CPCS A59 Course Overview
The CPCS 360 Excavator training course is for people who operate diggers and excavators in construction. It teaches operators to safely use a tracked or wheeled Excavator obove 10 tonnes. It includes hands-on training and lessons.
The CPCS A59 course for excavators above 10 tonnes covers both tracked and wheeled machines, making it a good choice if you want to drive both types.
Courses are available for beginners and experienced workers. The A59 courses are generally longer because they cover complex machinery. To enrol, you must have completed the CSCS Health and Safety Touch Screen Test within the last two years.
Types of CPCS Excavator 360 Courses
- CPCS A58: Excavator 360 degrees – Below 10 tonnes
- CPCS A59: Excavator 360 degrees – Above 10 tonnes
There are also sub-categories for tracked or wheeled excavators:
- CPCS A58: Tracked 360 Excavator below 10 tonnes
- CPCS A59A: Tracked 360 Excavator above 10 tonnes (Passing this test means you can also operate machines below 10 tonnes)
- CPCS A59B: Wheeled 360 Excavator above 10 tonnes, also called a Rubber Duck (Passing this test means you can operate machines below 10 tonnes as well)
CPCS Course Entry Requirements
To complete your registration, please provide:
- Your current CSCS Card Number
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Home Address
You must also complete a valid CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Touch Screen Test within the last two years. A good understanding of English, both written and spoken, is necessary.
What Will You Learn
- Role and responsibilities as a 360-degree excavator operator
- Purpose of principal components, controls & terminology
- Manufacturer requirements and relevant regulations/legislation
- Safe operation of above 10 tonnes 360 excavator machinery
- Proper procedures to shut down and secure the excavator equipment
Course Assessment and Certification
Candidates will take both practical and written tests. After successfully passing these tests, they will receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, valid for 2 years.
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), established in 2003, promotes safe and standardised working practices within the plant sector. CPCS training courses teach learners the necessary skills and knowledge to operate plant machinery safely and effectively according to UK health and safety regulations.
CPCS Card Categories
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CPCS Red Trained Operator Card: This is issued after initial CPCS training.
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CPCS Blue Competent Operative Card Card: To upgrade from a Red Card to a Blue Card, candidates must complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) relevant to their category. NVQs are available for:
- Slinger Signaller
- Crane Supervisor
- Mobile Crane
- Crawler Crane
- Appointed Person
- Vehicle Marshaller
- Telehandler
- Compact Crane
- Forward Tipping Dumper
- Excavator 360 Degree Digger
How to Obtain a CPCS Card
The CPCS scheme comprises three stages, and Hurak Learning can assist you throughout the process:
1. Red Trained Operator Card: This card confirms core skills, knowledge, and understanding applicable in the workplace. It is awarded upon completing the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests at an accredited test centre.
Candidates must also have passed the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the last two years. The Red Card is valid for two years and is non-renewable. To upgrade to a Blue Card, candidates must complete the relevant NVQ within this period.
2. Blue Competent Operator Card: To obtain this card, you must upgrade from the Red Card by completing the appropriate NVQ in Plant Operations through the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) method at your workplace. An assessor will visit you several times to collect evidence of your experience. After reviewing the evidence, your Blue Card will be issued and valid for five years.
3. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs): NVQs are competence-based qualifications achieved in the workplace. They assess your ability to perform a job safely and effectively. To complete an NVQ, candidates must submit work-based evidence and undergo an assessment by observation with an assessor.
