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When renewing your CPCS competent operator card, you’ll need to pass the CPCS renewal test. As your employer will likely expect you to always be in possession of a CPCS card, this assessment is of fundamental importance.
The CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is a regulatory body operating within the plant sector of the construction industry. It was established in 2003, and acquired by the NOCN (National Open College Network) in 2019. This organization’s main objective is to improve working standards across the plant operations sector. It does this by facilitating training courses, distributing learning materials, setting best practice guidelines, and producing challenging assessment criteria (i.e. for the likes of the CPCS renewal test).
Although part of the NOCN group, the CPCS remains connected to the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and by extension the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). The CSCS undertakes similar activities to those listed above, but on a much larger scale. It is ultimately accountable for improving working standards across the entire construction industry. Only certain trades, such as plumbing (JIBPMES – Joint Industry Board for Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services), scaffolding (CISRS – Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme), and plant operations (CPCS) have their own representative bodies.
In this article, we’ll discuss every detail you’ll need to know about the CPCS renewal test. This includes reviewing the test’s structure and format, providing guidance on how to book your test, and explaining any relevant cost considerations. As CPCS cards are intimately linked to the CPCS renewal test, we’ll also provide plenty of information about the CPCS card programme throughout.
CPCS cards
As already alluded to, CPCS cards play a key role in the plant operations sector. CPCS cards are used to identify the skill set and experience level of a plant worker. As a consequence, they usually highlight the specific role or occupation of the cardholder. Therefore, CPCS cards deliver the same function as CSCS cards.
To successfully apply for any CPCS card, you’ll need to meet its qualifying criteria. The same process applies when attempting to renew your CPCS card. There are three types of CPCS cards available; the (red) trainer operative card, the (blue) competent operator card, and the (black) CPCS tester card.
The CPCS renewal test forms part of the qualifying criterion for renewing a CPCS competent operator card (sometimes referred to as the blue skilled worker card). Although you’ll need to address a challenging set of requirements to renew a CPCS tester card (the most advanced card in the CPCS programme), you won’t need to take the CPCS renewal test. The CPCS red card is used by those currently navigating apprentice/training programmes. As the CPCS expects all trainees to complete their apprentice/training programme before their card expires, the CPCS red card cannot be renewed.
CPCS competent operator card – categories
The number of CPCS renewal tests you’ll take is dependent on the amount of ‘categories’ you have added to your CPCS competent operator card. A ‘category’ represents a specific skill or discipline that you may need to perform your particular job role. To add a category to your blue skilled worker card, you’ll need to complete an appropriate training module and pass a subsequent assessment. When applying for/renewing a CPCS competent operator card, you’ll be asked to provide evidence of any relevant assessments you’ve passed. Therefore, ensure you keep any pass certificates in a safe place. Each time you add a category, its name and reference code will be written onto your card.
There is a broad range of categories available, which cover the full spectrum of plant operative activity. We’ve provided a list of examples below (category reference code in brackets):
- (A40) Slinger/Signaller
- (A17) Telescopic Handler
- (A23) Skid Steer Loader
- (A36) Lorry Loader
- (A39) Skip Handler
- (A71) Soil Stabiliser
- (A73) Plant and Vehicle Marshaller
- (A78) Vacuum Excavator
To access a full list of categories, please click the following link.
Endorsements
You can also add ‘endorsements’ to most categories. Adding an endorsement requires you to complete further training. This may involve being trained to use a piece of equipment that helps you perform a specific activity, learning how to drive different types of vehicles, or mastering the more complex elements of your chosen discipline. We’ve provided a list of categories below, and highlighted which endorsements can be added to each:
Category Endorsement(s)
(A20) Hoist
- A. Rack & Pinion Goods
- B. Passenger/Goods combined
- C. Rope-operated goods
- D. Transport platform
(A57) Dump Truck – Rigid Chassis
- A. Up to 15 tonnes
- B. Up to 50 tonnes
- C. All sizes (wheeled)
- D. All sizes (tracked)
(A66) Compact Crane
- A. Static-stabilisers
- B. Mobile industrial
- C. Luffing Static Duties
- D. 360 – Pick and Carry
(A75) Conveying Pump
- A. Pneumatic – All types
- B. Worm/Piston Pump (up to 50mm outlet) without mixer
- C. Worm/Piston Pump (up to 50mm outlet) with mixer
(A92) Demolition Operations – Skid Steer Tool Carrier
- A. Demolition Operations – extracting
- B. Demolition Operations – demolishing
If you wish to retain a category when renewing your card, you must pass the specific CPCS renewal test linked to this discipline. Therefore, if you’ve added numerous categories to your card, you’ll likely have to take plenty of renewal tests!
However, you’ll only need to sit a renewal test if you gained category accreditation more than two years before your card’s expiry date. Therefore, if you’ve recently learned a new discipline, you won’t need to prove your capabilities again for another few years.
Passing a category’s renewal test demonstrates that you are still understand how to compliantly deliver a specific task(s). Employers may randomly check the validity of your card, so please make sure you keep any qualifications up to date.
Understanding the CPCS Renewal Test
The CPCS renewal test is a relatively straightforward assessment. You will be asked questions about the theoretical and practical aspects of your chosen category. These topics are split into several sections, which are clearly marked on your test paper.
As you’ll likely perform this task on an extremely regular basis, you should hopefully not find this test too difficult. However, we would still encourage you to conduct a considerable amount of revision when preparing for this test.
There are just 15 questions in total. All of these questions are in multiple-choice format. The duration of the test is 15 minutes. Therefore, you’ll have exactly one minute per question to provide your responses. As the correct answer is presented as one of four possible responses, some candidates assume multiple-choice questions are easier than others. However, this is not necessarily the case. Many of these types of questions require you to apply a formula or calculation, complex theory, or critical thinking. Therefore, please ensure you don’t head into your exam with a complacent attitude.
You must answer at least 12 of the 15 questions correctly to pass most CPCS renewal tests. However, the pass mark may increase depending on the category you are attempting to renew. Furthermore, please note that scoring exactly 12 marks does not guarantee your success on any test. This is because a minimum number of questions per section need to be answered correctly.
Useful guidance
Before starting the exam, you’ll have the option of conducting a practice run. We would advise you to take this opportunity, as it allows you to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you’ll be asked in the actual test. Practice makes perfect!
If you’re unsure of the answer to a question, we would encourage you to ‘flag’ this using the icon provided. After you’ve completed the remainder of your assessment, you’ll be automatically redirected back to any questions you’ve flagged. Utilising this feature will help you to maintain your flow and momentum, as it’ll stop you from getting bogged down when attempting to answer certain questions.
CPCS Renewal Test Tool
The version of the CPCS renewal test you’ll need to take depends on the category (or categories) you’ve attained. To find out which renewal test you should take, we would advise you to refer to the CPCS Renewal Test Tool. This platform is available via the NOCN website.
The Renewal Test Tool is extremely user-friendly. Simply highlight the category description on the left-hand column, and click ‘next’ to discover which assessment you’ll need to take. This platform also provides access to an eLearning hub, which is designed to help you with your revision. Within this hub, a dedicated page is provided for each category. This page covers every possible piece of information that may be included in your test and therefore serves as an ideal preparation tool.
You’ll also be able to review the CPCS Renewal Tool Revision Factsheet via the Renewal Test Tool. This provides information about the test’s scoring structure, and some top revision and preparation tips.
Why is the CPCS Renewal Test in place?
The CPCS uses the renewal test to help maintain industry standards. By periodically assessing the skills of cardholders, the CPCS compels plant operatives to continue working in a diligent and compliant manner. Eager not to lose their ability to perform certain tasks, workers will seek to perfect their technique and retain key information about their chosen discipline. Therefore, the renewal test serves as a form of refresher training.
Thanks to new research studies, technological breakthroughs, and practical experience, there are changes made to sector regulations, governmental legislation, and best practices on a regular basis. The renewal test provides the CPCS with an opportunity to inform plant operatives of any key updates. Only answers that account for recent developments will be marked as correct, which forces candidates to ensure they’re fully aware of the current guidance.
What other requirements will I need to meet in order to renew my CPCS card?
Although the CPCS Renewal Test accounts for a significant part of the competent operator card’s renewal criteria, you’ll still need to meet several other requirements.
When renewing any CPCS card (or for that matter any CSCS/CSCS-related card), you must pass a relevant CSCS test. Please note that this exam is sometimes referred to as the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test. There are three assessments within the CSCS testing series, all of which are focused on matters of health and safety. In ascending order of difficulty, these assessments are as follows: the operatives, specialists, and managers & professionals (‘MAPS’) tests.
When applying to renew your competent operator card, the CSCS test you’ll take depends on the category you’re attempting to retain. The more advanced the category/discipline is, the more difficult the CSCS test you’ll be required to sit. You must pass the appropriate CSCS test each time you renew your CPCS card. Furthermore, you must ensure that you passed this assessment within the two years leading up to your renewal application.
Providing evidence
You’ll also need to demonstrate that you are still capable of compliantly performing all tasks associated with the category you’re attempting to renew. As per the NOCN website, you must evidence this via one of the following methods:
- Providing a logbook of workplace activity. This evidence can be captured in a new digital logbook or an old paper logbook.
- Complete an ‘On-Site Assessment’ at a CPCS-approved test centre.
- Complete a CPCS Practical Test at a CPCS-approved test centre.
- Attain an NVQ/SVQ (Scotland) from an accredited academic institution. This qualification must have been earned at some stage within the two years preceding your renewal application date.
You can make a renewal application up to three months ahead of your card’s expiry date. Providing you submit your renewal application within five years of your card’s expiry date, the same qualification criterion applies. If more than five years have elapsed, you’ll be required to navigate a different set of renewal requirements. Further information about renewing your CPCS card can be found here.
How do I book my CPCS Renewal Test, and how much does it cost?
The easiest way to book your CPCS renewal test is online. Previously, you were able to do this via either the PearsonVue website or NOCN hub. However, from Thursday 22nd August 2024, the PearsonVue online service is no longer operational. Therefore, all online bookings must be made via the NOCN hub. To access this platform, you’ll first need to register for an account. Once you’ve done this, simply login to your personal homepage and follow the on-screen instructions.
When you book your CPCS renewal test online, you’ll be able to sit your assessment remotely. Therefore, you can earn a pass certificate from the comfort of your own home! To ensure the test software runs smoothly, its recommended you use a laptop or desktop PC. Furthermore, you should access the test via a Google Chrome or Firefox browser. You are also instructed to avoid using an iMac or smartphone device.
Other booking methods
You can also book your CPCS renewal test by phone. To do this, call the PearsonVue booking team on 0344 499 1900 and confirm which categories you are hoping to renew. Lines are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. If you would rather book your test via e-mail, simply send a message to pvemeacustomerservice@pearson.com. When arranging your assessment via either of these methods, you will be allocated a test slot at an approved PearsonVue test centre.
You can take as many as five category renewal tests in one booking slot. Therefore, if you have multiple categories to renew, you won’t need to spread your assessments out over several days.
If you book and take your test online, you will be charged £28.00. However, you’ll need to pay £35.00 if you sit your assessment at a PearsonVue test centre. Therefore, booking online makes sense from both a convenience and cost perspective. Whether sitting your test remotely or in person, the test fee covers the price of your assessment and the production of your CPCS card. Furthermore, the two above prices represent the cost of your booking slot, not a charge per assessment. Therefore, if you are taking multiple (max. five) category renewal tests, you’ll still only be charged £28.00 (online) or £35.00 (in-person) for your session.