CITB/CPCS Training

Construction Plant Training & Assessment.
CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)
CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme)

This course is intended for all operators or trainees who are 18 years of age and over, who are medically fit, and need to operate construction plant and machinery during the normal course of their work.

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) was launched in 2003 with the aim of becoming the card scheme for the plant industry.

As the replacement for the CTA scheme, it is the main standard for plant operators, proving they have the qualifications and experience to operate plant.

Increasingly, clients and employers are demanding proof of competency from all operatives on their sites. A more competent workforce will also make the industry more efficient and create a safer working environment for all. The CPCS card proves to employers that you have both the skills and the practical experience to do the job effectively.

Because the CPCS scheme requires you to be trained and experienced, you cannot obtain a competence card straight away. The first step is to pass the CPCS operator test, for which you might also need to carry out basic training with an accredited provider. You will also need to pass the CITB-Construction Skills health and safety test. You can then apply for your red (trained plant operator) card which will enable you to operate plant on site.

The card is only valid for three years and cannot be renewed. In these three years, you must log 300 hours and complete your N/SVQ to become a full CPCS cardholder.

So you can prove what qualifications you have, the back of your card will list all the categories of plant which you are qualified to operate.

The Construction Health and Safety Test was created to reduce accidents and injuries within the construction industry. Consisting of 40 randomly chosen multiple choice questions, (50 in some cases depending upon the category of test undertaken) the test covers all aspects of health and safety in construction.

Key Benefits to You
• A safer workplace
• Meets legal responsibilities
• Cost saving through increased efficiency
• Reduced stock damage
• Reduced machine damage
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Reduced litigation exposure

Objectives
To enable operators to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to operate construction plant and machinery safely and efficiently in the workplace.

Train or assess candidates on plant machinery to a quality standard recognised & accepted by industry. Promote safe working practices and safe operation of equipment / machinery in the work place.

Operators Safety Code
All training and assessments are carried out by qualified trainers or assessors on site or in centre.

Courses Available
All types of Plant & Machinery training and testing is available to private individuals and construction industry operatives alike, whether you require a refresher test, an on-site assessment, or full foundation training.

All training and testing is carried out by our time served experienced instructors and examiners who have been actively involved in the construction industry for many years and whose wealth of experience will benefit you greatly.

Training and testing can be carried out at our training facilities or on customer's own sites subject to availability and suitability. As there are so many categories of plant & machines, and various schemes under which this can be conducted, please telephone us for further information regarding your requirements.

Some of the courses we run at our training centre each week: 360 Tracked & 180 Wheeled Excavators, Dumpers (forward & rear tipping) Loading Shovels, Access Platforms, Telescopic Materials Handlers, Rough Terrain Forklift.

On completion of the above you will be issued with a card complete with your photograph and National Insurance number on the front, and the categories of machine you are competent to operate on the reverse. This card is renewable after 5 years by completing a further Safety Awareness course.

In order to convert your 'Trained Plant Operator' (red) card into a 'Competent Operator Card' (blue) you must have:
• Completed the Specialised Plant and Machinery Operations (SPMO) NVQ/SVQ

Logged a minimum of 300 operating hours for each category that you wish to transfer to the 'Competent Operator Card' which has been signed-off and your competency confirmed by your employer.

Held the categories on the 'Trained Operator Card' (red) for a minimum of six months (and your red card must be within its expiry date) Passed the CITB-ConstructionSkills Health & Safety Test within the last two years.

If you are not able to record the 300 hours you will be able to take a site-assessment in its place.

CITB-ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test Registration and general enquiries Please call the Health and Safety Test helpdesk on 01485 577885

The CITB-ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test is designed to give everybody working on construction sites a minimum level of health and safety awareness.

The cost of the test is £17.50, including the Health and Safety Test Question Book. A retest will cost £17.50

A CITB Grant is available to registered firms for each employee successfully completing the test (not applicable for companies registered in Northern Ireland).