General Construction Services

The following is for general information purposes only. All further queries regarding this information should be directed to the competent authority listed below.

Competent Authority

SOLAS is the designated authority for regulated occupations in construction under the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC) Regulations 2008, S.I. 139 of 2008.

Within SOLAS, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Unit are responsible for processing applications for recognition of qualifications under the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC) Regulations 2008.

Procedures for recognition of professional qualifications for providing construction services in Ireland

Applications for recognition of a person’s qualifications must be submitted along with the required documents to SOLAS. Applications are then processed and applicants who meet the requirements may then apply for the relevant registration card, allowing them to work within their sector.

Completing procedures online

The relevant application form and documentation can be scanned and emailed to SOLAS.

Please find below relevant links for further information:

• Construction Skills Certification Scheme
• Safe Pass

Providing cross border construction services in Ireland

The following provides general information on the procedures for construction workers established in other EU countries , intending providing cross border construction services in Ireland. All further queries should be directed to the competent authority, SOLAS.

The requirements for individuals applying for recognition of their qualifications and experience for regulated CSCS occupations in the Republic of Ireland for the provision of Temporary or Occasional Services are as follows:

Please note there are separate requirements for EU and non-EU applicants.

EU applicants are required to fill in an application form for either Permanent or Temporary establishment and also provide the below-

All Certificates must be certified translations.

  1.   Free provision of services on a Temporary and Occasional basis.

• The applicant must be legally established in an EU state
• The applicant must be normally domiciled outside the Irish State
• The applicant’s normal place of employment must be outside the Irish state
• The applicant must possess a professional qualification (proof of same – copy of certificates)
• The applicant must have a minimum of 1 years’ experience (1,794 hours) within the last 10 years in the same profession in another EU state (proof of same – letter from current or previous employer)

2.   Permanent Establishment

• The applicant must be legally established in an EU state
• The applicant must possess a professional qualification (proof of same – copy of certificates)
• The applicant must have a minimum of 1 years’ experience (1,794 hours) within the last 10 years in the same profession in another EU state (proof of same – letter from current or previous employer)
• The applicant must submit the signed declaration.
• The formal qualification must be issued by a competent authority in another Member State.

Non-EU applicants are requested to submit the below items and each individual skill is reviewed to ensure that the applicant has the equivalent certificate.

• Detailed CV (must include home address), including reference(s) from previous employers confirming the applicants work experience
• Independent form of photo ID
• Copy of their valid operator’s cards (front and back)
• Copy of the associated certification (i.e. NVQ – National Vocational Qualification), if you were not in receipt of a NVQ Certificate, please inform Solas of same.

Upon receipt of the above, the applicant is then referred to attend the National Construction Training Centre, Mount Lucas, County Offaly, for a skills interview and theory assessment. 

List of regulated tasks/occupations included in CSCS & QSCS

Inclusive of such other construction/ quarrying-related tasks as may be prescribed by the Minister

Relevant legislation applicable

• The Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC) Regulations 2008, S.I. 139 of 2008
• Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, S.I. 291 of 2013
• Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008, S.I. 28 of 2008

Contact details

SOLAS - The Further Education and Training Authority,
Block 1,
Castleforbes House,
Castleforbes Road,
Dublin 1.
D01 A8N0

Tel: +353 (0)1 533 2500

Email: info@solas.ie