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The construction industry plays a vital role as an important component of the society. Everything you see around you – roads, buildings, highways – is built by skilled people in this sector. Hence, it is important that the industry hires only the best and makes sure that all its workers are qualified.
To assure the public of its competence in the field, the Construction Plant Competence Scheme or CPCS was launched. It provides skill cards for plant operators in compliance with the Code of Practice for Competence and Certification. Also, the scheme’s goal is to apply a common standard for all plant operators in the industry. Thus, each CPCS cardholder has the necessary skills, qualifications and knowledge in terms of plant operations.
Among the cards issued under the scheme, the competent operator (blue) card is renewable. Let’s take a look at how this card can be renewed.
The Competent Operator (Blue) Card
The Competent Operator (Blue) Card is a 5-year renewable card that is given to an operative who has demonstrated a certain level of competence. The operative must pass the Health, Safety and Environment test, practical test and theory test. In addition, he should achieve a relevant SVQ or NVQ for him to be given the blue card.
Having a blue card is important because aside from highlighting your skills and qualifications, it is also a mandatory requirement needed before you enter a worksite. Without the card, you won’t be able to perform your plant operations-related tasks.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Renewal Test
The Competent Operator Card is only good for 5 years. After such a period, the operative must apply for renewal in order for him to continue his duties at the construction site.
In order to renew the Blue Card, the cardholder must take the Construction Plant Competence Scheme Renewal Test first. This is to ensure that the plant’s operators and workers maintain a key knowledge of each plant category or group of categories.
Requirements for CPCS Card Renewal
Before you will be issued another Competent Operator Card, the following requirements must be successfully complied with –
- Pass the Health, Safety & Environment Test within 2 years from the date of the renewal application
- Pass the CPCS Renewal Test for each category of the plant being renewed within 2 years from the date of the renewal application
- Must demonstrate ongoing practical operating experience through a choice of routes
- Logbook
- Onsite Assessment
- CPCS Practical Test
- SVQ or NVQ
Note that when the units relevant to a category being renewed was achieved within 2 years of the renewal date, there is no need to take Logbook or Onsite Assessment
- The Blue Competent Operator Card has not yet expired
Composition of the CPCS Test
The CPCS Renewal Test is divided into 5 different test modules. Each module has 15 multiple choice questions that need to be answered within 15 minutes. In order to pass the test, the cardholder must obtain a score of 12 out of 15 for every test module.
Every module is plant specific wherein the questions are based on topics and knowledge that an experienced plant operator is expected to know. Further, questions were also constructed through consultation with plant-based employers and health and safety related data.
Each module was developed to meet the various demands incorporated into the types of construction plant and trades. Therefore, the cardholder should pass each category in order to retain its level when renewing the Competent Operator card.
Five CPCS renewal test modules cost £25.00 while an additional £25.00 will be paid if you wish to add up to 5 modules.
Preparation for the CPCS Renewal Test
Even if you have an existing Competent Operator Card, there is no assurance that you will be able to renew it. The questions asked on previous tests will not be repeated and there is a higher possibility that the questions asked 5 years ago will be different by the time you take the test. Therefore, preparation is very important when it comes to taking the CPCS renewal test.
There are different materials that can help you when preparing for the renewal test. One is by downloading the CPCS Module Specific Factsheets. The factsheet is available for free and contains information about specific subject areas from which the questions in the exams are based. Before taking the exam, each operator is advised to read the factsheet relevant to his field of expertise.
Booking for the CPCS Renewal Card Test
There are several ways in which you can book the test. This can be done either online or by telephone.
If you have booked your CPCS Test online, the renewal test is easier when booked online since you have already registered your details. Otherwise, bookings can also be done by phone.
When booking for the CPCS Renewal Test, provide which module you will take. The Module Matcher can help you identify which modules you need to take and pass in order to renew your card. The method of payment, address details and the CITB registration number must also be provided.
Upon completion of your booking, details about the date and time of the test will be given to you.
Taking the CPCS Renewal Test
The CPCS Renewal Test can be taken in –
- Test centre operated by CITB’s delivery provider
- Independent test Centre (ITC) that are operated by colleges, training providers or commercial organisations
- Corporate Testing Unit
When taking the test, you must arrive at least 15 minutes before the test starts and don’t forget to bring an ID with a photo and signature and the confirmation letter or email sent to you. If you don’t have an ID, you may accomplish an Identification Waiver Form.
After taking the test, a score report for each module will be printed which shows whether you have passed the CPCS Renewal Test or not. It will also provide feedback on areas where you need further learning and improvement. Once you passed the renewal test, you may now apply for the renewal of your Competent Operator Card.
In the case of failure, you may rebook the test and review the Factsheet Revision to help you further in your preparation and studying.
For more information on the CSCS Test click the link to https://constructionskillstest.com
I need the questions to renew my cpcs but seem to be having trouble finding them any help would be most grateful with thanks
M. Scaife.
Hi Martin, did you see this page about renewing your card? https://constructionskillstest.com/cscs-card-renewal/
Hi please I have written twice of my Cpcs module for crane supervisor and slinger/signaller test and I had failed them which I studied the fact sheet but I saw that some of the questions were not in the fact sheet can you help me now for my third test please thanks
Hi is there anything that gives the answers for the telehandler module questions or is there mock questions with answers without using the Factsheets
Please can someone help, i had my CSC’s cpcs blue card 10t below and above tracked excavator card but left that type of work about 5 year ago and lost my wallet with all my cards, my job is coming to a end and want to go back to driving excavators can i renew this or do i have to start all over again, i no this is a long shot just was hoping it was on a system that knows who’s passed what. Totally gutted thought i would never drive a digger again but like i say my job is being relocated to far to travel so really need this card back, any help would be much appreciated thank you.
Hi,
You would be best getting in touch with CITB here http://www.citb.co.uk/contact-us/ they will be able to help you out best
recently done the renewal test for tower crane, knew I failed half way through, some of the questions were absolutely stupid, obviously devised by a pen pusher rather than a driver. Several questions made absolutely no sense and neither the ‘factsheet’ or 5 pages of theory test questions available from the CITB could provide a logical answer for them. I have 10 yrs experience driving TC’s, but couldn’t answer 15 questions, yet got 50/50 in the HS&E 15 min earlier.
Hi Johnny,
Sorry to hear about your problems but we do not control the tests, only provide mock tests.
I HAVE TELEHANDER FOR LAST 20 YEARS WHICH RUNNING OUT FEW DAYS. I BEEN STRUGGLING TO BUT MOCK EXAMS BOOK QUESTIONS ND ANSWERS BUT NO JOY. ANY ONE KINDLY PUT IN DIRECTION FOR RENEWAL MOCK EXAMS. THANKS
Hi. Can you help me please with an answer about the next step after passing the renewal test? I have a logbook ready filled with more than 300 h for FT Dumper in different sites during this 5 years. What should I do with this logbook? I want to apply for card. Thanks
Can I have the number to book my renewal test for my digger please
Here is the number to call to book your renewal 0344 994 4488
I have read the fact sheets over and over again and Carnt get head head round some of the questions I have fail my renewals twice now I have been driving plant since 2003 and good at my job …… but if I don’t sort these stupid point less 15 questions out not going to have a job soon cheers
Hi Paul
Sorry to hear this, we are just a resource website and do not make up the tests though I am afraid
How do I revise for the 15 questions for CPCS per categories??
Hi Stephen
There is a bunch of material here for you I think https://www.citb.co.uk/cards-testing/construction-plant-competence-scheme-cpcs/cpcs-support-materials/
It would be a great idea if there was a link to download revision materials for renewals
Exccellent
I got 50 answers correct