Health and Safety

CPCS Cards

CPCS Red Trained Operator Card

The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card is awarded upon successful completion of the CPCS Theory and Practical tests, which must be taken at an accredited CPCS test centre.

Prior to taking the technical tests, candidates must have passed the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last two years.

After successfully completing the CPCS Technical tests, a CPCS Trained Operator Card is granted, which remains valid for a period of two years.

A Red Card Holder Demonstrates

  • Health and safety awareness through the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test
  • Underpinning knowledge and understanding through the CPCS Theory Test
  • Operating ability through the CPCS Practical Test

Extending A Cpcs Red Trained Operator Card

The Red Trained Operator Card remains valid for two years and cannot be renewed. To move to the Blue Competent Operator Card, you must complete a relevant NVQ within those two years. The Blue Card is valid for five years and is eligible for renewal.

If your red card is close to expiry or has expired you have two options:

1. Apply For A 12 Month Extension

In order to request an extension, you are required to:

  • Hold a CPCS Red Trained Operator card which is in date or within 12 months from expiry Be registered for an NVQ in the relevant category
  • Be enrolled on an NVQ for the applicable category.

A new card may then be provided to allow time for completing the NVQ. Once the NVQ is achieved, the operator can apply to upgrade to the Blue Competent Operator Card.

2. Apply For An Additional Two Year Card

If your red card has expired you can apply for another red card for two year if:

  • You possess a Red Trained Operator Card that expired over 12 months ago
  • You hold a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test certificate
  • You have successfully completed the CPCS Theory Test (within two years of the CITB test)
  • You have passed the CPCS Practical Test (within 6 months of the theory test and within two years of the CITB test)
  • You are enrolled on an NVQ program

If all of these criteria are met, a CPCS Red Trained Operator card can be requested for an additional 2 years.

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CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card

The Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card shows employers that you are qualified to operate your chosen plant vehicle. It proves you have the necessary skills, Health & Safety Awareness, and practical experience.

The Blue Card is an upgrade from the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card. The Red Card is valid for two years, during which you must complete the relevant National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to progress. An NVQ confirms your ability to perform your job to the required standard.

The Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card is valid for five years from the date the application is received. Each category added to the card will share the same expiry date.

A Blue Card Holder Demonstrates

  • Health and safety knowledge shown by passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test
  • Core understanding previously demonstrated through a theory test
  • Practical ability previously proven through a practical test
  • Operating competence on the plant type confirmed by an NVQ, SVQ, or employer verification
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