CPCS – Blue Competent Operators Card

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CPCS – Blue Competent Operators Card

A five year card that is renewable. Demonstrable skills required are:

  • Health, safety and environment awareness through the CITB Health, safety and environment test
  • Underpinning knowledge and understanding through the CPCS Theory Test
  • Operating ability through the CPCS Practical Test
  • Proven operating competence through achievement of a relevant SVQ or NVQ.

Moving from Trained Operator to Competent Operator (Blue)

Working directly towards Competent Operator (Blue)

Temporary Competent Operator (Blue)

Return to Work route

Moving from a Trained Operator (Red) card to a Competent Operator (Blue) card?

The requirements to obtain this card are that you:

  • Hold a valid CPCS Trained Operator card on the category that must be within the 12 month grace period
  • Pass the relevant CITB Health, safety and environment test
  • Achieve a SVQ or NVQ, with the appropriate units relevant to the category

To apply for the card upon achievement of the requirements you will need to download and complete Application to Upgrade to a full CPCS Competent Operator Card (F1/2).

Working directly towards a Competent Operator (Blue) card?

The requirements to obtain this card are to:

  • Provide proof of achievement of the SVQ or NVQ for the relevant units to the category being applied for and provide this to the CPCS Test Centre upon undertaking the CPCS Practical Test
  • Pass the relevant CITB Health, safety and environment test
  • Achieve the CPCS Theory Test (within two years of the CITB Health, safety and environment test)
  • Achieve the CPCS Practical Test (within six months of the CPCS Theory Test and within two years of the CITB Health, safety and environment test)

Both CPCS Theory and Practical Tests are delivered by an accredited CPCS Test Centre. On achievement of the CPCS Practical Test, the CPCS Test Centre will request the CPCS Competent Operator card on your behalf. On receipt of your first Competent Operator card, you will be sent a CPCS Logbook. The role of the Logbook is to record life-long learning and evidence towards the renewal of a Competent Operator card.

Adding more categories and/or endorsements

If you want to add new categories or further endorsements, you are required to (in this order):

  • Provide proof of achievement of the SVQ or NVQ for the relevant units to the category being applied for and provide this to the CPCS Test Centre upon undertaking the CPCS Practical Test
  • Pass the relevant CITB Health, safety and environment test
  • Achieve the CPCS Practical Test (within six months of the CPCS Theory Test and within two years of the CITB Health, safety and environment test).
  • Dependant on category/endorsement being added you may be required to achieve the CPCS Theory Test (within two years of the CITB Health, safety and environment test).

On achievement of the CPCS Practical Test, the CPCS Test Centre will request the CPCS Competent Operator card on your behalf.

Additional Routes available for existing Competent Operator card holders (current/or expired)

CPCS acknowledges that some individuals are unable to progress and the following additional routes are therefore available:

CPCS acknowledges that some individuals are unable to progress and the following additional routes are therefore available:

CPCS acknowledges that some individuals are unable to progress and the following additional routes are therefore available:

  • Demonstrate on-going practical operating experience through a choice of routes:
  • Logbook
  • On-Site Assessment
  • CPCS Practical Test
  • SVQ or NVQ
  • Hold a valid Competent Operator Card

To apply for this card contact our CPCS Helpline on 0844 815 7274, where you will have the option to request this over the telephone, using a credit/debit card, alternatively you can request this card in writing, enclosing a cheque or postal order to: CPCS PO Box 320 
Bircham Newton 
Kings Lynn 
Norfolk, PE31 6WD 
The cost of this service is £25, this is a non-refundable fee for the services of processing the application.

Return to Work route

The requirements for this route are to make an Out of Work Declaration by:

  • Contacting the CPCS Helpline on 0844 815 7274, where you confirm you are currently out of work.
  • A confirmation letter will be issued, which can be shown to potential employers outlining the steps required by you to enable you to return to full Scheme Membership, along with the appropriate application form.
  • When you have found employment, you can then apply for a six month temporary card.To obtain this card you need:
  • A valid relevant CITB Health, safety and environment test pass (within two years of the date of application receipt)
  • On achievement of the requirements you will need to complete the Application for a Return to work 6 month CPCS card (F1/6) issued. This can be found on the reverse of the confirmation letter

Once you have obtained your six month temporary card, you can fully re-enter the scheme (at the same level previously held) by applying for an renew your Competent Operator (Blue) card.