CPCS stands for Construction Plant Competence Scheme.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme is a certification scheme through which construction workers earn professional competence using plant machinery. Holders are required to pass both the CPCS theory test and CPCS practical test to demonstrate safety awareness on construction sites.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme was launched in 2003. The aim of the CPCS is to ensure that plant operators and similar construction workers can provide proof of their ability to operate dangerous machinery, safely. It is a recognised way for construction companies to recruit operators who are aware of health and safety requirements.
The intention of the CPCS scheme is to standardise plant practises across the country. It regularly evolves to remain in line with rapid technology advances, as well as the latest occupational health issues, under the watchful eye of the CPCS management committee.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (or CPCS) card is earned by construction workers in the plant sector, as well as construction and allied industries. Essentially, it is a trained operator card for plant machinery, proving that the holder has passed not only a practical test but also health and safety awareness training.
In the UK, there are strict regulations to monitor health and safety in the construction industry. The CPCS scheme aims to ensure that people holding specific roles within the industry are able to do so safely; namely operating dangerous plant machinery.
The CPCS card is earned through a combination of theory test and practical test situations, as well as one-to-one questioning. This construction skills certification scheme is not a one-time thing, but rather a state of ongoing development for plant operators and similar construction workers.
You can think of the CPCS card as your ticket to working on a reputable construction site; not because it is a legal requirement, but because it proves both your competency as a safe, working professional and your dedication to furthering your profession.
The CPCS card is both an identity card and proof that the holder is competent enough to undertake the role that is required of them. While it is not technically a legal requirement to hold a CPCS card in the United Kingdom, most construction employers will expect their staff to hold one - at least if their role involves operating plant machinery.
According to the Construction Plant Competence Scheme, CPCS cards are not entirely about gaining admittance to the site nor are they about qualifying for a job. They are about being able to do the job safely. A CPCS card is equally important for the employer; it means they can confidently employ trusted professionals who will not endanger themselves or their crew.
The CPCS scheme offers three distinct types of CPCS cards, earned sequentially. These are the trained operator card, competent operator card and tester card.
Each of the three card schemes requires the holder to pass both a theory test and a practical test. Each card represents a different level of proven competence and experience working in the plant industry.
The first card serves as proof that the holder has been tested to CPCS standards and has a decent working knowledge of construction site equipment and health and safety awareness. It is mostly a proof of core knowledge; a sort of indication that the cardholder is a safe person to hire.
The trained operator card is often referred to as the red card. This is the ideal first step for an individual embarking on a new career in construction, since the red-trained operator card will allow the holder to join a crew, work on a construction site and begin training as a plant operator, just under supervision.
There are three steps to earning a red trained operator card:
The theory and practical tests required for the issue of a trained operator card must be completed at one of the Construction Industry Training Board's recognised test centres. This card is valid for just two years from the date of issue and it is not renewable.
Holders of this card are presumed to have demonstrated an adequate level of health and safety awareness to work safely with plant and construction site equipment. Red-trained operator cardholders also have a strong foundational knowledge of plant operation theory and basic practical operating ability.
The competent operator card, or blue competent operator card, is the next step. Individuals are required to be actively working in the field in order to achieve the CPCS blue card.
Holders of this card have proven their continued ability to perform in their role and remain up to date with evolving health and safety awareness and practises within the construction industry and plant-related occupations.
Holders of the blue competent operator card have proven their operating ability and may therefore work with plant machinery independently. However, before holders of the red trained operator card can apply for the coveted blue CPCS card, they must first earn an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Plant Operations.
There are four steps required to earn the blue competent operator card:
This card is really just a slightly more advanced version of the standard red trained operator card. It represents a greater or sustained proficiency in the same qualities, including meeting CITB health and safety requirements.
The blue competent operator card is awarded following successful completion of the theory test and practical test. The card therefore represents the holder's ability to operate the plant unsupervised. It is worth noting that in many circumstances the practical test may be tethered to the specific type of plant the individual will be operating.
This card is valid for five years, after which time it can be renewed.
The CPCS tester card is the final step in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. It is not generally considered necessary for on-site construction workers or plant operators, but rather for those individuals working in a CPCS test centre to assess both theory and practical tests as well as on-site evaluation.
It is understandably more difficult to achieve a CPCS card at the tester level, than either red or blue, with six distinct steps to follow:
The card itself is included within the cost of the training course and certification test, the cost of which varies depending on which one you take. The exact cost also varies from one CPCS test centre to another, so if you are able to access more than one, look for the best price!
The only stagnant price is the CITB health safety and environment test, which costs £22.50.
The CITB offers funding support for applicants who would like to apply for a training course, or take the CPCS test, if the financial element is a concern.
For more information on CITB financial support, click here.
The CPCS trained operator card - or the red trained operator card - is valid for a period of two years from the date of issue. It is therefore recommended that holders of this card begin studying for the blue competent operator card quite soon!
The CPCS competent operator card - also known as the blue competent operator card - is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. This card is renewable, as many holders have no need to upgrade to the tester card.
The trained operator card is valid for two years from the date of issue and is not intended to be renewed. Instead, it is seen as a stepping stone toward the full competent operator card. However, there are exceptions and the holder might be eligible to apply for an extension or a reissue.
The competent operator card is valid for five years from the date of issue, irrespective of whether additional competencies have been added to the card in the interim. This card is renewable, since many holders do not have a need to upgrade to the CPCS tester card.
The trained operator card is only valid for two years and it is not technically renewable. However, since it is assumed that holders of this card will be working toward achieving their competent operator card, an extension is possible.
A red trained operator cardholder may apply for an extension if they are in the midst of completing the NVQ required to progress to a blue CPCS card. In order to qualify for an extension, the holder must be registered for an NVQ and be able to provide proof. For a small fee, the red card may be extended for a maximum of twelve months.
Alternatively, a second two-year trained operator card might be issued, provided the existing card is expired by a year or more. In this event, the individual is required to once again complete the health and safety, theory test, and CPCS technical tests within the same timeframe and be registered for an NVQ.
This will be perceived as commitment to earning the competent operator card and the trained operator card will once again be issued.
The blue CPCS card is valid for five years from the date of issue. Holders may prove capability in additional categories within this time frame, which will then be added to the card. However, regardless of how recently some additional categories have been completed, the expiration date remains the same: five years from the date of issue of the card.
Renewing the card is quite straightforward. The card must not have reached the expiry date, and the holder must pass both the CITB health and safety requirements and the CPCS renewal test. This is due to the evolving nature of plant machinery and similar construction site equipment.
The holder must also prove their continued practical experience. This can be done by keeping a logbook, taking the practical test, or completing an NVQ (within two years).
It is recommended that blue CPCS cardholders apply for renewal three months prior to the expiry date on the card.
The tester card needs to be renewed every five years, to ensure that the holder has remained up to date with evolving construction workplace strategies as well as current health and safety measures. There is a £25.00 charge for this renewal.
In order to renew their tester card, the holder must hold both a valid first aid certificate and a plant management certificate. They must also have a current CPCS tester certificate. If any of these are out of date, they must be updated before the card itself can be renewed.
Each renewing applicant will also be required to pass the Managers & Professionals, Health Safety and Environment test again, since this is valid for just two years at a time.
The CPCS test comprises several elements, more if the applicant is working toward the competent operator card.
Each individual should expect to take both a theory test and a practical one, both to be completed on site at a CITB-certified test centre.
As the largest and most recognised plant competence scheme in the United Kingdom, the CPCS combines on-site testing under supervision from trained testing personnel, with continued independent testing. This ensures the individual gains maximum knowledge and experience safely, and is fully prepared to test for their red or blue CPCS card.
Each level of CPCS card has its own health, safety and awareness test which the applicant is required to successfully pass prior to sitting the theory test. This is sometimes referred to as the CSCS test. This test is multiple choice and is taken on a screen at a registered CITB test centre.
The intention of this health and safety test is to make sure that the applicant has an adequate knowledge and understanding of on-site safety measures and a good, working knowledge of how to use plant machinery to contribute to a productive construction site.
The applicant should expect environmental questions too, aimed toward understanding the impact of construction on the environment and how to use plant machinery efficiently with the lowest possible impact on the surrounding environment.
Blue CPCS card renewal applicants are also required to take a similar test, due to the evolving nature of the industry and changing perceptions of health safety and environment concerns in the active workplace.
The CPCS theory test consists of yet more questions. The difference here is that each CPCS theory test is tethered to the specific type of plant equipment the applicant is training to use.
This portion of the test is a spoken test, whereby the applicant is asked verbal questions and must answer them. It is worth noting that for applicants whose preferred language is not English, a translator can be provided. This request must be made in advance.
The CPCS theory test will assess an individual's knowledge of the plant machinery they are an operator for, including safe manual handling, environmental impact, and basic maintenance. Depending on the category of plant equipment, each applicant will have up to one hour to sit this portion of the test.
There is a separate CPCS theory test for each plant category. Holders of the blue CPCS card may take additional tests and add them to their card, proving their extensive proficiency in multiple areas of plant competence.
The theory test may only be taken after successful completion of the health safety and environment test and it is valid for just six months.
The practical test may only be taken once the individual has successfully passed both the health safety and environment test and the plant specific theory test. Each applicant has six months following their theory test, in which to pass the CPCS technical tests.
As the name would suggest, the practical test is intended to assess an individual's capability of handling the plant machinery or construction equipment of their choice. On the day of the test, the applicant will be instructed to demonstrate practical application of the plant machinery through a series of manoeuvres.
All practical tests must be carried out under observation by a tester cardholder and performed at a registered CPCS test centre.
Once you have successfully completed the health, safety and environment test; the theory test; and the practical test, you will be presented with a temporary, one month pass/ or a letter of achievement, which functions as a red or blue card. This will grant you access to a construction site, or enable you to apply for such jobs, for 28 days.
During this month, you will be required to submit proof of your successful completion of all parts of the test. Some test centres will do this for you, others will not. You should receive your card approximately two weeks after submitting your documentation.
The CPCS plant competence scheme is the largest and most widely recognised construction and plant safety certificate in the United Kingdom.
Many training courses are available in several types of construction and plant equipment. These include a recognised CPCS certificate. Different plant operator courses offered include:
The majority of these operator training courses can be taken with as part of the CPCS scheme thereby earning the applicant a recognised CPCS card.
As mentioned earlier, holders of an existing, competent operator card can take additional training courses in different types of equipment, earning further accolades for their blue CPCS card.
CPCS and CSCS cards are not the same; CSCS cards are required to gain access to a construction site, whereas CPCS cards are optional and show the holder's skills or competence at operating specific types of machinery.
Some contractors and clients require staff to have a valid CPCS card, whilst others do not. It's not a legal requirement for workers in the industry to hold one, but they are required for many job sites.
How long it takes to get a CPCS card depends on which type of card you are applying for. The timeframe will vary depending on whether you have to complete an NVQ. If renewing your card, it can take 2 weeks or more before it will be delivered.
CPCS and CSCS cards are not the same; CSCS cards are required to gain access to a construction site, whereas CPCS cards are optional and show the holder's skills or competence at operating specific types of machinery.
Some contractors and clients require staff to have a valid CPCS card, whilst others do not. It's not a legal requirement for workers in the industry to hold one, but they are required for many job sites.
How long it takes to get a CPCS card depends on which type of card you are applying for. The timeframe will vary depending on whether you have to complete an NVQ. If renewing your card, it can take 2 weeks or more before it will be delivered.
