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CPCS Cards are used in the plant operative sector. A sub-department within the wider CSCS card programme (used throughout the entire construction industry), CPCS cards are a way of identifying the skills, knowledge, and experience of a plant operative. There are several CPCS cards available, and each has a set of accompanying qualifying criteria.
A plant operative uses heavy machinery and handheld equipment to perform various tasks on a construction site. The tools a plant operative uses depend on their specific job role and the level of training they have received. As a plant operative is often tasked with digging, lifting, and moving building materials, they regularly work in close partnership with labourers.
The importance of CPCS cards in the workplace
The vast majority of construction companies expect all employees to possess a relevant CPCS card. This is because it helps to ensure that each worker has the ability to deliver their duties safely and competently. It also enables on-site leaders to easily understand the strengths and limitations of team members. This reduces the risk of employees attempting tasks they haven’t been trained to carry out.
Furthermore, it’s a simple way for employers to prove they are making efforts to meet regulatory standards. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations demand that all construction companies must establish safe working environments, whilst the Health & Safety Act determines that all employers have a duty of care for their employees. Ensuring that all staff have completed the necessary training to acquire a CPCS card is a way of demonstrating their commitment to achieving these two objectives.
The CPCS
Established in 2003, the CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) performs a key role within the plant operative sector. It sets standards and defines working practices, and therefore acts as a regulatory body. The CPCS decides the qualifying criteria for all CPCS cards and routinely reviews these requirements. This organization also facilitates training courses and produces learning resources for current and prospective plant operatives.
CPCS categories
There are a range of CPCS cards available. The colour of the card helps to identify the skill set and experience level of the owner. The colours used for each type of worker are reflective of the over-arching CSCS card programme. For example, a blue-coloured card is used to denote a ‘skilled worker’, as it is in any construction-related trade.
On the back of each CPCS card is a list of ‘categories’ These serve to highlight the machinery and equipment the card owner is trained to use. On each occasion you are upskilled on how to use specific a tool, the relevant category will be added to your CPCS card.
Workers in the plant sector can be loosely organized into four different areas of expertise. These are plant machinery, slinger/signallers, lifting operations planners/controllers, and demolition operations. However, there is a vast range of disciplines within plant operations. Therefore, many experienced plant operatives have a long list of categories on the back of their respective CPCS cards.
A further insight
There are over 50 categories in existence, with some extremely difficult to master. Category names are often interchangeable with job titles. The full list of plant categories is as follows (category reference codes in brackets):
- (A02) Crawler Crane over 10 tonnes
- (A04) Tower Crane
- (A05) Dragline
- (A06) Concrete Pump – Truck Mounted Boom
- (A09) Forward Tipping Dumper
- (A10) Excavator 180° below 5 tonnes
- (A12) Excavator 180° above 5 tonnes
- (A14) Rough Terrain Masted Forklift
- (A15) Forklift Side-Loader
- (A16) Industrial Forklift Truck
- (A17) Telescopic Handler
- (A18) Reach Truck
- (A19) Grader
- (A20) Hoist
- (A21) Wheeled Loading Shovel
- (A22) Tracked Loading Shovel
- (A23) Skid Steer Loader
- (A24) Motorised Scraper
- (A25) Mobile Elevating Work Platform – Scissor
- (A26) Mobile Elevating Work Platform – Boom
- (A27) Mobile Elevating Work Platform – Mast Climber
- (A30) Piling Rig – Tripod
- (A31) Ride on Roller
- (A32) Soil/Landfill Compactor
- (A33) Agricultural Tractor
- (A34) Crawler – Tractor/Dozer
- (A35) Crawler – Tractor/Side Boom
- (A36) Lorry Loader
- (A37) Trencher
- (A39) Skip Handler
- (A40) Slinger/Signaller
- (A41) Loader Compressor
- (A42) Crusher
- (A43) Screener
- (A44) Concrete Pump Trailer Mounted
- (A45) Piling Rig – Driven below 20 tonnes
- (A46) Piling Rig – Driven above 20 tonnes
- (A47) Piling Rig – Bored below 20 tonnes
- (A48) Piling Rig – Bored above 20 tonnes
- (A49) Loader/Securer – non STGO
- (A50) Loader/Securer – STGO
- (A56) Dump Truck – Articulated Chassis
- (A57) Dump Truck -Rigid Chassis
- (A58) Excavator 360° below 10 tonnes
- (A59) Excavator 360° above 10 tonnes
- (A60) Mobile Crane
- (A61) Appointed Person – Lifting Operations
- (A62) Crane/Lifting Operations Supervisor
- (A64) Overhead Travelling Crane
- (A66) Compact Crane
- (A67) Tunnel Locomotive
- (A68) Plant Driving (various chassis/weights/accompanying equipment modules within this category)
- (A71) Soil Stabiliser
- (A72) Static Concrete Placing Boom
- (A73) Plant and Vehicle Marshaller
- (A74) Piling Rig Attendant
- (A75) Conveying Pump
- (A77) Telescopic Handler 360 slew
- (A78) Vacuum Excavator
- (D90) Demolition Plant
- (D91) Demolition Plant – Pedestrian Operated
- (D92) Demolition Operations – Skid Steer Tool Carrier
An overview of each CPCS card
There are only three different types of CPCS cards available, notably less than the number available in the mainstream CSCS card programme. These are the red CPCS trained operative card, the blue CPCS competent operative card, and the black CPCS tester card. The red card is the easiest to acquire and the black the most difficult, so these cards could be said to represent beginner, intermediate, and advanced schemes.
To attain any CPCS card, you must have passed an appropriate CSCS test (otherwise referred to as the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test). This needs to have occurred at some point within the two years leading up to your application date.
Passing this assessment demonstrates that you have sufficient health and safety knowledge to work compliantly on a construction site. There are three different types of CSCS tests – operatives, specialists, and managers & professionals. The test you need to take is determined by the type of CPCS card you are applying for.
In the section below, we outline each card’s qualification criteria, target audience, and validity period.
CPCS Trained Operative Card (Red)
As is the case in any CSCS card programme, red cards are used to identify trainees. There are multiple red cards within the mainstream CSCS programme, but the CPCS card scheme only has one.
The CPCS trained operative card is, unsurprisingly, for those currently training to become fully qualified plant operatives. Unlike most other red CSCS training cards, the CPCS version demands all applicants have already gained some experience in their chosen field.
Assessment structure
To earn a CPCS red card, you’ll need to pass both the CPCS Theory and Practical Tests. These exams require you to have a solid understanding of your chosen category/discipline. Therefore, you should ensure you have gained a sufficient level of knowledge, either by observing qualified colleagues deliver tasks or attending a suitable training course (ideally both). You must sit your theoretical examination first, and then take the practical test within the following six-month period. Please note that the CPCS Theory and Practical Tests are both priced at £28
The CPCS Theory Test focuses on the technical specifications of plant machinery and assesses your awareness of relevant safety protocols. During your CPCS Practical Test, you’ll be asked to demonstrate the correct way to use equipment. Whilst you do this, an assessor will review your technique, ask questions about the equipment you’re using, and judge whether you’re adhering to safety guidelines. This assessor is referred to as a ‘CPCS Tester’ (more on this to follow).
These assessments are to be taken at an approved CSCS/CPCS test centre. Therefore, you won’t be able to conduct your practical test at your place of employment.
As well as gaining your CPCS Theory and Practical Test certificates, you must pass the ‘operatives’ version of the CSCS test.
Validity period
As per all CSCS red cards, the CPCS trained operative card cannot be renewed. The card is valid for two years, by which point the CPCS expects you to have completed all necessary training. Nevertheless, two years should give you more than enough time to develop the required skills to progress in the plant operative sector.
CPCS Competent Operator Card (Blue)
Before your red CPCS card expires, you should hopefully be in a position to apply for a blue CPCS Competent Operator card. This card identifies you as a fully qualified plant operative and proves you have the necessary capabilities to perform this role. As per the mainstream CSCS card programme, this is often referred to as the ‘skilled worker’ card.
NVQ course
To qualify for a CPCS Competent Operator card, you’ll need to have successfully navigated an appropriate level 2 NVQ/SVQ (Scotland) course. Clearly, this course should relate to a discipline relevant to the plant operative sector. Examples of appropriate courses are as follows:
- Level 2 NVQ in Demolition – Plant Operative
- Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations – Compacting
- Level 2 NVQ in Controlling Lift Operations – Slinger/Signaller
- SVQ Level 2 Plant Operations (Construction)
Therefore, it’s best to complete a Level 2 NVQ whilst in possession of a CPCS trained operative card. This will ensure you’re in a strong position to apply for the skilled worker card as your training period is concluding.
All of these courses will guide you through the theoretical principles of your chosen discipline, and serve to enhance your health and safety knowledge. Furthermore, you’ll get the opportunity to sharpen your practical skills. This is because delegates must spend a considerable number of hours shadowing qualified plant operatives.
Please note that you’ll need to provide evidence of your NVQ Level 2 pass certificate when applying for a competent operator card. If you held a CPCS red card before applying, you will have already completed all remaining qualifying requirements for this scheme. Lastly, please ensure you’ve passed the CSCS operatives test within the previous two years.
If you wish to add another ‘category’ to your card, you’ll need to start the training process for that particular discipline from scratch. As a consequence, you’ll be expected to complete the relevant CPCS Theory and Practical Tests.
Validity period and renewing your card
The CPCS competent operative card is valid for five years. At the end of this period, you’ll likely want to renew your card. To do this, you’ll need to demonstrate you still have the required level of knowledge by passing the CPCS Renewal Test. Please note that you will need to take a CPCS Renewal Test for each of the categories that had been added to your expired card.
In addition to the above, you’ll also have to take one of the following steps:
- Complete a standardized, CPCS-approved on-site assessment.
- Pass the CPCS Practical Test
- Provide a log book containing 300 hours of recorded work (for each required category)
CPCS Tester Card
As alluded to previously, the CPCS Tester card has the most challenging qualification criteria. The CPCS Tester card is targeted by those hoping to assess trainees and current plant operatives. As you’ll need to judge whether an individual can competently operate machinery to required industry standards, you must have outstanding knowledge in your field. You’re also expected to be well-versed in a vast range of plant operative categories, as you’ll be responsible for conducting assessments linked to multiple disciplines.
Required qualifications
There are several technical qualifications you’ll need to acquire to successfully apply for a CPCS Tester card. All candidates must pass the:
- CPCS Advanced Theory Test (this must be passed within two years of attaining your CSCS managers & professionals test certificate).
- CPCS Advanced Practical Test (as above and within six months of passing your CPCS Advanced Theory Test).
- CPCS Tester course.
- An advanced-level NVQ in a discipline relating to the plant operative sector.
Although you’ll take the most challenging version of the CSCS test, you’ll need to further prove you have the necessary health & safety knowledge to deliver the ‘tester’ role. You must have completed one of the following learning modules:
- Site Managers Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
- Managing and Co-ordinating Plant (MCP) course (must have taken refresher courses where required, otherwise pass certificate is deemed invalid).
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate (must have completed this course within the five years leading up to your application date. If this course was attended before this period, your resulting qualification is still valid providing you are at Tech IOSH level within the IOSH membership scheme).
- IOSH Managing Safely (must have completed this course within the five years leading up to your application date.)
- Either a level 5 or 6 health & safety qualification. If using this qualification as evidence, you must be at a minimum Tech IOSH level within the IOSH membership scheme, and present your course certificate with a CSCS card that directly relates to one of these two occupations:
- Construction Health and Safety Manager
- Construction Health and Safety Senior Manager
You must also have a valid First Aid certificate.
Validity period and renewing your card
This card is also valid for five years. When renewing you’re CPCS Tester card, you’ll need to pass the:
- Managing and Co-ordinating Plant (MCP) course
- CPCS Tester CPD course.
- CSCS managers & professionals test (as the original certificate will be more than two years old, it is deemed invalid)
You must also still have a valid First Aid Certificate.
The application process
Once you’ve met the qualifying criteria for your chosen card programme, you’ll need to fill out a CPCS application form. The form you complete is dependent on the card you are applying for, and whether you are renewing or making your first application. All of these forms are available via the following link.
Please note that you’ll need to provide evidence of any relevant academic certification, CPCS-based qualifications, and work experience.
All cards are priced at £28. The same fee applies when renewing any card.
Upon completing the application process, you should receive your new CPCS card within 14 days. If your card hasn’t been delivered within this timeframe, you should notify the CPCS. You can do this via webchat (https://www.nocnjobcards.org/contact), by sending an email to cpcs@jobcards.org, or calling 0300 999 1177 and speaking directly to a CPCS advisor.