CPCS Training - Appointed Persons (A61) Lifting Operations Course

The CPCS Appointed Person Course is for people who are responsible for planning lifting operations every day. This course teaches lift operations safety, legislative responsibilities, and workers' safety.

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CPCS Appointed Person Course Overview

The CPCS A61 Appointed Person Training Course is for people who plan and manage lifting operations. This course will teach you to meet legal requirements and keep everyone safe. The course includes practice exercises and allows you to apply your knowledge, including planning lifts and understanding safety standards and regulations.

The Appointed Person course comes in two levels: Foundation and Experienced Worker, to match different experience levels. You need at least two years of experience in the role to join the Experienced Worker course. After completing the course, you will know how to safely plan lifting operations for mobile cranes on a busy construction site.

To take any CPCS test, you must have passed the CSCS Health, Safety, and Environment touchscreen test for Operatives in the last two years. 

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

  • Legislation & Codes of Practice (BS 7121)
  • Roles & Responsibilities of Lifting Operations Personnel
  • Duties of the Appointed Person
  • Thorough Examination & Certification
  • Selection of Cranes
  • Lifting Capacity & Duties Charts
  • Crane Positioning & Configuration
  • Selection & Use of Lifting Accessories
  • Methods of Communication
  • Carrying Out a Risk Assessment
  • Preparing a Method Statement
  • Crane Plan & Elevation Drawings

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

CPCS Red Trained Operator Card: This is issued after initial CPCS training.

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:

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The CPCS Appointed Person Course trains individuals to plan and supervise lifting operations on construction sites. It covers the responsibilities of an appointed person, including risk assessments, method statements, and safe lifting practices.

An Appointed Person is a professional responsible for planning and managing lifting operations, including selecting lifting equipment, creating method statements, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring all lifting activities comply with safety regulations and best practices.

The course is designed for individuals responsible for planning and overseeing lifting operations. This includes site managers, crane supervisors, and those looking to take on the role of an appointed person.

The course includes training on planning and managing lifting operations, legal and safety responsibilities, risk assessment, method statements, crane selection, and coordinating lifting activities.

You will receive a CPCS Red Appointed Person Card upon successful completion, which certifies your competence to plan and supervise lifting operations.

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. 

Candidates should have relevant lifting operations experience and a basic understanding of health and safety. A CITB Health, Safety & Environmental touch screen test completed within the past two years is required.

The course includes theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate your skills and knowledge in planning and managing lifting operations.