Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)

What is a CPCS Card? The CPCS card, or Construction Plant Competence Scheme is acknowledged throughout the construction industry, recognising skills, knowledge and understanding, competence and qualifications. It is important to understand that a CPCS Card is not a ‘licence’. The scheme was launched in 2003 at the request of employers to help them to align with regulations and compliance requirements. There are a number of different Operator Cards available within the CPCS Scheme with two routes of entry; Direct to Competent Operator (Blue) Card, or through Trained Operator (Red) Card to Competent Operator (Blue) Card.

 

Trained Operator Card

The CPCS Trained Operator Card confirms a level of core skills and understanding that can be applied in the workplace until measured against competent standards. Experienced holders of a Trained Operator Card may be measured against national standards via an SVQ or NVQ.

 

Competent Operator Card

The Competent Operator Card confirms that the holder of the card has shown a level of health & safety (H&S) awareness through the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, backed by previous knowledge gained from a CPCS theory test and proving abilities through a CPCS practical test and operating competence.

Forde Training Services are a certified training and test centre for CPCS Cards, offering many training and driver courses for the construction industry.

(See Courses Here >)

 

What can I use a CPCS Card for?

A CPCS Card is used by Plant Operators to show evidence of skills, allowing them to access to work on-site. A CPCS card holder will have shown competence in both theory and practical tests in Plant handling, entitling them to bear the card and thus be attractive to employers in the construction industry, who are required to ensure compliance with the CPCS Scheme is met.

 

How do I renew my CPCS Card?

Renewal of a CPCS Card is relevant to what kind of card you have (red or blue) and how long it has been expired. Forde Training Services can fully advise on the action that is required to renew your card and are certified testers for CPCS. Enquiries can be made by contacting us here (LINK) or by phone on: 01506 862111. All forms that are required to be completed to renew a CPCS Card can be found here: https://www.citb.co.uk/cards-testing/construction-plant-competence-scheme-cpcs/cpcs-downloads/

Expiry of CPCS Cards varies depending on what kind you have. RED Trained Operator Cards expire after 2 years, however, BLUE Competent Operator Cards expire after 5 years. Both Red and Blue CPCS Cards have different ways of renewing depending on the length of time since expiry.

 

How do I check my CPCS Card?

Employers will likely want to check your CPCS Card is valid. There may also be a need for the holder of the card to check on expiry dates, etc. Verification can be made by calling the number on the back of the CPCS Card (0844 815 7274) or by visiting the link; https://www.citb.co.uk/cards-testing/how-do-i-check-card-details/online-card-checker/

 

What courses can I do for my CPCS Card?

Forde Training offer CPCS categories on the following: 180 Excavator, 360 Degree Excavators above & below 10 tone, Agricultural Tractor, Appointed Person – Lifting Operations, Crane Supervisor, Crushers and Screeners, Forward Tipping Dumpers, Loader Compressor, Loader Securer, Loading Shovel (Skid Steer), Loading Shovel (Tracked or Wheeled), Lorry Loader, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, Ride on Road Roller, Rough Terrain Forklift, Skip Handler, Articulated Dump Trucks, Slinger Signaler, Soil & Landfill Compactors, Telescopic Handler, Grader.

(See Courses Here >)

 

Do I need a driving licence to get a CPCS Card?

No, there is no requirement to hold a driving licence to hold a CPCS card, other than for Concrete Pump of which requires and HGV licence.

 

How much does a CPCS Course cost?

With the variety of courses available for CPCS cards, it is impossible to list all the pricing structures. Forde Training Services provide a vast range of training and our staff can fully advise you on the costs of the course that you are interested in.

There are many grants available for CPCS Training for both employers and employees. Claims for grants can be made here: https://www.citb.co.uk/grant/grants-available-201617/