CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is a card scheme created to reflect and showcase the competence of plant operating personnel.

Launched in the year 2003, CPCS is a standard to show how competent a plant worker is. CPCS was started due to requests put forward by several employers in the UK. It is controlled and run by the authority NOCN (National Open College Network) but was previously owned by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). The main objective of creating CPCS Is to standardize different practices for plant operatives throughout the country and to help employers to ensure competency.

CPCS is the most popular and widely recognized card which ensures that all the standards and rules are followed by the plant operators. BuildUK (formed from UKCG and National Specialist Contractors Council) insists on contractors ensuring that employees have a recognised CSCS card. Home - Build UK

Types of CPCS cards

CPCS cards are essential for many workers to get on site, use plant equipment and fulfil their job role. You might hear them referred to in a number of different ways. For example, dumper truck operators may refer call them a CPCS dumper ticket. 

The vast majority of working sites will recognise CPCS cards as valid proof of the holder’s skills, with most managers and supervisors demanding that workers hold a CPCS or equivalent card to work for them. There are four types of CPCS card:

Red Trained Operator Card

This card shows that the holder of the card has been tested to meet all CPCS standards but has yet to prove their competency and experience.

Blue Competent Operator Card

Registration with CPCS lasts for two years from the date of first initial test and requires you to have an indate H&S touchscreen test within the previous two years. An NVQ is then required to upgrade the card to a competent operator.

Who needs a CPCS card