The spike in applications has been put down rising demand from work-hungry subcontractors.

More firms than ever are signing their workers up to the card scheme to demonstrate the credentials of their workforce as they battle to secure work from ever more demanding clients and main contractors.

Record application levels have pushed total membership of the industry’s CSCS card scheme passed 1.7m.

A spokeswoman for CSCS said: “With construction work being in shorter supply, contractors and clients are increasingly making tougher demands on their subcontractors for proof of their competence and skills.

“Ensuring workers have CSCS cards is a simple, industry-standard way of demonstrating staff have health and safety awareness and have received appropriate training.”

Earlier this summer leading trade bodies supporting the CSCS pressed for reforms to the scheme.

CSCS is now in the throes of an extensive revamp following a cross-industry consultation on how to improve standards and develop a more exacting testing regime.

Health and safety requirements to obtain a CSCS card are a key focus for reform.

Currently there are three main types of test all provided under contract to CSCS by ConstructionSkills – for operatives, supervisors and managerial/professional levels.

The assessment will look at a range of issues including test content and testing methods to tailor needs to each management level of the health and safety chain.

Details of planned reforms to the scheme will be released in the spring.