Red CPCS Trained Operator Card

The Red CPCS Trained Operator Card confirms a level of core skills, knowledge and understanding that can be applied in the workplace until measured as competent against national standards. This card is the first card you will receive after passing your CPCS technical test before you can progress on to a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.

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Unlimited exam retakes till you Pass

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Get your exam results the same day

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Full refund if you don't pass. Terms apply

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95% pass rate

Authority
CITB: Construction Industry Training Board
Duration
2 years
Cost
£25
Valid For
2 years
Qualification Needed
CITB health, safety & environment test pass, CPCS technical tests (theory and practical)
STEPS TO GET LICENSED
Obtain Red CPCS Trained Operator Card
  • Obtain relevant NVQ or SVQ qualification
  • Pass and complete CITB Health, Safety & Environment test
  • Complete novice or refresher training along with the CPCS technical tests (theory and practical) for each plant category
Awarded Red CPCS Trained Operator Card
Upgrade to the Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.
  • hold a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card for the category which is within 12 months of expiry date
  • pass the relevant CITB health, safety and environment test within the last two years
  • achieve a SVQ or NVQ, with the appropriate units relevant to the category.
  • Call the CPCS Helpline on 0844 815 7274, confirm your details and make a payment of £25. A Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card will be issued for five years
Renew your Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card every 5 years
  • Pass the HS&E Test within the last 2 years
  • Pass the renewal test modules for each category you wish to renew
  • Record at least 300 hours per category in your logbook
  • Complete an on-site assessment
  • Complete a practical test
Get Licensed
Icon 1

Unlimited exam retakes till you Pass

Icon 2

Get your exam results the same day

Icon 3

Full refund if you don't pass. Terms apply

Icon 4

95% pass rate

Have a question? We have answers

CPCS stands for the Construction Plant Competence Scheme- a card scheme designed to prove the skills of plant operatives. It is run by the Construction Industry Training Board also known as CITB.

It depends on what line of work you work in. If you work in the construction industry, you'll generally need a CSCS card to get on site. However, if your job is to operate plant on construction sites, you will be better getting a CPCS card, provided through the Construction Plant Competence Scheme.

CSCS does not issue cards to workers in the plant sector. Instead, CSCS is partnered with a number of card schemes which provide their own skills certification cards.

An NVQ is a work-based award that is achieved through assessment and training. Your Assessor will assist you to create a portfolio specific to the category of plant that you’re skilled in. If you hold an existing Red Card upon completion it will automatically be upgraded into a CPCS Blue Card.

The Red Trained Operator Card shows that you have been tested to CPCS standards.

The Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card. shows your competency in the role.

If you are working in construction in the UK then most probably yes. UKCG insist that operatives working on their sites must hold a CPCS card. Many other employers are also demanding the same requiring their employees to hold relevant cards to prove their skills.

Some operators can apply for a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card without having a Red CPCS card. If this is the case for you, then you must have earned either an NVQ or SVQ relevant to the category of card for which you are applying for.

In addition to that you must pass the CPCS Technical Tests in the related category of CPCS Course:

CPCS Theory Test (within 2 years of passing the HS&E Test)

CPCS Practical Test (within 6 months of passing the Technical Test and within 2 years of passing the HS&E Test).

The Trained Operator Red Card lasts for a period of 2 years and is not renewable – it must be upgraded with the relevant NVQ to a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.

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