CPCS
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is recognised by the UK Construction Industry as the preferred card to comply with codes of practice for competence and certification. It was launched in 2003 at the request of employers, to help them comply with regulations and requirements, and aims to apply common standards for all plant operators.
CPCS covers a large range of plant and plant-related categories, and more are continually added. Click on Training courses to see what we can offer.
Courses
Operator Cards
The Scheme is made up of a number of core elements, which are used to demonstrate the skills, competence and qualifications that determine eligibility for Scheme membership.
- Training
- Health, safety and environment test
- CPCS Theory Test
- CPCS Practical Test
- SVQ and NVQ
- CPCS Renewal Test
Scheme membership is confirmed through the issue of a registration card.
The cards available within the CPCS Scheme are:
- Trained Operator Card (Red Card)
- Competent Operator Card (Blue Card)
Select required card type below for information on how to achieve it.
Red Card
Achievement of the Red Trained Operator Card confirms a level of core skill and knowledge and understanding that can be applied in the workplace until measured as competent against national standards.
CLICK on required option below for more information on achieving your Red card.
Training
Training Necessary training can be undertaken to bring you up to the standard of operation to pass the CPCS Technical Test. This can be delivered by our trainers, for more information contact us. |
CITB Health, Safety & Environmental Test
CITB Health, Safety & Environmental Test The CITB Health, Safety & Environmental test examines your knowledge across a wide range of topics to improve safety and productivity on site. It is a PC based touch screen test. The type of card being applied for will determine the level of test required. To book a test or for more information contact us. |
Technical Test (Theory & Practical)
Technical Test (Theory & Practical) Theory Test – classroom based oral test which demonstrates the candidates underpinning knowledge and understanding of the relevant category(s). Practical Test – conducted on site and demonstrates the candidates operating ability. |
Card Achieved
Card Achieved Once achieved the Red Trained Operator card is valid for 2 years. Within this period the candidate must upgrade to a Blue Competent Operator Card. |
Blue Competent Operator Card
A Blue Competent Operator Card holder has demonstrated a level of health and safety awareness, underpinning knowledge through the Theory test, operating ability through the practical test and operating competence on the relevant plant category, evidenced by successful completion of a SVQ.
CLICK relevant option below for more information on achieving your Blue card.
Red Card Holder
Red Card Holder Within 2 years of achieving a Red Trained Operator Card, a candidate must upgrade to a Blue Competent Operator card by carrying out the following. |
Valid CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test
Valid CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test The CITB Health, Safety & Environmental test examines your knowledge across a wide range of topics to improve safety and productivity on site. It is a PC based touch screen test. The type of card being applied for will determine the level of test required. To upgrade to a Blue Competent Operator Card you must have passed your Health, Safety & Environmental test within two years of upgrade/application date. To book a test or for more information contact us. |
Achieve VQ
Achieve VQ In order to gain the VQ candidates must complete a portfolio, which contains all the necessary evidence to meet the Performance Criteria, and the Scope of Knowledge and Understanding as laid down in the National Occupational Standards for the Qualification as set by the Standard Awarding Body. An assessor will work with the candidate to compile the portfolio of evidence through direct observation of the candidate in the workplace and will cross reference the additional evidence supplied by the candidate, or his or her employer against the standards to ensure all the criteria is met. Once achieved the Blue Competent Operator Card is valid for 5 years, after which should be renewed. See Renewal process. |
Card Achieved
Card Achieved Once achieved the Blue Competent Operator Card is valid for 5 years, after which should be renewed. See Renewal process. |
Dependent upon the candidates experience there is an option to go Direct to Blue Card and bypass the red card stage. Contact us for information on this route.
Blue Competence Card Renewal
The Blue Competent Operator card is valid for 5 years, after which you must to renew to stay in the scheme.
SELECT relevant option below for more information on renewing your BLUE card.
Valid CITB Health, Safety & Environmental Test
Valid CITB Health, Safety & Environmental Test To renew a Blue Competent Operator Card you must have passed your Health, Safety & Environmental test within two years of renewal application date. |
Renewal Test
Renewal Test The Renewal test checks key safety knowledge relating to the relevant plant category. The test involves a set of 15 randomly selected multiple choice questions, known as modules per relevant category. Card holders need to pass each module to retain/renew each category on their Blue card. There is revision material available. |
Demonstrate ongoing practical ability
Demonstrate ongoing practical ability The simplest way to demonstrate ongoing practical ability is to keep your logbook up to date and signed by employer etc. You must log a minimum of 300 hours per plant category; this is then checked and validated by our CPCS validator. If you do not have the correct amount of hours in your logbook, the other options are to carry out an on-site assessment or re-sit the Practical Test. An on-site assessment involves the Tester observing you in normal working conditions on your work site measured against national standards. |
Card Renewed
Card Renewed A renewed card is valid for a further 5 years, after which point will need to be renewed again. |
If you do not wish to renew all the categories you hold, providing at least one category has been renewed, the remaining categories can be ‘banked’ (within the life of the new card) and can be added at a later date.
There are different options available for candidates who previously held a card and are returning to the construction industry and for those, whose cards are expired, please contact us for further information on these topics.
Grants/Funding
CITB Grants Scheme
CITB have a Grants Scheme available each year which was put in place to maintain and improve the quantity and quality of training and development within the construction industry. The grants are available to most employers, who are registered with CITB with a main activity of construction. The grants are not intended to cover the full cost of training; however are a good contribution towards it. Assuming you are eligible, grants are available to claim back against the CPCS Theory test, Practical test and SVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations. For further information contact us or visit http://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grant/claiming-grants-available/
CITB Training Day Grant
NRSWA unit achievement is eligible to claim grant back against through the CITB Training Day grant. The grants are available to most employers, who are registered with CITB with a main activity of construction. For further information and details on eligibility contact us or visit http://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grant/claiming-grants-available/
ILA Funding
Flexible Training
Flexible Training Opportunities gives Scottish businesses with up to 100 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs.
Enhancing employees' skills will bring real benefits to employers, including improved productivity and a stronger more confident workforce.
Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so the employer does not have to pay it back. Skills Development Scotland will refund up to 50% of each episode of employee training up to a maximum of £500 for each training episode. For example, if an episode of training costs £1,200 excluding VAT, we will refund £500. If it costs £300 excluding VAT, we will refund £150.
Types of training we will fund:
- qualifications, including individual units
- masterclasses
- learning based on National Occupational Standards
- industry recognised qualifications
- supervisory and management training
- workshops
- taster sessions.
For more information or to download an application form please select link below or contact us.
http://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/funding-for-skills/flexible-training-opportunities/