Construction Plant Competence and CPCS Training Courses

BookMyCourse are an online training solutions provider, offering Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) training courses at locations nationwide. From Slinger Signaller to Telehandler, Digger Driver to Dumper Driver, in fact whatever type of CPCS training you’re looking for, Bookmycourse can help!

Those working on construction sites need to be competent when operating plant and machinery and be aware of the health and safety of others around them. Through competency, they lower the risk to themselves and others on the site allowing them to work more safely. Successfully completing a specific CPCS training course related to their job role and requirements, enables them to be competent onsite and undertake all work safely.

How does COVID-19 affect CPCS course delivery?

We are only displaying a limited schedule of CPCS course dates at this point as many training providers have paused operations during the current phase of the Coronavirus Pandemic. However, some providers  are running a reduced programme of courses at this point with appropriate social distancing and other control measures. The running of all future courses will be determined by Government Advice at the time. Any course enquiries received for future courses will be checked by our operational team to ensure that the individual course is still planned and what arrangements will be with specific training providers in the event of course cancellations and rescheduling arrangements.

In normal circumstances we would ask you to book your place online or call our hotline on 01933 233884 for further information. However, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic we are currently operating with a reduced team working predominantly from home locations. We would therefore request that communications are by email  to enquiries@bookmycourse.co.uk until we can fully re-open our office.

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)

There are many CPCS categories related to various areas of construction plant training, whether this activity is working with heavy plant equipment, working with cranes or planning lifting operations. CPCS courses fall within these categories, including; heavy equipment (such as tractors, bulldozers and dumper trucks), lifting equipment (such as crane and forklift trucks) and mobile elevated work platforms (such as scissor lifts).

Qualifications and CPCS Cards

The CPCS Certification Card scheme proves the skills of plant operators and is the mostly widely recognised scheme for plant safety. CPCS cards are issued on successful completion of competence programs that include both theory and practical tests. This helps to demonstrate the operating skills and health and safety awareness of workers. On many sites, a CPCS card is a mandatory requirement to operate plant on site; for example, on UKCG sites.

There are many types of CPCS cards; most CPCS courses will award a CPCS Red card which denotes the holder is a Trained Operator in whichever categories they have passed CPCS tests. The operator can then work towards obtaining a Blue card to become a Competent Operator but must have a Red card in the relevant categories first.

CPCS and the Private Individual

For private individual looking to undertake CPCS training to obtain a CPCS card, the implications are very different from those of a CITB registered construction company. If you are a private individual it is recommended that you click on the following link CPCS Training and the Private Individual, which has more information, before making a specific enquiry relating to a CPCS Training Course.

CPCS Training Courses Available

Simply use the Course Finder function to find the CPCS course you require and find further information on location, prices and dates.

The mechanisms of CPCS and obtaining a CPCS card can be quite involved, so it is always a good idea to make an enquiry before booking. Training needs will depend on the whether the operator is a novice or experienced operator and there are pre-requisites for CPCS training, including amongst others, the need to have passed a Construction Skills Health and Safety Test.

CPCS training course costs vary depending on the course in question but all options for construction plant training are available nationwide. For specific course dates or locations, please send us an enquiry so that we can help further!

Popular CPCS courses include:

There are many course categories with the CPCS training scheme, but the most popular categories are:

• Dumper Training & Testing (A09)
• Telescopic Handler (A17)
• Ride on Roller (A31)
• Slinger Signaller (A40)
• 360 Degrees Excavator (A58 and A59)
• Appointed Person Lifting Operations (A61)
• Crane Supervisor (A62)

You may also be interested in….

• CITB Training Courses
• SPA Safety Passport Training
• SMSTS and Site Safety Plus

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the difference between Blue and Red CPCS Cards?

• Red Card = Trained Operator
• Blue Card = Competent Operator

Red can be upgraded to Blue within 12 months of the expiry date of the Red card, as long as the applicant has passed the relevant CITB health, safety and environment test within the past 2 years and achieves an SVQ or NVQ, with the appropriate units relevant to the category.

How long are CPCS Red Cards valid for?

Each category of machinery is only valid for 2 years on a CPCS Red card; it is advisable to take a Refresher course before expiry, so you do not have a lapsed period on your card for any area of machinery.

If you do not take the Refresher course and your card does expire, you will need to take the full CPCS training course for the category again, including the CPCS Technical test, should you wish to continue working with plant in this area.

How long are CPCS Blue Cards valid for?

5 years, with the option to renew as many times as necessary

Renewal needs to take place within the five years and there are certain conditions, set out under the scheme, as to operator eligibility to renew.

Get a quote using our dedicated enquiry form - you can also book your desired course online, call us on 01933 233884 or email us at enquiries@bookmycourse.co.uk.