Accredited or Non Accredited CDM course?

For those looking to sit a CDM course, there is a choice between different accredited and non-accredited courses. So, what’s the difference between the two types?

·        Non accredited courses range from basic to advanced level. Reflected in the different durations, the non-accredited courses on offer address different levels of experience for those involved with CDM. They will provide a certificate of attendance but are not acknowledged by any accrediting body.

·      Accredited courses are designed to help you shorten the process of accreditation, not convey actual accreditation. There are still a number of additional requirements you will need to fulfil. They are recognised by an official accrediting body.

Non-Accredited CDM Courses

If you are considering booking onto a non-accredited CDM training course, some previous knowledge and understanding is helpful before booking onto the course. This is especially the case for the coordinator courses.However, there are no formal educational or training prerequisites when booking these courses. 

Non-accredited courses might not suit all candidates as some need the independent recognition of an accrediting body. If you choose to complete an accredited CDM training course, bear in mind that it will be longer in duration than a non-accredited course – at least three days. 

Accredited CDM Courses

Accredited CDM courses are longer in duration than non-accredited CDM courses and there are a range of bodies offering accreditation, including APS (Associationfor Project Safety) and the CDP (Continuous Professional Development) Certification Service.

Accredited courses give a higher point value towards full accreditation– 3 points vs 1 or 2 from a non-accredited course.

Different CDM Courses Available

You can pick from a range of single day CDM training courses, often known as a ‘Workshop’ or ‘CDM Explained’ courses. These are delivered at a more basic level than the longer courses, which are designed to provide a solid grounding in both the legislative aspects of CDM and identifying role holders and their responsibilities in line with this.

The first of the single day courses is at introductory level and is usually named ‘CDM Regulations’ or similar. This course provides the candidate with a general overview of the CDM regulations and how to adhere to them.Please bear in mind that the Introductory course is not suitable for candidates wishing to become CDM coordinators, unless used as a foundation for more advanced learning in this area. 

Other one day CDM courses available include ‘CDM Awareness’, ‘CDM 2015 and the Role of the Client’ and ‘CDM 2015 and the Role of the Principal Designer’

The longer courses (or ‘CDM Coordinator Courses’ as they are known), go into greater depth on the history and need for the CDM Regulations, how to manage and audit CDM practices and all the individual account abilities that the different role holding groups have. They last 2-3 days in duration. Choosing a coordinator CDM training course will give the candidate an insight inhow important communication and negotiation is between the different groups. 

A non-accredited Coordinator course may be shorter than an accredited course. The longer length of the accredited course is needed to include all the detail suitable for training a CDM coordinator. Courses are likely to include a detailed look at relevant legislation such as The Health and Safety at Work Act and the 2007 CDM Regulations themselves, risk assessment and method statements,approved codes of practice, duties and duty holders, and up to date changes in working practice. 

Please note that no CDM course, accredited or otherwise. will on its own accredit you as a CDM coordinator.

Gaining Full Accreditation

Candidates will need to achieve 18 credits in the following areas of qualification and experience to gain full accreditation:

·        Qualifications in design

·        Health and Safety (Construction) Qualifications

·        Construction Process Qualifications

·        Construction Industry Experience 

·        Experience of Managing the Construction Process

·        Career Progress Development 

Whether you choose an accredited CDM course over a non-accredited course, you will still need additional experience, education or training to become fully accredited. The accredited CDM course itself is worth 3 credit points whereas a non-accredited course 1 or 2. Full details of credit values can be obtained from the APS website. 

You also need to complete the accrediting bodies registration procedure.For example, the Association for Project Safety’s 4 step accreditation process,resulting in CDM – C status requires registration, an online exam, an interview meeting National Occupational Standards and lastly payment of the first year’s fees.

Candidates completing an accredited course can skip the second stage(online exam) as this is included in the course.

What are the CDM Regulations?

The Construction Design Management (CDM) Regulations were put into place in 2007, firstly to improve the management and planning of each project,matching the right people to the right job, minimising risk onsite, removing unnecessary red tape, all with the aim of allowing workers to focus safely on the job in hand.