The CPCS Certification Card scheme shows that plant operators have the necessary skills and is widely recognised for plant safety. CPCS cards are given after completing training programs that include both theory and practical tests, proving the operator’s skills and safety knowledge. Many sites require a CPCS card to operate machinery. There are different CPCS cards available; the Red card indicates a Trained Operator, and to get the Blue card, which shows Competent Operator status, you must first have a Red card in the relevant categories.
We offer many NVQ CPCS courses to help you upgrade from the Red CPCS card to the Blue CPCS card, including advanced courses for Plant Operations and Controlling Lifting Operations.
If you have a valid Red (Trained Operator) CPCS card, you can work towards getting the Blue CPCS card, which shows you are a Competent Operator, within the two years your Red card is valid.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is a UK-based certification program designed to promote safety and standardise working practices within the plant sector. It provides training and assessment for various plant machinery roles.
The CPCS offers two main types of cards:
Red Card: Issued after completing initial training and assessments.
Blue Card: Upgraded from the Red Card upon completing a relevant NVQ.
The CPCS Red Card is valid for two years. To maintain your certification, you must complete the relevant NVQ to upgrade to a Blue Card within this period.
You must have passed the relevant Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) test within the last two years. If you have not taken the test yet, you can complete it at test centres nationwide or during the course if needed.
To upgrade to a Blue Card, you must complete the relevant NVQ within the 2-year validity period of your Red Card.
Support includes the allocation of an assessor, a full induction, examples of evidence required, verbal end assessments, and full administration of the NVQ process, including internal verification and portfolio building.
If you do not pass the CPCS tests, you may need to retake them. Additional assessments may be required for the NVQ to meet the necessary competency standards. Our team will provide guidance and support throughout the process to help you succeed.
The A40A Slinger Signaller Course is designed for those who need to work with various plant machinery, including pick-and-carry duties. In contrast, the A40B Slinger Signaller Course focuses on only operating static cranes and does not cover pick-and-carry operations. The A40A course provides broader training for different machinery, while the A40B course specialises in static crane operations.
Blue CPCS cards are valid for 5 years and can be renewed as needed. Renewal must be done within the 5-year period, and you must meet specific conditions to renew.
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 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.