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CPCS 360 Excavator Training (below 10 Tonne)
Build the skills needed to operate a 360 excavator below 10 tonnes with this comprehensive CPCS excavator training. The training focuses on machine controls, digging, grading, loading, and safe working practices, helping you become a skilled excavator operator. Successful learners would gain a recognised certificate and will be able to apply for the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card, providing recognised proof of their excavator training and site-readiness.
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Course Features
Learning Options
CPCS (A58) 360 Excavator Training Overview
This Excavator course is designed to help learners develop the practical knowledge and operating skills needed to safely and confidently operate a 360 excavator in line with construction site requirements. The training covers key areas such as machine controls, pre-use checks, safe manoeuvring, excavation techniques, grading, loading, and shutdown procedures.
Throughout the course, learners will gain a clear understanding of how to operate the machine efficiently while following safe working practices. The training also helps prepare candidates for the CPCS theory and practical tests required to achieve the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card.
By completing this course, learners can build the foundation needed to work as a trained CPCS excavator operator and take the next step towards gaining a recognised CPCS digger ticket for construction site work.
Who Is the CPCS A58 Excavator 360 Training For?
The CPCS 360 Excavator Training (below 10 Tonne) is suitable for learners who want to operate a 360 excavator on construction sites and gain a recognised route into plant operations. It is ideal for both new operators and experienced workers who need formal CPCS excavator training to prove their skills.
This course is suitable for:
- New learners looking to start a career as a 360 excavator operator
- Construction workers who want to move into plant machinery operation
- Operators with some site experience who need a recognised CPCS digger ticket
- Groundworkers, labourers, or site operatives aiming to expand their skills
- Employers who want staff trained to operate excavators safely and correctly
- Individuals preparing for CPCS theory and practical assessments
Whether you are starting from the basics or looking to formalise existing experience, this training helps you build the confidence, knowledge, and practical ability needed to operate a CPCS excavator safely on site.
What You’ll Learn in the Course
- How to operate the A58 360 excavator below 10 tonnes safely and productively
- How to carry out pre-use checks, running checks, and basic safety inspections
- How to understand the machine’s capabilities, limitations, and correct applications
- How to position and set up the excavator safely for different site tasks
- How to use machine controls correctly for digging, grading, loading, and travelling
- How to carry out excavations to line and level using site markings and laser levels
- How to travel safely on level ground, rough terrain, and inclines
- How to select, fit, use, and change buckets and ancillary equipment correctly
- How to place spoil safely into dumpers, skips, or designated areas
- How to follow safe working practices around people, vehicles, underground services, and site hazards
- How to complete basic maintenance, minor adjustments, and routine servicing checks
- How to prepare the machine for shutdown, securing, and safe parking
- How to understand basic lifting requirements, lifting accessories, and safety checks where applicable
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the 360 Excavator Training, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- ✓ CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test certificate, issued within the past 24 months
- ✓ Basic understanding of English, to understand the course content
- ✓ Ability to take part in practical CPCS excavator training, including pre-use checks, safe machine operation, excavation tasks, and shutdown procedures
How is the 360 Excavator Training Delivered?
The course is delivered through a mix of practical machine training and classroom-based learning. This allows learners to understand the theory behind safe excavator operation while also developing the hands-on skills needed to use the machine confidently on site.
The training is designed to prepare candidates for real working conditions, covering safe setup, machine controls, excavation techniques, loading, travelling, and shutdown procedures under the guidance of experienced instructors.
On-site training can be arranged at your workplace, allowing learners to train using familiar equipment in a real-world environment where suitable facilities and machinery are available.
Centre-based training takes place at an approved training location, giving learners access to structured tuition, suitable plant machinery, and supervised practical training in preparation for the CPCS theory and practical assessments.
Centre-based training is a suitable choice for learners who prefer a structured environment with instructor support and practical machine experience. On-site training works well for employers who want their team trained at their own location, using familiar equipment and reducing time away from work.
Course Assessment
The CPCS Excavator Training includes an assessment to confirm that learners can operate the machine safely, correctly, and to the required CPCS standard. Candidates are tested on both their technical knowledge and their practical ability to complete key excavator tasks.
The assessment is completed through two main parts:
Theory Test: This assesses your understanding of safe excavator operation, site hazards, working procedures, machine checks, and CPCS requirements. It helps confirm that you know how to operate a CPCS excavator safely before moving into practical site tasks.
Practical Test: This requires you to demonstrate your ability to operate the 360 excavator in a controlled setting. You may be assessed on tasks such as pre-use inspections, safe positioning, travelling, digging, grading, loading, and shutting down the machine correctly.
What You’ll Receive After the Course
After successfully completing the CPCS 360 Excavator Training and passing the required CPCS assessments, your training provider will submit your application for the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card. This card is valid for two years and shows that you have completed recognised CPCS excavator training and are trained to operate a 360 excavator below 10 tonnes on construction sites.
You will usually receive your CPCS Red Card within 5 to 10 working days, depending on processing times. For learners searching for a CPCS digger ticket, the Red Card confirms that you have passed the required training and assessments for the 360 excavator category.
📌 Important: To qualify for the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, you must have passed the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) Test within the last two years.
Career Progression
After completing the CPCS A58 Excavator Training and gaining site experience, you can continue developing your career in plant operations. A common next step is to complete the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations, which helps demonstrate your competence while working in a real construction environment.
If you want to focus specifically on excavator work, the NVQ Level 2 Excavator Training provides a suitable route. This qualification supports operators who want to build stronger evidence of their excavator skills and progress beyond the initial CPCS Red Card stage.
Once the relevant NVQ is completed, you can move from the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card, which is valid for five years. This can improve your employability, support access to more site opportunities, and help you progress as a competent CPCS excavator operator.
Benefits of the CPCS 360 Excavator Training
- ✓ Develop practical skills for operating a 360 excavator below 10 tonnes
- ✓ Prepare for the CPCS theory and practical assessments
- ✓ Learn safe digging, grading, loading, travelling, and shutdown procedures
- ✓ Gain recognised CPCS excavator training for construction site work
- ✓ Work towards the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card
- ✓ Build confidence in carrying out pre-use checks and basic machine maintenance
- ✓ Improve your job prospects as a trained CPCS excavator operator
- ✓ Create a clear route towards NVQ Level 2 and the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card
Common Questions
What is the Price of 360 Excavator Training?
The price of 360 excavator training can vary based on several factors, including the type of delivery chosen. For example, on-site delivery may be available for group bookings, offering discounts for multiple learners. Additionally, novice learners may require more training days, which could increase the overall excavator course price, while experienced operators may complete the training more quickly. For a tailored excavator course price based on your location and needs, please contact us for a personalised quote.
Can the Training Be Completed Online?
No, the 360 excavator training cannot be completed online. Since the course involves operating heavy machinery, hands-on experience is essential. All practical training and assessments must be conducted in person. You can choose to complete the training on-site at your location or at an accredited training centre, both of which ensure adherence to UK safety standards and industry regulations.
What is the Duration of the 360 Excavator Course?
The duration of the 360 excavator training depends on your level of experience. Experienced operators may complete the course in a few days, focusing primarily on assessments and refining skills. Novice learners, however, may require several additional days of hands-on training to build the necessary confidence and competence for safe excavator operation.
What Job Roles Can I Pursue After Completing the CPCS 360 Excavator Course (below 10 Tonne) ?
- ✓ Excavator Operator
- ✓ Plant Operator
- ✓ Excavation Supervisor (with additional experience)
- ✓ Site Manager (with further qualifications and experience)
How Do CPCS and NPORS Qualifications Compare for Site Access?
Both CPCS and NPORS are recognised certification schemes in the UK construction industry, granting plant operators the necessary qualifications to work safely on-site. While they are separate schemes, both are widely accepted across construction sites, including major projects under the Build UK framework. Holding either qualification ensures that you meet the essential safety standards required for site access.
Other CPCS and NPORS Training Options
If you're looking to expand your qualifications or pursue a different certification, check out our other accredited plant operation courses designed to suit various specialisations.
CPCS Course Options
- CPCS A59 360 Excavator (Above 10 Tonnes)
- CPCS A02 Crawler Crane
- CPCS A60 Mobile Crane
- CPCS Slinger Signaller (A40)
- CPCS A62 Crane Supervisor
NPORS Course Options
- NPORS 360 Excavator (N202)
- NPORS Excavator 180° (N201)
- NPORS Crane Lift Supervisor (N405)
- NPORS Mobile Crane (N101)
- NPORS Tower Crane (N102)
Not sure which certification your site requires? Our team is happy to assist in selecting the right qualification for you. Reach out to us at 0333 344 1293, or explore our full range of CPCS training and NPORS course options.
Hear from our past customers
What you will learn
- Safe and productive operation
- Pre-use and running checks
- Machine capabilities and limitations
- Positioning and setup
- Correct use of controls
- Safe travel on various terrains
- Bucket and ancillary equipment use
- Safe spoil placement
- Safe working practices
- Basic 360 excavator maintenance and servicing
- Shutdown and securing
- Lifting requirements and safety checks
Course content
Learn to operate the A58 360 excavator below 10 tonnes safely and efficiently, ensuring high productivity on-site.
Understand how to perform pre-use checks, running inspections, and basic safety procedures to maintain machine readiness.
Gain knowledge on the machine’s capabilities, limitations, and proper applications for different tasks.
Learn how to position and set up the excavator safely for various site tasks to ensure effective and secure operation.
Master the machine’s controls for tasks such as digging, grading, loading, and travelling with precision and safety.
Understand how to carry out excavations accurately to line and level, using site markings and laser levels.
Learn how to safely operate the excavator on level ground, rough terrain, and inclines, ensuring stability at all times.
Develop the skills to select, fit, use, and change buckets and other ancillary equipment safely and efficiently.
Learn the correct methods for placing spoil safely into dumpers, skips, or designated areas to prevent accidents.
Understand how to follow safe working practices, particularly around people, vehicles, underground services, and site hazards.
Learn how to perform basic machine maintenance, minor adjustments, and routine servicing checks to ensure optimal operation.
Understand how to properly prepare the machine for shutdown, securing it safely at the end of a workday.
Gain insight into lifting requirements and how to conduct safety checks for lifting accessories used during excavator operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The price of 360 excavator course varies depending on location, experience level, and delivery method. Contact us for specific pricing based on your requirements.
After completing the CPCS excavator training and passing the required assessments, your CPCS Red Card will typically be processed and sent to you within 5 to 10 working days.
The CPCS Red Card is issued after you complete your training and assessment. To progress to the Blue CPCS Card, you must complete the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations.
The CPCS Red Card allows you to work as a CPCS excavator operator on construction sites. It is the first step toward gaining full certification and advancing in the industry.
Yes, discounts for group bookings are available. Please reach out to us for more information on group rates for 360 excavator training.
CPCS excavator training is offered on-site or at accredited training centres, with both options providing hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge.
We offer various payment options, including upfront and instalment plans for the excavator course. Contact us for more details on how you can pay for your training.
To apply for the Blue CPCS Card, you must complete the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations, with a specialisation in Excavation, which allows you to progress from the Red to the Blue Competent Operator Card.
