What CPCS categories (A-codes) are available?
CPCS covers around 60 plant categories in total, each identified by its own A-code. At MPTT we deliver training and testing across the full UK construction range: earthmoving and 360° excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, loading shovels, graders, dozers, lorry loaders, plus the full lifting and crane suite (slinger/signaller, mobile crane, appointed person and crane supervisor).
Key facts
- CPCS has approximately 60 A-codes in total across the full plant and lifting catalogue.
- A-codes are organised into families: earthmoving, material handling, lifting and crane, road and surfacing, specialist.
- MPTT delivers training and testing on 24 of the most-demanded CPCS A-codes spanning all the major families.
- A single operator can hold multiple A-codes. Each is tested and certified independently.
- A-codes you do not see below may still be deliverable on request. Call 01543 899706.
How CPCS A-codes are structured
The CPCS A-code is the unique identifier for each plant category in the scheme. The letter “A” denotes a CPCS code. The parallel NPORS scheme uses an “N” prefix (see CPCS vs NPORS for the cross-reference). Most A-codes refer to a specific machine type. For example, A59 = 360° Excavator Above 10 Tonne. Some carry additional parameters such as machine weight band, drive type or attachment specification. Knowing your A-code is the first step in booking the right course, because CPCS testing is per A-code. A card for A58 (below 10 tonne) does not authorise you to operate the A59 machine, even though both are 360° excavators.
Full CPCS A-code list: what MPTT delivers
Earthmoving and excavation
| A-code | Machine | Course page |
|---|---|---|
| A10 | 180° Excavator Below 5 Tonne | Course |
| A12 | 180° Excavator Above 5 Tonne | Course |
| A58 | 360° Excavator Below 10 Tonne | Course |
| A59 | 360° Excavator Above 10 Tonne | Course |
| A34 | Crawler Tractor / Dozer (Bulldozer) | Course |
Dumpers and dump trucks
| A-code | Machine | Course page |
|---|---|---|
| A09 | Forward Tipping Dumper | Course |
| A09-A31 | Dumper & Roller Combined (two cards, one course) | Course |
| A56 | Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) | Course |
Material handling and forklifts
| A-code | Machine | Course page |
|---|---|---|
| A14 | Rough Terrain Masted Forklift | Course |
| A16 | Industrial Counterbalance Forklift | Course |
| A17 | Telescopic Handler (all sizes, excl. 360° slew) | Course |
| A21 | Wheeled Loading Shovel | Course |
| A23 | Skidsteer Loader | Course |
Road, surfacing and compaction
| A-code | Machine | Course page |
|---|---|---|
| A19 | Grader | Course |
| A31 | Ride-On Roller | Course |
| A33 | Agricultural Tractor | Course |
Specialist and load securing
| A-code | Machine | Course page |
|---|---|---|
| A36 | Lorry Loader (HIAB / truck-mounted crane) | Course |
| A41 | Loader Compressor | Course |
| A49 | Loader Securer Non-STGO | Course |
| A50 | Loader Securer STGO (Special Types General Order) | Course |
Lifting and crane
| A-code | Role | Course page |
|---|---|---|
| A40 | Slinger / Signaller | Course |
| A60 | Mobile Crane Operator | Course |
| A61 | Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) | Course |
| A62 | Crane Supervisor | Course |
Don’t see your A-code?
The catalogue above covers the A-codes MPTT actively delivers. CPCS has additional codes (e.g. A66 Compact Crane, A77 specific telehandler variants) which we can usually arrange on request, depending on candidate volume and test centre availability. Call 01543 899706 with the A-code you need and we will confirm.
Holding multiple A-codes
There is no limit on how many CPCS A-codes an operator can hold. Each is tested and certified independently, but all are recorded on the same operator profile with NOCN Job Cards and shown on the CPCS card. Operators working across mixed plant fleets typically hold three or four A-codes. Supervisors and managers often hold lifting-side codes (A40, A61, A62) alongside an operator code or two. Renewals are per A-code and per five years, but can usually be batched at a single attendance to reduce downtime.
Related questions
- What is CPCS training?
- How do I get a CPCS card?
- What’s the difference between CPCS and NPORS?
- How long does a CPCS course take?
- How much does CPCS training cost?
Quick answers to related questions
How many CPCS A-codes are there in total?
Approximately 60 A-codes across the full CPCS catalogue. MPTT actively delivers training and testing on 24 of the most-demanded A-codes spanning all the major plant and lifting families.
What does the A in A-code stand for?
The letter is a scheme prefix. CPCS uses “A”; the parallel NPORS scheme uses “N” (so the same machine has an A-code and an N-code).
Can I hold multiple CPCS A-codes on one card?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of A-codes an operator can hold. All passed A-codes are recorded on the same NOCN Job Cards operator profile and shown on the CPCS card.
Last updated: 2026-05-21. Reviewed by the MPTT CPCS training team, NOCN Job Cards-registered instructors and testers.
Pick the A-Code You Need
Midland Plant Training & Testing delivers across the CPCS plant and lifting range above. If the machine you need is not listed, call us and we will confirm availability through our wider NOCN Job Cards network. Tell us the A-code, the operator’s experience and the deadline, and we will book the next available course or test.
