How long does a CPCS course take?

Key facts

• Renewal: 1–2 days, including theory and practical retest.
• Experienced Worker: 2–3 days of training, then theory and practical tests.
• Novice: 5–10 days of structured training, then theory and practical tests.
• Theory test: approximately 45 minutes, touch-screen, machine-specific.
• Practical test: typically 1–4 hours on the machine, depending on the A-code.
• High-value categories such as the A59 360° excavator, A61 appointed person and A62 crane supervisor sit at the longer end of the novice range.

Why durations vary by machine and route

CPCS does not publish a fixed number of training days per A-code. NOCN Job Cards, the awarding body, sets the assessment standard for each category, defining what an operator must demonstrate to pass. Accredited training centres like MPTT then build the training block needed to get a given operator up to that standard. Two operators on the same A-code can need different amounts of training. An HGV driver learning to operate a forward-tipping dumper for the first time will pick it up faster than someone with no plant background. The published “5 days” or “10 days” you see is the typical structured block; the actual duration is adjusted to the candidate.

Duration by route: Novice

The Novice route is the longest because it covers the whole pathway: machine familiarisation, safe operating procedures, hazard awareness, theory test preparation and practical exercises against the CPCS practical-test criteria.

• Lighter plant (A09 forward-tipping dumper, A23 skidsteer loader, A31 ride-on roller): 2–5 days.
• Mid-range plant (A17 telescopic handler, A21 wheeled loading shovel, A33 agricultural tractor): 5–7 days.
• High-value plant (A58/A59 360° excavator, A56 articulated dump truck, A34 crawler tractor/dozer, A19 grader): 7–10 days.
• Lifting and supervision codes (A40 slinger/signaller: 4 days; A61 appointed person: 5 days; A62 crane supervisor: 5 days): fixed durations because the standard is fixed.

The CPCS theory and practical tests run at the end of the training block. Test days are typically counted inside the published course length.

Duration by route: Experienced Worker

The Experienced Worker route is for operators with verifiable on-site hours but no current CPCS card. Training is condensed because the operator already knows the machine. The focus shifts to plugging knowledge gaps before the theory test and refining technique to the CPCS practical standard. Typical durations are 2–3 days for most A-codes, including both tests. Some experienced operators are ready to test on day one. We screen on enrolment so the booking matches what the operator actually needs.

Duration by route: Renewal

The Renewal route is the shortest. It is for operators whose Blue Competent Operator card is approaching its five-year expiry. The renewal is a pre-test refresh followed by the theory and practical retest, typically 1–2 days in total. Book your renewal at least 6 weeks before your card expires so any retest failure can be cleared before the card lapses. If your card has already expired, the rules tighten. See our CPCS card renewal FAQ for the lapsed-card route.

What the test days look like

• CPCS theory test. Approximately 45 minutes, touch-screen, multiple-choice, machine-specific. Delivered at our centre or another NOCN-approved test centre. Result on the day.
• CPCS practical test. Observed by an NOCN Job Cards-registered Tester on the actual machine. Practical test duration is 1–4 hours depending on the category. A slinger/signaller practical is shorter than an appointed person practical, which is shorter than a 360° excavator practical.

You must pass both tests to be issued the Red Trained Operator card. NOCN Job Cards posts the card within a few weeks of passing.

Why a sharper estimate matters more than a longer one

Operators and contractors both lose money on the wrong duration. A 10-day novice booking when 5 days would have done means lost site time. A 2-day refresher when the operator actually needs the full Experienced Worker block means a failed test and a re-book. We screen every candidate on enrolment so the duration we quote is the one needed. Tell us the machine, the operator’s experience and the deadline; we will come back with a course length you can plan around.

Related questions

• How much does CPCS training cost?
• What happens during the CPCS theory and practical test?
• How do I get a CPCS card?
• What is CPCS training?
• What CPCS categories (A-codes) are available?

Quick answers to related questions

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 machines such as a 360° excavator above 10 tonne 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: pre-use checks, controls, working tasks, hazard responses and shutdown. Practical duration is 1–4 hours.

How do I get a CPCS card?

Choose the machine A-code, pick the right route (novice, experienced worker or renewal), train at an accredited centre, and pass the CPCS theory and practical tests. NOCN Job Cards posts your Red Trained Operator card a few weeks after passing.

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