS card endorsed with the system scaffold product in which they have received training.  SSPTS courses are available in a number of pre-approved system scaffold products.  Richmond Bright can deliver SSPTS Plettac Metrix, Plettac Contur, Layher, Haki, Cuplok and Kwikstage.

CISRS system scaffold products are placed into categories of similar type. If an operative wishes to use a system scaffold product within the same category the employer will be required to ensure that all relevant product information is passed onto the operative and that the operative is made aware of any differences in product capability, erection procedure, tie patterns etc.

The CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection is aimed at anyone who is responsible for carrying out statutory scaffold inspections on basic scaffolding structures in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and scaffolders wishing to expand their knowledge of scaffold inspection. Delegates may include employees from outside of the scaffolding industry such as Site Managers and Agents, Site Engineers, Health and Safety Professionals etc. These delegates will need to submit a CV to Richmond Bright to confirm a minimum of 2 years of experience in the role. The
course will cover basic scaffolding structures and the fundamental requirements for safe and legally compliant scaffolding.  
The Basic SITS course will include the following:
• Initial Practical Inspection Session
• Relevant Legislation
• Relevant Industry technical and Safety guidance
• Identification of Scaffold components
• Correct Erection procedure
• Fault finding
• Practical Inspection and Report Writing Assessment
• Theory test
The delegate is required to successfully complete the Practical Inspection and Report Writing Assessment as well as the Theory test in order to pass the course.

Delegates who wish to attend the course must provide evidence of  passing a Health, Safety & Environmental Operative’s Test within the last 2 years or provide evidence of an acceptable exemption.  Please see the section below for acceptable exemptions.

The Scaffolding Management & Supervisory course is aimed at personnel providing first line supervision for scaffolding contractors (i.e Contract Managers, Supervisors, Foremen and non-working Charge Hands).

The course content includes:

Health and Safety
• Legal Overview – Health & Safety Law
• Health and Safety Management
• HSE ACOP’s and Guidance Performance Standards
• British and European Standards
• NASC Safety and Technical Guidance
• Design Engineering Appreciation

Employment Basics
• Legal Overview – Employment Law
• Recruitment
• Discipline and Grievance
• Managing Absence
• Managing Conflict and Resolution Supervisory Skills
• Planning and Organisation
• Materials and Logistics
• Competence and Allocating Duties
• Effective Supervision
• Commissioning and Handover
• Statutory Scaffold Inspections and Inspection Practices
• Effective Communication (including basic presentation skill, briefings and toolbox talks)
• Meeting Skills
• Customer Relations

Commercial Essentials
• NASC Commercial Guidance
• Sales, Estimating and Surveying
• Contracts Awareness
• Managing Variations
• Valuations and Payment
• Payment Disputes and Remedies

Please note when applying for CISRS Supervisor Cards only CITB Supervisors HS&E Test or Supervisory and Management level exemptions
are accepted e.g. CCNSG Supervisor, SSSTS, SMSTS, NEBOSH, IOSH Managing/Directing Safely.  All must have been taken within the previous two years.

This course is aimed at anyone who uses scaffolding as part of their work or has responsibilities for managing site scaffolding operations.

It will provide attendees with a greater understanding and appreciation of the potential dangers of working at height on scaffolds and enable them to identify the core components of a safe scaffold.

This course will also provide the delegate with an insight into scaffold best practice and what they should expect from their scaffold contractor.

It will not provide the delegate with any knowledge relating to scaffold inspection.

Delegates will be issued with a CISRS Scaffolding Awareness certificate upon successful completion of the course. 

This course does not have a CISRS card associated with it.

This course is held over 5 consecutive working days (Monday to Friday) and provides accredited training for non-scaffolders who erect, alter and dismantle very basic and routine scaffolding structures using a specific system scaffold product.

BASE card holders are only permitted to construct simple system scaffold structures with the product used when completing their CISRS BASE Training.  These structures must not exceed a maximum height of 6m and must not be in an environment with a general public interface. Any works outside of these parameters should be carried out by a CISRS Scaffolder or CISRS Advanced Scaffolder depending upon the scope of the work.

A Basic Access Systems Erector is not a qualified scaffolder and as such is prohibited from carrying out any scaffolding operations outside the limitations of their training course.  Upon successful completion of the training the operative will be issued with a
BASE completion certificate and will receive a CISRS BASE Card in the specific system scaffold product they have been trained in.

• You must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to a good level. Please contact us if you have any concerns in this area, as assistance may be available. 
• You will need to provide a valid ID on the first day of the course, such as a copy of your passport or driving licence. 
• If you do not meet the entry requirements for the course you have booked, unfortunately you are not eligible to attend.  Your booking will be cancelled and a refund may not be provided if we are unable to reassign the course place.
• Please see the tab below for Health, Safety & Environmental test requirements or acceptable exemptions.

Health, Safety & Environmental Test & exemptions:

• CISRS do accept some other industry recognised Health and Safety qualifications
  as an exemption to the CITB HS&E Test.  Please refer to CISRS-CAP609-Information-Booklet-Feb-24-v5-AR-for-web.pdf for the latest exemptions. Those listed below must be completed
  within 2 years of the date of application.
  • Completion of CISRS Recognised Scaffolding Apprenticeship Induction (Initial
  Trainee card only)
  • IOSH Working Safely/IOSH Managing Safely/IOSH Directing Safely
  • FAS Safe Pass
  • NEBOSH (General/Construction/International/) H&S Certificate
  • SMSTS Certificate
  • SSSTS Certificate
  • CISRS Scaffolder Refresher Course (from June 2017)
• Other recognised exemptions
  • Current CCNSG Safety Passport (SCATS)
  • Current CCNSG Safety Passport Supervisor (SCATS)
  • Current MIST/BOSIET/OPITO Approved Offshore Certificate
  For these exemptions to apply a copy of the certificate and a passport-size colour
  photograph must be attached to the application form.
• Please note when applying for CISRS Supervisor Cards only CITB Supervisors HS&E Test or Supervisory and Management level exemptions
  are accepted e.g. CCNSG Supervisor, SSSTS, SMSTS, NEBOSH, IOSH Managing/Directing Safely.

Prices are per delegate and exclude VAT.  

CISRS COTS (Labourers) – £175

CISRS CPD Refresher – £395

CISRS Part 1 T&F or System – £1,195 

CISRS Part 2 – £1,195

CISRS 1-day Assessment – £325

CISRS SSPTS – £375

CISRS BASE – £750

CISRS Scaffold Awareness – £180

CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection – £575.00

CISRS Supervisor – £795.00

CISRS Supervisor Refresher – £395.00

If no dates are listed below that meet your requirements or you require a course at your company’s premises, please give us a call on 0330 9121414 to discuss.

CISRS COTS

1 April 2025

6 May 2025

3 June 2025

CISRS CPD Refresher

6-7 March 2025

3-4 April 2025

1-2 May 2025

5-6 June 2025

CISRS Part 1 T&F

6-16 May 2025

7-18 July 2025

CISRS Part 2 T&F

7-17 April 2025

2-13 June 2025

CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection Course (BSITS)

7-9 April 2025

7-9 July 2025

6-8 October 2025

CISRS Scaffolding Management & Supervisory Course

30 April, 7, 14, 21, 28 May 2025

Scaffold Awareness Course

2 April 2025

For Part 1 System, SSPTS and BASE course availability please call 0330 912 14 14 to discuss potential dates.