4 Reasons to get CPCS qualified

The first reason to complete one of the many construction plant certification scheme or CPCS training courses on offer is that they are tailored to your level of experience. This means that wherever you are in your career, you can pick a course that will give you the best possible chance of success.

CPCS training courses are split into two main groups, blue card courses and red card courses. The blue card courses are designed to qualify candidates as competent operators and are also known as NVQ level. The most convenient choice for those candidates wishing to complete CPCS training courses resulting in achieving the blue card is to do the EWPAR course. This is where candidates are assessed in line with the NVQ and take the theory and practical assessments over one or two days. As this type of course works to such a short time span, no training or preparation is included, so blue card courses are only recommended for operatives that already have at least two years experience with the plant machinery they are being assessed on. 

The other choice in CPCS training courses is the red card option. This is offered in two ways. The first is the novice read card. This is a longer course, offered to candidates who have very limited experience. They are provided with practical and theory training to help them in passing their CPCS tests. 

The second choice is the experienced worker red card option. This course is designed for those operatives that have some experience, but need additional preparation for their theory test. Usually run over two days, this type of course is best suited to those who are confident in the practical use of their plant machinery. 

It is also worth noting that red card are only valid for a period of two years, after this, operatives are expected to go on to gain their blue cards. Therefore red cards cannot be renewed. 

Reason 2 – Recognised by all UK sites including UKGC

The second key reasons to complete one of the CPCS training courses on offer, is that they are recognised and well regarded throughout sites in the UK. In fact United Kingdom Contractors Group Sites, insist that their plant operators hold a relevant CPCS card in order to work on their sites. 

Reason 3 – Available throughout the UK

The third reason to consider completing a CPCS course is that there are training providers, offering them,in locations throughout the UK. This means that whether you need to travel to a site to complete an on center category or whether you need the trainer to come to you and assess your performance with an off center category, there should be a site not too far from your location. 

Reason 4 – The prerequisite to the CPCS course is quick, cheap and easily accessible. 

The last reason to complete one of the 66 CPCS training courses on offer is that other than the experience as described above in section one, you only need to have your Health and Safety Touch Screen Test. You can do this, quickly and easily at one of the hundred fixed or mobile sites around the UK. While the CPCS require you to have a TST less than two years old to be enrolled on a CPCS course, the cost is minimal as is the impact on your working day.