How do I get a CPCS card?

Key facts

• A CPCS card is machine-specific. You choose an A-code first.
• You then choose your route: novice (no experience), experienced worker (on-site hours but no card), or renewal (Blue card retest).
• Training is delivered by NOCN-accredited centres such as MPTT.
• You pass two tests: theory (touch-screen, ~45 min) and practical (observed by an NOCN Job Cards Tester on the machine).
• The Red Trained Operator card is issued within a few weeks of passing.

Step 1: Choose the machine (A-code)

CPCS issues a card per machine category. The first question is which machine you actually need to operate. Some operators come in with a clear answer: “I’m starting on a 360° excavator above 10 tonne, so I need A59.” Others come in less sure: “The employer mentioned dumpers or telehandlers, I’m not sure which.” We will help you pin this down at enrolment. The full list of CPCS A-codes MPTT delivers is in our dedicated FAQ. Pick one or call us and we will help you choose.

Step 2: Pick the right route

The route fundamentally changes the cost, the duration and the experience required of you on the day.

• Novice route. You have little or no prior experience on the machine. Expect 5–10 days of structured training, then the theory and practical tests.
• Experienced Worker route. You have verifiable on-site hours but no current CPCS card. Expect 2–3 days of refresh-and-test.
• Renewal route. Your CPCS Blue Competent Operator card is approaching its five-year expiry. Expect 1–2 days for the pre-test refresh plus theory and practical retest.

If you are not sure which route fits, we screen you on enrolment so the booking is right first time. Full breakdown in our how long does a CPCS course take FAQ.

Step 3: Train at an accredited centre

Training must be delivered by an NOCN Job Cards-accredited centre for the A-code you are testing on. MPTT has been delivering plant operator training since 1935 and is accredited across the full range of CPCS plant and lifting categories. Training is on the actual machine you will be tested on, by NOCN-registered instructors. This is where the bulk of the course duration sits. The better the training, the better your test outcomes.

Step 4: Pass the CPCS theory test

The theory test is a touch-screen, multiple-choice exam, specific to the A-code you are testing on. It runs for approximately 45 minutes and is delivered at our centre or another NOCN-approved test centre. You receive your result on the day. The pass mark is set by NOCN Job Cards. Questions cover safe operating procedures, hazard awareness and the legal and regulatory framework around the machine (CDM 2015, HSE guidance, manufacturer’s data, BS 7121 for lifting operations where relevant). Pre-test theory revision is built into our training programme.

Step 5: Pass the CPCS practical test

The practical test is observed by an NOCN Job Cards-registered Tester on the actual machine. Practical test duration varies by category, typically 1 to 4 hours. You will be asked to demonstrate the operating tasks defined in the CPCS practical-test standard for that A-code. On a 360° excavator that includes start-up checks, machine controls, dig sequences, slewing and unloading, and shutdown. The Tester scores against the published criteria. You receive your result on the day. Full detail of test format in our theory and practical test FAQ.

Step 6: Receive your Red Trained Operator card

Once you have passed both tests, NOCN Job Cards processes the card centrally and posts the Red Trained Operator card to your home address within a few weeks. You can start work on site as soon as you have passed; the physical card follows. The card is valid for two years. Use those two years to accumulate the on-site hours an NVQ assessor can verify, then upgrade to the Blue Competent Operator card via the Plant Operations NVQ. See our Red vs Blue card FAQ for the full upgrade path.

How long does the whole process take?

End to end, from booking the course to receiving the card in the post, most novice CPCS routes take 6–10 weeks: a few weeks until the course start date, then 1–2 weeks of training and testing, then 2–4 weeks for the card to be posted. Experienced worker and renewal routes are faster, often completed within 3–4 weeks from booking. If you have a site start date to meet, tell us at enrolment and we will book the course around the deadline.

Related questions

• How long does a CPCS course take?
• How much does CPCS training cost?
• What happens during the CPCS theory and practical test?
• What’s the difference between the CPCS Red and Blue card?
• What CPCS categories (A-codes) are available?

Quick answers to related questions

How long does a CPCS course take?

A CPCS renewal typically takes 1–2 days. An Experienced Worker course runs 2–3 days. A Novice course runs 5–10 days, depending on the complexity of the machine.

How much does CPCS training cost?

CPCS training cost depends on the machine, your experience route and the group size. Renewals are the cheapest; novice courses on high-value plant are the most expensive. CITB Levy-registered employers can usually grant-recover most CPCS plant training.

What happens during the CPCS practical test?

The CPCS practical test is observed on the actual machine by an NOCN Job Cards-registered Tester. The Tester scores against published criteria for the A-code. Practical duration is 1–4 hours.

Last updated: 2026-05-21. Reviewed by the MPTT CPCS training team, NOCN Job Cards-registered instructors and testers.