I have in the recent past, after getting written confirmation from CITB that they had met all the criteria, engaged 2 blokes as basic scaffolders who hadn't yet received their cards. I don't see why men should be held back from working at the higher level for as long as it takes an organisation to get your card to you, whether that be 3 days or 6 weeks. If they say you meet the criteria, you meet the criteria and if I have it in writing, that's good enough for me.