CSCS cards and CPCS cards are used to prove the competency of construction workers, but how can you know for sure if the card is valid?

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) cards provide competency and evidence that construction workers have the relevant training and qualifications to carry out construction jobs safely.

Whilst holding one of these cards is not a legal requirement, they are usually a mandatory requirement to work on a construction site.

Why are CSCS and CPCS cards required?

Having a CSCS card provides proof to employers that you have gained the required qualification for the type of work you carry out on site.

Read our article about the different types of CSCS Cards here

Most construction sites will require workers to apply for a valid CSCS or CPCS card before they begin work.

This is because of the hazardous nature of construction work, many workers will be required to work at height, lift heavy items, or use plant equipment in their role.

The law requires construction site managers to ensure that the workers they employ are competent in their role and have a sound understanding of all relevant health and safety legislation, guidelines, and best practices to keep everyone employed on the construction site safe.

Making it a mandatory requirement for all workers employed to hold a CSCS or CPCS trade card relevant to their role is a simple and reliable way of achieving this.

How do CSCS and CPCS cards prove competence?

There are many different types of CSCS and CPCS cards to reflect the different roles, levels of training, and years of experience of workers in the industry, these range from the red entry-level card up to the black managerial card.

To be eligible to apply for a particular CSCS or CPCS card, workers must provide evidence that they have completed the relevant training and qualifications or can prove their experience.

How to check that a CSCS or CPCS card is valid

Most construction scheme cards are only valid for a certain number of years before they need to be renewed to ensure that the worker’s skills and knowledge are up-to-date.

It is the responsibility of those employing construction workers to always check the validity of CSCS or CPCS cards to ensure that workers are not using fake, fraudulent, or expired cards.

Read our article on how to spot a fake CSCS card

Luckily it is quick, simple, and free to check the status of construction scheme cards online using the CITB online card checker tool.

The tool checks the validity of the following types of construction trade cards:

• CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
• CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme)
• CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme)

All you need to do is visit the CITB’s card checker tool online here and NOCN’s Card Checker and enter the details from the card that you wish to check.

Using this tool is a quick and convenient way to confirm a worker’s credentials and flag up any issues with their CSCS card, to help to improve standards and safety on construction sites.

For further help or advice with construction scheme cards, please call SB Skills Solutions on 01695 558420 or complete our online contact form and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.

Has your card expired or is it about to expire? Contact us, we can help!

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CPCS or the Construction Plant Competency Scheme is a plant-based accreditation that tests a delegates knowledge and competency on the machine of choice.

This accreditation uses a 2-card scheme to confirm levels of competency and training. The Red Trained Operator card is the first card in the scheme which expires after a 2 year period which can then be upgraded with the NVQ. The Red Trained Operator card can be achieved by passing the theory and practical test at our centre in Burscough. Once you pass these tests you will receive the card and be free to operate the plant machinery that you have achieved.

This card can be upgraded using the NVQ which will change your Red Trained Operator card into a Blue Competent Operator card. This card lasts a further 5-years and can be renewed easily with a renewal test and a validated log book with 300 operator hours.

CPCS is probably the most widely accepted card scheme on construction sites, as contractors will almost never turn someone away because of having a CPCS card. This is mainly down to it originally being run by CITB, which is the training board for the entirety of the UK. CPCS is now being run by NOCN which is another major awarding body that works on a global scale.

What is NPORS

The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme, is a plant-based accreditation like CPCS, consists of a similar card scheme with a few exceptions. This awarding body has 3 cards, the “Traditional NPORS card”, the “Red Trained Operator card” and the “Blue Competent Operator card”.

NPORS works like CPCS with the red card and the blue card as you undertake similar tests. The main differences come from the cost, the testing and the traditional card that they offer.

Starting with the cost of the NPORS training and testing. NPORS, tends to be the cheaper option compared to CPCS as the training and testing can be held on your own site, provided the area is adequate. This can help to cut down on travel costs, equipment hire. Costs can also be cut from the training provider’s side, as they don’t have to use their own training area which means they can offset the cost benefits to you!

The testing with NPORS also differs from CPCS slightly, especially in the theory testing area. The theory test consists of fewer questions than CPCS which may work in your favour if you’re stronger on the practical side of operating plant machinery.

Finally, the traditional card offered by NPORS. This card is not as accepted as the newer cards that they offer as they don’t have the CSCS logo on. Construction sites like to see that the card is recognised by CSCS, so they prefer that operators have CPCS or the new NPORS cards with the CSCS logo. This isn’t to say that the card is useless by any means. If you are operating on a private site that only requires a card to prove that you can operate for insurance or safety purposes, they may well accept this card.

If you’re interested in learning more about NPORS. Take a look and see if NPORS is the best option for you.

Which is better?

Well, that’s not for us to say but there are a number of benefits to both of the card schemes. If you’re considering working on large contractor’s sites then CPCS may be the option for you, however many of the larger contractors are now accepting the NPORS card. If you already have a job lined up or you’re considering upskilling on your site, then it’s probably best to ask your company if NPORS or CPCS are accepted before making your decision.

Browse our course calendar and book your next CPCS or NPORS course.

The post The difference between NPORS and CPCS appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

• What are CPCS cards?

CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is a card scheme created to reflect and showcase the competence of plant operating personnel. Launched in the year 2003, CPCS is a standard to show how competent a plant worker is. CPCS was started due to requests put forward by several employers in the UK. It is controlled and run by the authority CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). The main objective of creating CPCS is to standardise different practices for plant operatives throughout the country.

CPCS Card is the most popular and widely recognized card which ensures that all the standards and rules are followed by the plant operatives. Most of the types of plants in the UK which are run by UKCG (United Kingdom Contractors Group) mandates the use of CPCS for all plant operatives.

There are two types of cards issued by the CPCS:

Red Trained Operator Card – This card shows that the holder of the card has been tested to meet all CPCS standards

Blue Competent Operator Card – This card reflects the competence of the plant operative

• Who needs CPCS cards?

Anyone working in the construction industry in the UK should have this card. UKCG requires that all the plant operatives must have this card and several other companies in the construction sector are also starting to make it a requirement.

Indeed, at the moment, all the employers in the UK do not insist on a CPCS certification, specifically in the industries other than construction. If you require certification to show-off your skills, you can check various trainings and courses which our company offers by clicking on the ‘course calendar’ menu above.

• How to obtain CPCS cards?

There are three stages to obtain CPCS cards. We can help during all the stages to make the process easier and smoother for you.

Stage 1 – After the completion of CPCS Technical Testing and CPCS Training, you are eligible to obtain a Red Trained Operator Card

Stage 2 – After the completion of a part of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in your relevant occupation, you obtain the Blue Competent Card which lasts for 5 years

Stage 3 – You can renew your blue card every 5 years after taking a theory renewal test and proof of practical experience in your professional occupation

SB Skills Solutions Ltd
Units 4c
Selby Place
Skelmersdale
Lancashire
WN8 8EF
Tel. 01695 558420

Get CPCS Training from SB Skills Solution Ltd.
https://sbskills.co.uk/

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