About the Scheme
The launch of the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) in 2003 marked a unified and committed approach from the industry towards a fully skilled plant operator’s work force.
CPCS consists of an amalgamation of various plant schemes to provide a single skills card for the plant sector of the construction industry.
It is made up of 4 parts: the Health and Safety test, the plant operator assessment (to achieve a CPCS Red Trained Operator card), a completed logbook showing 300 hours worth of experience on the particular piece of equipment and finally a Plant Operation NVQ result in the individual being able to upgrade their red card to a CPCS Blue Competence card. Assessments can be carried out on-site, provided the site and the plant meet the required standards set by the awarding bodies.
The scheme is managed by a board of employers and members of industry bodies such as the Construction Confederation, the Construction Plant- Hire Association (CPA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) whose implementation was fostered by the Confederation of Construction Clients and the Major Contractors Group (MCG).
CPCS Red Card course information
CPCS Blue Card course information
CPCS Course Durations