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The CPCS Affiliated Card Scheme for Plant Operators

Aug 23, 2011

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is run by the Construction Industry Training Board (otherwise known as ConstructionSkills) and is the largest scheme available for plant operators. It started in 2003 and since then more than 280,000 cards have been issued. Plant operators who work in the demolition industry can obtain a CPCS card through the National Demolition Training Group.
The scheme covers sixty categories of plant and related occupations. Cards are available for testers and trainers but the most common ones are for operators, with versions provided for competent operators and trained operators. The difference between the two is that the latter has to have a vocational qualification.
CPCS Health and Safety TestBoth competent and trained operators have to complete CPCS practical and theory tests to prove their operating ability and knowledge. They most also pass the Demolition CSCS Test to demonstrate their health and safety awareness. The competent operator additionally has to have achieved an NVQ or SVQ competence qualification.
The holder of a trained operator card can subsequently move up to become a competent operator by adding the NVQ or SVQ qualification at a later date. The trained operator card is issued for a period of two years and is not renewable since it is expected that the holder will gain the necessary qualification during this period and then move up. Since the scheme supports ongoing learning, the competent operator's card is renewable every five years and the holder has to show up-to-date knowledge of health and safety as well as other aspects at this time.
Construction Site Access
The scheme aims to provide identification for those plant operators with the necessary knowledge and skills so they can gain access to construction sites. It also aims to raise health and safety standards as well as improving employment opportunities for plant operators. Prospective employers know that holders of the card have received health and safety training that is specifically tailored for plant operators and that those operators have successfully undergone practical and theory tests. At this point in time about 80% of UK construction sites require all of the works employed on site to hold either a CSCS or CSCS affilaited card.

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