CPCS Telehandler Mock Test

A telehandler operator has been trained to use a telehandler machine safely. These types of machines are used to transport a range of materials around a construction site. As well as being referred to as telehandlers, they are often called teleporters, telescopic handlers, and boom lifts.

As hydraulic telehandlers can lift items of all shapes, sizes, and weights, they are commonly perceived as one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on a construction site. The boom of a telehandler can be fitted with various attachments, enabling operators to efficiently pick up and drop off different types of loads. Equipped with the functionality of a forklift, the reach of a crane, and the ability to manoeuvre seamlessly in tight spaces, a telescopic handler virtually operates as several machines in one.

Given the complexities of operating this machine, telescopic handlers must undertake a comprehensive training schedule. Therefore, if you have designs on becoming a telehandler, you must be prepared to learn each element of your chosen discipline. In the following sections, we’ll discuss what skills you need to become a fully qualified telehandler. Furthermore, we’ll provide guidance on how to acquire a CPCS blue skilled worker card (with category A17 added – more on this to follow), which demonstrates you have been suitably trained to operate telehandler machinery.

What are the daily duties of a telehandler operator?

Telehandler drivers are an essential part of a construction company’s workforce. Accountable for the safe distribution of goods and materials around a construction site, works projects would incur severe delays without their presence.

However, telescopic handlers are not only used in construction-based environments. This machinery is also deployed in the agricultural, industrial, and commercial sectors. Therefore, once you’ve completed your training, you may end up working on a farm, in a factory, or as part of a retail/office/hospitality operations team.

We’ve provided a list of the main tasks a telehandler operator delivers on any given day:

• Lifting and transporting materials from one location to another. On a construction site, these materials might be bricks, gravel, or aggregate. This may involve accessing goods from confined spaces, and therefore having to skilfully position your vehicle to enter and exit the loading area. Often, telehandlers will be used when a forklift truck is unable to access goods.
• Assessing the weight and dimensions of goods and assessing whether a load is safe to lift.
• Conducting routine maintenance on the telehandler, and taking preventative action to reduce the risk of machinery breakdown.
• Using knowledge of how pallets are constructed to understand whether a load is safe to lift.
• Loading and unloading materials from delivery trucks.
• Judging how the impact of a particular load may influence the telehandler’s stability.
• Deciding which boom attachment is most appropriate for lifting specific goods. Depending on the nature of the material and configuration of the load, a telehandler operator may choose to use a fork, basket, bucket, or winch.

What skills and competencies should a telehandler operator ideally have?

Although you’ll need to master the technical aspects of your role, telehandlers must also have a range of other capabilities.

Moving heavy loads can be an extremely dangerous task, as one mistake could have catastrophic repercussions. Therefore, you’ll assume a great deal of responsibility every time you sit behind the wheel. In addition, you must be able to work well under pressure, as the delivery of your duties could have a major impact on the success of a project.

We’ve provided a list of the main skills and competencies you’ll need to have:

Great attention to detail

It’s important for a telehandler operator to be accurate in their assessment of loads. This will enable you to fix the right attachment to the vehicle boom and account for the correct weight during the lifting process. A miscalculation could cause damage to property or harm to yourself or a co-worker.

Calmness and patience

As it may take several attempts to lift certain goods, you’ll need to be able to keep composed and limit your levels of frustration. Sometimes, you may feel tempted to cut corners when under pressure to hit a project deadline. However, telehandlers must always respect the risks attached to the tasks they perform, and ensure they operate compliantly at all times.

Effective communication

Telehandler operators often rely on instructions given by banksmen. Therefore, they have to establish good communication channels with individuals performing this role. Providing concise and consistent updates to site managers is also extremely important – the efficient transportation of materials could be the difference between hitting and missing a project deadline.

Superb spatial awareness

As alluded to previously, you may be expected to transport goods that are initially located in areas of limited accessibility. To ensure you manoeuvre your vehicle into the optimum location without undermining the safety of yourself or others, you’ll need to have exceptional spatial awareness.

How do I become a fully qualified telescopic handler operator?

You’ll navigate several training modules en route to becoming a fully qualified telehandler operator.

If you’re at the very start of your training journey or have limited experience in the field, we would encourage you to book a place on the CPCS Telescopic Handler A17 Wheeled course. This module is facilitated by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), the chief regulatory body of the construction industry.

The CPCS Telescopic Handler (A17) Wheeled course offers a comprehensive overview of the technical and practical aspects of operating telehandler machinery. By the end of the course, you’ll have learned how to:

• Complete a series of basic tasks using the telehandler machine
• Assess the weight of various loads and decide whether these are safe to lift
• Conduct routine servicing and maintenance procedures and apply basic fixes where required.
• Address, lift, store, and transport various loads and their component materials.
• Furthermore, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how:
• A telehandler machine functions. This will involve learning about its mechanical components, how it manoeuvres across the ground, and the structural aspects of its boom.
• A particular load – based on its size, shape, and weight – can impact the machine’s stability. This is also affected by the surface under-wheel. As a result, you’ll learn how to account for different gradients, ground conditions, and notable hazards.
• Pallets are constructed. This will give you a better appreciation of how to address a pallet of stock/materials when moving it from one location to another.

Course structure and assessment

This is a five-day module. Over the course of the first four days, your tutor will deliver a mixture of theoretical and practical sessions. You’ll cover the theory in the classroom, and get to grips with the machinery out in the field. On the fifth and final day, you’ll be required to sit the CPCS technical test. This assessment is used in various plant operative training courses. Of course, the content it covers is entirely dependent on the discipline being studied. At the end of this course, you’ll take the telehandler operator version of the CPCS technical test.

Assuming you pass this assessment, you’ll be awarded a CPCS trained operator card. The CITB will apply for this card on your behalf after the conclusion of your course, before distributing it to your home address. Therefore, you will not need to complete the card application process yourself. As most plant sector employers expect all staff members to possess a relevant CPCS card, attending this course may help you secure a job. Please note that you’ll also be awarded the CITB National Construction College qualification upon successfully navigating this course. If you wish to have electronic evidence of this qualification, you can request to receive an e-certificate.

CPCS Trained Operator card

The CPCS trained operator card identifies you as a trainee in your field. However, it also demonstrates that you understand the core aspects of the telehandler operator role, and can confidently handle teleporter equipment. As soon as you become a trained operator cardholder, you’ll be able to deliver tasks whilst under the supervision of a trained colleague.

As per the general CSCS card programme and other affiliated schemes, the colour of a CPCS training card is red. The qualifying criterion for a CPCS trained operator card also states that you must pass the CSCS test within the two years leading up to the date of your card application. However, as you must hold this qualification to book onto the CPCS Telescopic Handler (A17) Wheeled course, you’ll already have met this requirement.

There are three assessments in the CSCS testing series; the operatives, specialists, and managers and professionals (‘MAPs’) test. CPCS red card applicants must pass the operatives test. Please note the CSCS test is sometimes referred to as the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test.

CPCS Competent Operator card

Whilst in possession of a red CPCS card, it’s expected that you’ll complete an NVQ/SVQ (Scotland) or other vocational qualification. The trained operative card is valid for two years. Upon expiry, you will not be able to renew your membership to this card programme. This is because the CPCS expects you to have completed your training course, and therefore be in a position to apply for a CPCS competent operator card.  N.B. If completion of your NVQ/other qualification has been delayed, you can apply for a 12-month extension to your red card membership.

The competent operator card identifies you as a fully qualified telescopic handler operator. As alluded to earlier, this card is often referred to as the blue skilled worker card.

The NVQ/SVQ you complete should be directly related to the telehandler discipline. The qualifying requirements of a CPCS competent operator card demand that you pass an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 course (or equivalent qualification). Therefore, we would recommend you book a place on the Level 2 NVQ Telehandler course.

Categories

Upon receiving your blue CPCS card, you’ll notice that the ‘category’ telescopic handler has been added as a description. The CPCS has created an official list of categories, each of which represents a specific discipline or plant-related occupation. Each category carries a bespoke code (as previously alluded to, the telescopic handler code is A17). Each time you complete a relevant qualification, the corresponding category will be added to your blue CPCS card. For example, if you pass the Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations – Excavating course, the trencher category will be added. Therefore, you might add multiple categories to your card throughout your career in the plant sector.

Endorsements

It’s worth noting that some categories carry specific endorsements. These endorsements serve to highlight a particular skill set you’ve acquired whilst studying your chosen discipline. Endorsements may relate to a vehicle you’ve learned to drive, a piece of equipment you’re able to operate, or a complex task you’ve been suitably trained to perform.

The endorsements for the telescopic handler category are as follows:

1. Industrial Telescopic
2. Telescopic Handler up to 9 metres
3. All sizes excluding 360° slew
4. Telescopic Handler 360° slew (as this is technically a different discipline to standard telehandler operations, the telescopic handler 360° slew has its own category code – A77)
5. Suspended load (non-rough terrain)

To add any of these endorsements to your CPCS skilled worker card, you’ll need to complete the relevant training module. It’s important to never operate a piece of machinery that you haven’t been trained to use. If you do, you could pose a risk to the safety of yourself or others, and potentially cause damage to property or equipment.