CPCS Forward Tipping Dumper Mock Test

Forward-tipping dumper operators often play a key role in construction projects. These individuals have been trained to competently use a forward-tipping dumper truck. This vehicle (usually referred to as simply a ‘dumper truck’) comes in various shapes and sizes – more on this to follow.The main duty of a dumper truck operator is to transport and offload materials found on construction sites. These include but are not limited to; gravel, sand, bricks, compost, and rubble/debris. Forward-tipping dumper trucks are extremely mobile. Therefore, they are able to manoeuvre in and out of tight spaces. This enables them to access locations that cannot be reached by other types of machinery, and subsequently carry out essential works.On the front of a dumper truck, there is a skip or ‘dump body’. This device is used to scoop and carry materials, allowing the driver to move cargo from one location to another. The vast majority of dumper trucks use a forward-tipping skip. This enables the operator to drop materials directly in front of the vehicle. However, some dumper trucks are equipped with a swivelling skip. Conversely, this allows the driver to drop loads on either side of their vehicle.

Types of dumper trucks

There are a range of different dumper trucks available. These vehicles are organized into three main classifications; wheeled, tracked, and ‘micro dumpers’

The most commonly found trucks are wheeled, which use conventional tyres to support movement and activity. However, tracked dumper trucks are also popular. Tracked dumper trucks – which cover the ground in a similar way to army tanks – are used to navigate tricky terrains (such as heavy mud or forestry) and uneven surfaces. Therefore, they are particularly useful when site conditions are challenging. In situations where a small entry point needs to be used to access loads, a ‘micro dumper’ is the most appropriate vehicle to use. These miniature machines can fit through standard-sized door arches and narrow corridors. As a consequence, micro dumpers are often used in residential refurbishment works.

Dumper trucks can be further categorised by the weight capacity of their respective skips/dump bodies. It is generally accepted that most dumper trucks can transport loads weighing anything up to nine tonnes, with maximum capacity determined by make and model. However, most forward-tipping dumper trucks can comfortably handle around three to six tonnes of cargo.

What will I learn?

In this article, we’ll cover everything associated with the dumper truck operator role. This includes providing information about relevant training courses, required qualifications, and the CPCS card programme. As a result, we’ll give you complete clarity on how to successfully pursue this career path. However, if you still have any unanswered questions after reading this article, we would encourage you to liaise with your course tutor/employer or check out the official CPCS website.

The CPCS

As dumper trucks are heavy pieces of machinery used to support construction work, these vehicles – and their respective drivers – are part of the plant sector. The plant sector encompasses all activities conducted with manual and power tools and therefore accounts for a significant portion of the overall construction industry. The plant sector is regulated by the Construction Plant Competence Scheme, otherwise referred to as the CPCS. Please note that the NOCN (National Open College Network) acquired the CPCS in 2019. Therefore, you may see these two acronyms being used interchangeably in certain contexts.

As well as monitoring work standards throughout the plant sector, the CPCS delivers several other key initiatives. It facilitates training courses, produces learning tools and resources for plant workers, creates and enforces sector regulations, and establishes testing criteria for relevant qualifications and accreditations.

CPCS cards

The CPCS also operates an identification card programme. Based on the construction industry’s over-arching CSCS card framework, the CPCS card programme serves to identify different types of plant sector workers. There are three different types of CPCS cards available. The three cards are as follows; the trained operator (red) card, the competent operator (blue) card, and the tester (black) card. Each card has an accompanying set of qualifying requirements – you’ll need to meet all of these to become a member of your chosen card scheme.

The card you apply for will depend on your skill set, experience, and job role/occupation. The trained operator red card is used by those in the early stages of their plant sector career, whilst the blue competent operator card (often referred to as the ‘skilled worker’ card) is reserved for individuals with considerable experience and capabilities. The tester card has the most challenging qualification criterion. This is because tester card holders are authorised to assess the skills of plant sector workers. Therefore, they are empowered to determine whether an individual has passed a course or should receive accreditation.

Ownership of a CPCS card proves that you have the necessary skills to perform a specific set of plant-related tasks. Therefore, the vast majority of plant companies will expect you to possess a relevant CPCS card. On the reverse of your CPCS card, you’ll see a ‘category’ (or list of categories) written. There are dozens of categories within the CPCS card programme. Each link to a specific discipline or occupation, and carries its own category code. Upon becoming a fully-qualified dumper truck operator, you will have the ‘Forward-Tipping Dumper’ category added to your CPCS card. Please note that the code for this category is A09.

What duties does a forward-tipping dumper truck operator carry out?

Although a dumper truck operator’s main task is to collect, transport, and offload building materials, they must conduct several other activities. The regularity in which these activities need to be completed is dependent on several factors. These include the intensity of the project schedule, the nature of the task, and the experience level of the driver.

We’ve provided a list of their key duties below:

• Install and operate ancillary equipment. Dumper trucks are often manufactured to accommodate multiple dump body attachments. These enable the vehicle to handle materials of varying weight, density, and size. Some examples of dumper truck ancillary equipment are as follows: smooth/formed side dump bodies, front-mount telescopic hoists, pin-to-pin hoists, underbody hoists, asphalt bolsters, and high-lift tailgates.
• Prepare the vehicle for use on a public highway when required
• Conduct routine maintenance procedures on machinery and address any minor issues
•  Accurately interpret technical building diagrams, ensuring all work carried out meets design specifications.
• Take instruction from site supervisors and management, flagging any potential hazards before delivering objectives.
• Develop a robust understanding of the vehicle’s mechanical configuration (including its control panel, engine layout, and lifting operation)
• Be aware of the vehicle’s general functions and limitations.

The importance of safety

Given the risks involved, you must follow a strict set of safety procedures when delivering each of the above tasks. As is the case when using any type of heavy machinery, operating a dumper truck can be an extremely dangerous activity. If you do not use this vehicle safely, it could have fatal consequences for yourself or others. Less importantly but still pertinent to note, it may also result in you damaging property and therefore delaying project progress.

Therefore, you should never operate a dumper truck unless you have been appropriately trained to do so. Please note that if you are only qualified to operate a wheeled forward-tipping dumper truck, you are not permitted to drive the tracked version of this vehicle (and vice-versa).

What types of individuals perform well as forward-tipping dumper truck operators?

As well as mastering a considerable set of technical skills, forward-tipping dumper truck operators will need to demonstrate a range of other capabilities. If you wish to be successful in this role, you should aim to possess each of the qualities listed below:

Able to effectively plan and organize your workload

The successful delivery of a construction project hinges on the ability of workers to competently and efficiently execute tasks, meeting pre-agreed deadlines as work progresses. As a forward-tipping dumper operator, you’ll need to make sure the right materials are collected and re-positioned at the right time. To do this, you’ll have to map out your workload and ensure you’re available to conduct your duties when required.

Have good physical fitness

Operating a dumper truck is a physically demanding activity. Although all of the vehicle’s functions are controlled from the cockpit, the transportation of materials is nevertheless a labour-intensive task. As well as navigating difficult ground conditions, steering around tight corners, and being in command of a detailed dashboard of buttons and levers, you’ll need to physically install ancillary equipment, perform maintenance inspections, and often work for extended periods of time.

Have great co-ordination

When attempting to scoop materials into a dump body, you’ll need to make sure you accurately line up your vehicle to the load you’re collecting. As you’ll be required to transport a wide selection of loads possessing various weights, sizes, and contents, you’ll need to regularly adjust your approach. When dropping loads after transportation, it’s vital you carefully and accurately place them into a designated area. Failure to do this could cause an obstruction or inflict damage, and therefore present a safety risk.

Have excellent communication skills

As a forward-tipping dumper truck operator, you’ll need to communicate with a range of different stakeholders. Although direct contact with the client will likely be limited, numerous members of the construction team will be in regular contact. You’ll liaise with surveyors regarding technical plans and environmental conditions, speak to engineers about building structures and vehicle performance, and take instructions from site managers and supervisors. Effective communication is the key to building positive relationships and delivering tasks to specification.

How do I become a fully qualified forward-tipping dumper truck operator?

To become a dumper truck driver, you’ll need to complete several training modules. As previously alluded to, this role requires you to have a breadth of technical skills, some important behavioural traits, and superb safety knowledge. Therefore, the training you’ll need to navigate is suitably challenging.

If you’re just starting out on your learning journey, we would strongly encourage you to attend the Forward-Tipping Dumper Wheeled (A09) course.

The full (usually four-day) version of this learning module is targeted at individuals who have zero or limited experience in driving dumper trucks. Therefore, you should not attend this course if you are already in-role. However, if you have already gained some experience and are eager to attain a formal qualification, you may want to opt for the condensed (usually two-day) course.

The course content covers all key aspects of dumper truck operation. This includes providing information on each of the duties referenced above. These topics will be explored over the course of the first three days. Your tutor will cover theoretical elements in the classroom, and provide practical demonstrations in a mock workplace environment. Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to engage in discussion with peers, ask questions of your tutor, and practice the skills you’ve learned.

Passing the course

On the fourth and final day of your course, you’ll be required to sit some assessments. These assessments are referred to as the ‘CPCS technical tests’ (there are CPCS technical tests available for each plant-related discipline. Therefore, CPCS training courses adopt different versions of this assessment). The tests are designed to examine whether you are competent enough to compliantly operate a forward-tipping dumper truck.

To pass this course, you’ll need to successfully navigate these assessments. Upon doing so, the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board – the chief regulatory body of the construction industry) will apply for a CPCS trained operator (red) card on your behalf. A CITB National Construction College e-certificate will also be available on request. Please note that to attain a CPCS trained operator card, you’ll need to have passed an appropriate CSCS test. This test assesses a candidate’s level of health and safety knowledge. It is often referred to as the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test, and must be passed within two years of the date of your card application. However, as the qualifying criterion for attending the CPCS Forward-Tipping Dumper Wheeled (A09) course also mandates that you must pass this exam, you’ll have already met this requirement.

Card appearance

Upon receiving your card, you’ll notice that the Forward-Tipping Dumper (A09) category has been added as an accreditation. Alongside this, you’ll see the name of an ‘endorsement’ written. Endorsements serve as sub-disciplines within certain categories. Whilst a category represents the overall skill set, an endorsement refers to a specific type of activity you have been trained to deliver. This could relate to being able to operate a certain weight of vehicle or a particular piece of equipment. There are two endorsements within the Forward-Tipping Dumper category; wheeled and tracked (as alluded to earlier).

Therefore, if you completed the CPCS Forward-Tipping Dumper Wheeled (A09) course, you’ll have had the ‘wheeled’ endorsement added to your card.

How much does the CPCS Forward-Tipping Dumper Wheeled (A09) course cost?

Prices for this course vary depending on the learning provider you use. If you attend the official CITB version of this module, you’ll be charged £1,129 (inc. VAT). However, there are cheaper options available via other facilitators.

Although it’s difficult to provide an exact average, we would expect most delegates to pay approximately £950-£1,200 to attend this course.