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Training Matrix and Competence Record

A matrix tracking all training, qualifications, and competence records for the workforce.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. CDM 2015 / MHSWR remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

1. Competence at a Glance

A training matrix maps every worker on the project against the competencies required for their role. It provides a single-page view of who is qualified to do what — and, critically, where gaps or expiries exist. CDM 2015 Reg 5 requires that no person appoints another unless satisfied they have the skills, knowledge, experience, and organisational capability. Reg 8 requires the PC to ensure workers have the information and instruction needed. MHSWR 1999 Reg 13 requires employers to ensure adequate health and safety training for employees.

The training matrix is the tool that makes competence visible and manageable. Without it, competence checking becomes ad hoc — reliant on individual memory, verbal assurances, or checking cards at the gate. A matrix provides a structured, auditable record that can be reviewed weekly, shared with the client, and inspected by HSE.

CDM requires demonstrable competence — not assumed competence. A worker's experience does not substitute for verified qualifications. A 20-year bricklayer without a current CSCS card has not demonstrated competence under the industry scheme. The matrix is where competence is recorded, verified, and tracked through to expiry and renewal.

Expiry management is as important as initial verification

Many qualifications and cards have fixed expiry dates: CSCS cards (typically five years), CPCS cards (five years with two-year renewal tests), IPAF PAL cards (five years), first aid certificates (three years). A qualification that was valid at mobilisation may expire during the project. The matrix must be reviewed at least weekly to identify upcoming expiries and ensure renewal is completed before the expiry date. An expired qualification means the worker is no longer demonstrably competent for that task.

2. Training Matrix Structure

Column	Content	Tracking
Worker	Full name, employer, trade/role.	Updated when workers join or leave the project.
CSCS card	Card type (blue skilled, gold advanced, black manager, green labourer, red trainee), card number, expiry date.	Green = valid with 3+ months remaining. Amber = expiring within 3 months. Red = expired or absent.
Trade qualification	NVQ/SVQ level, City & Guilds, apprenticeship completion, trade-specific certification.	Green = current. Red = not held or expired where renewal applies.
Plant (CPCS)	CPCS card category (e.g. A59 360 excavator, A17 dump truck), card number, expiry date, renewal test date.	Green/amber/red as CSCS. CPCS requires two-yearly renewal test within the five-year card period.
IPAF PAL	IPAF PAL card for MEWP operation. Categories: 3a scissor, 3b boom, 1b vehicle-mounted. Card number, expiry date.	Green/amber/red. Five-year validity. Operator must hold the correct category for the machine type.
Asbestos awareness	Asbestos awareness training (mandatory for all workers who may disturb asbestos). UKATA or equivalent certification, date completed.	Annual refresher recommended. Green = current. Red = not completed or overdue for refresher.
First aid	First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate, date, expiry.	FAW = three-year validity. EFAW = three-year validity. Green/amber/red.
Other/site-specific	Scaffold inspection (CISRS), temporary works coordinator (TWC), fire marshal, banksman, abrasive wheels. Any project-specific requirements.	As applicable. Each with date and expiry where relevant.

3. Common Mistakes

Compiled once at mobilisation and never updated

The matrix is a live document. Workers join and leave throughout the project. Qualifications expire. New training is completed. A matrix compiled at week one and never updated is misleading by week ten. It must be reviewed and updated at least weekly by a designated person.

Not including subcontractor workers

The PC must satisfy themselves that all workers on site are competent — not just their own employees. The matrix must include subcontractor workers or the PC must receive and verify subcontractor matrices as part of pre-start requirements. A matrix that only covers direct employees is incomplete.

CSCS card type not matched to the trade being performed

A green CSCS labourer card does not authorise skilled work. A blue skilled worker card must match the trade being performed (e.g. a bricklayer card does not qualify the holder for electrical work). The matrix should verify that the card type corresponds to the actual work being carried out on site.

Not treating an expired qualification as disqualifying

An expired CPCS card, an expired first aid certificate, or an expired CSCS card means the worker no longer holds a current qualification. They must not perform the associated task until the qualification is renewed. Allowing workers to continue on the basis that “renewal is in progress” is non-compliant. The matrix must flag expired items and the worker must be stood down from that task.

Not included in subcontractor pre-start requirements

The training matrix should be a mandatory deliverable in the subcontractor pre-start pack. Without it, the PC cannot verify competence before work begins. Requiring it only after mobilisation means unqualified workers may already be on site performing tasks they are not competent to do.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should appear on a construction training matrix?▾

As a minimum: CSCS card (type and expiry), trade qualifications (NVQ/SVQ), plant operator cards (CPCS with categories), MEWP operator cards (IPAF PAL with categories), asbestos awareness, first aid (FAW or EFAW), and any site-specific requirements (scaffold inspection, temporary works coordinator, fire marshal, banksman, abrasive wheels). The matrix should reflect the competencies actually required by the project, not a generic list.

Is a training matrix a legal requirement?▾

A training matrix as a specific document is not prescribed by statute. However, CDM 2015 requires demonstrable competence (Reg 5), adequate information and instruction (Reg 8), and MHSWR 1999 requires adequate training (Reg 13). A training matrix is the practical tool that demonstrates compliance with these duties. Without one, there is no structured evidence that competence has been checked, tracked, and maintained. In practice, it is an expected document on any CDM-notifiable project.

What happens if a qualification expires mid-project?▾

The worker must not perform the associated task until the qualification is renewed. The matrix should identify upcoming expiries at least three months in advance (amber status) so renewal can be arranged before expiry. If expiry occurs before renewal, the worker is stood down from that task. This may affect programme and resource planning, so early identification is critical.

Should expired qualifications be kept on the matrix?▾

Yes. Expired qualifications should remain on the matrix but be clearly marked as expired (red status). This provides an audit trail showing the qualification was held, when it expired, and whether renewal was completed. Removing expired entries loses historical data and makes it harder to demonstrate that competence was managed throughout the project.

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