The Construction Plant Certification Scheme (CPCS) recognises a Plant Operator’s skills through a practical route of experience, training and knowledge.
All Operatives are required to undertake a Technical Test in their chosen category of plant. This will consist of two parts:
A theory test (which incorporates questions relating to underpinning knowledge, specific category and environment-related H&S, and operator’s rights and responsibilities).
A practical test of ability
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs/ CITB Grants- Full Technical Tests
Please note: a monitor notification fee of £28 for both the Theory Test element and the Practical Test element is included in the price. This fee will be non-refundable if you wish to reschedule a test after notification has already taken place.
Any cancellations within 7-14 days prior to the assessment will incur a £100 administration charge per operative.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the assessment full fees will still apply.
Please be advised, should your candidate fail to achieve the necessary pass mark on the Theory element, they will be unable to proceed with the practical. Full fees will still be applied in this instance.
Category
Max Number of Candidates assessed per day
Cost for 1 x Candidate (Theory & Practical)
Cost for 2 x Candidate (Theory & Practical)
Cost for 3 x Candidate (Theory & Practical)
Current CPCS Grant Available on achievement per candidate (combined Theory & Practical)
D90- All endorsements
2
£975+VAT
£1450 + VAT
N/A
£470
D92, A42, A43
3*
N/A
£1050 + VAT
£1500 + VAT
£470
*Travelling expenses included to all test days*
*Testing for 3 D92, A42, A43 tests in one day may not always be available, please check upon booking.Upgrade Tests:
For upgrade tests, on site assessment renewals, or a combination of different plant testing (e.g. D90 & A42) please contact the NDTG for an exact quote.
With the exception of D90F, each category automatically covers you for the categories below. For example, with a D90D card you will be covered for A,B,C and D, but not for E.
D90F is a totally separate test and will appear as another category on your card. For example, a card may say D90C, D90F. This means you are covered for A,B,C and F. You are not covered for D or E.
The D92 Demolition Skidsteer category is broken down as follows;
D92A - Extracting
D92B - Demolishing
If you hold D92B you are automatically covered for D92A as well.
CPCS Red Trained Operator Card
The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card is issued on successful completion of the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests which must be taken with a CPCS accredited test centre.
Pre-requisites
Carry out any training necessary to bring you up to the standard required to enable you to pass the CPCS technical test.
Pass the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
Achieve the CPCS theory test (within two years of the CITB health, safety and environment test). CPCS theory tests are delivered by an approved CPCS test centre.
Achieve the CPCS practical test (within six months of the CPCS theory test and within two years of the CITB health, safety and environment test). CPCS theory tests are delivered by an approved CPCS test centre.
PLEASE NOTE: CPCS Cards are now administered by NOCN. To find out more about how to get a red Trained Operator card, extend a red card, add categories to your card or upgrade to a blue Competent Operator card, please contact NOCN.
If you currently hold a Red or Blue A59 (360) Excavator card, but wish to add Demolition Plant, you will need to complete a full D90 technical test for the required category and complete the relevant NVQ unit.
Pre-requisites
Complete the D90 Technical Test.
Register for appropriate NVQ. You will hold a 2nd CPCS Card (Red Trained Operator) until the NVQ unit is completed.
Check that your HSE test is in date within the last 2 years.
Complete CPCS F1.2 (write D90 Conversion across the top) and return to CPCS with payment to receive your Blue Competent Operator card in D90C
PLEASE NOTE: CPCS Cards are now administered by NOCN. To find out more about how to convert your A59 (360) Excavator Card to include demolition plant, please contact NOCN.
NOCN CPCS Job CardS
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) provides cards for the plant sector of the construction and allied industries.
From 1 March 2019, CPCS is owned by NOCN Job Cards (part of NOCN Group), and prior to this the Construction Industry Training Board (otherwise known as CITB).
