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Accreditations

CPCS

Accreditation allows us to recognise a trusted product or service by certifying, authorising, and validating skills, training and education through governing and regulatory groups. There are various accreditations in the industry, and many come with a rich history, making them instantly identifiable as markers of high standards.

Launched back in 2003, the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is a plant sector card scheme for the construction and allied industries. Initially owned by CITB, the scheme was acquired by NOCN in 2018 and is now part of NOCN Job Cards.


Why become CPCS Accredited?

The scheme is regularly reviewed by a Management Committee supported by key industry bodies, including Build UK, MP Awards, CECA, NFDC, HBF, Unite the Union, CPA and SPOA.

Crucially, CPCS is the most recognised accreditation in the UK for our industry. CPCS cards are accepted on all construction sites nationwide and, in some cases, are the only card they will allow.


The CPCS aims to:

  • Provide a standard of learning and assessment that will equip plant operators with the relevant skills and knowledge to work safely and competently.
  • Give the construction industry's employees certified proof of their knowledge, skills, competence, and qualifications, and also keep a record of these individuals.
  • To raise health and safety standards across the industry by ensuring that all plant operators meet the minimum standards, evidenced by their passing Health and Safety tests.
  • Encourage construction employers to use certified plant operators, therefore leading to better employment prospects for experienced operators.
  • Be entirely self-financing and use any excess funds to benefit the construction industry.
  • Make it easier for UK workers to be accepted in Europe, by providing certification that is recognised by European national schemes.

CPCS Trained Operator Red Card

The CPCS Trained Operator Red Card certifies that the plant operator has successfully passed their CPCS Theory and Practical tests, as well as the CITB health, safety & environment test. This confirms that the holder has a level of knowledge, skills and ability in their chosen field to meet national standards.


How long is the card valid?

The CPCS Trained Operator Red Card has no expiry date however; each category on the card is only valid for two years after the CPCS Practical Test has been successfully completed.

In that time you will need to complete a relevant VQ to upgrade your card to a CPCS Blue Competent Operator card.

If you find that you need an extension, depending on when the card expired, there are two different routes; a 12-month VQ extension or you can apply for an Additional 2-year card.


CPCS Competent Operator Blue Card

The CPCS Competent Operator Blue Card certifies that the plant operator is competent to operate a particular type of plant. They have the learned skills they need but also real-world experience.

The real-world experience comes from completing S/NVQ where delegates are assessed in their workplace and in real-life situations.

How long is the card valid?

The CPCS Blue Card will expire after 5 years, the renewal process will differ depending on the time elapsed on the card. In most cases, it requires the delegate to pass the relevant CITB HS&E Test, logbook


Why Citrus Training?

To meet your testing needs, we are an approved CPCS test centre with purpose-built sites in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire and Leeds, West Yorkshire. In addition, we have partnerships with centres including Wigan, Wokingham, West Sussex and Essex, giving you more flexibility.

All our trainers have lived experience of the jobs and skills they deliver to their delegates, demonstrating occupational competence in the subject matter and ensuring relevant and relatable learning for everyone on the course. In addition, as approved CPCS testers, they hold the relevant health and safety, first aid and role-based competence qualifications and have passed the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, safety & environment test, and the CPCS tester course.

We champion learning excellence at Citrus Training and partner only with the best accreditation and governing bodies in our industry to deliver outstanding customer experiences, products and services.

If you want to learn more about Accreditations and what they mean for you, please contact our team.

CPCS

Why Citrus?

Citrus Training are the UK's largest provider of health, safety, technical training, and assessment services for the Built Environment and Utility sectors, and here's why.

Sector Experience Sector Experience
With nearly 20-years of sector specific experience, we’ve gained invaluable training experiences and knowledge.
'Real-world' Environments 'Real-world' Environments
We have purpose-built training venues across the UK, offering some of the best real-world simulated site experiences.
National Coverage National Coverage
Dedicated training centres across the UK, allowing us to deliver some of the best-in-class training provision, nationally.
85 of the top 100 85 of the top 100
Working with 85 of the top 100 UK Contractors, we deliver training to some of the country’s largest infrastructure service providers.
Experienced Trainers Experienced Trainers
Our trainers are typically ex-industry professionals and some of the most experienced trainers in the industry.
ISO 9001 ISO 9001
Our effective, robust, and secure organisational structure and systems have been awarded ISO 9001 by UKAS.

National Coverage

Over 100+ training centres nationwide, with 150+ technical trainers, delivering upwards of 250+ courses to over 40,000+ delegates each year. Thats why we're the UK's trusted training provider.

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