CPCS: scheme changes start August 1

Changes to the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) will be made on 1 August 2008 in line with the revisions made after a widespread industry review that began last year.

Employers and operatives are reminded that the new scheme rules will be launched for new activities, although there are transition arrangements in place for old Scheme activities to run through to 31 October, and the new renewal process will not be implemented until 1 January 2009.

 The key changes will include:

 Technical Test

A new Technical Test is a new core element which will apply across all categories and routes of entry and will replace the Intermediate Certificate. The Technical Test includes:

• A CPCS Practical Test of operating ability and  practical skills and
• A CPCS Theory Test of underpinning knowledge (which incorporate questions relating to underpinning knowledge, specific category and environment related H&S, and operators’ rights and responsibilities).
• This will be supported by a training syllabus, against which training can be tailored to meet individual requirements through a variety of channels, including accredited CPCS trainers, in-house trainers, and colleagues.

The S/NVQ will only need to be passed once for a family of categories (grouped into a unit), so if an individual has an NVQ in a 360 excavator below 5 tonnes, if they pass a further CPCS Technical Test on a 180 excavator below 5 tonnes they will automatically be awarded the full blue Competent Operator Card.

Renewal Process

The renewal process is being updated to reflect the principles of independent assessment and lifelong learning.  A CPCS Renewal Theory Test will need to be taken to support all blue cards renewals from 1 January 2009.  The CPCS Renewal Theory Test will be a computer based multiple choice test.  It will consist of a core test and bolt-ons for each family of categories delivered that a centre that can offer independent invigilation.

From 1 January 2009 all Logbooks being presented as meeting the 300 hour requirements will need to be independently validated and quality assured by the centre completing the CPCS Renewal Theory Test (removing the role of company approved CPCS Validators from the Scheme).

Test Centres

The role of the CPCS Training Provider will be removed under the new Scheme rules and replaced with a CPCS Test Centre under contract with CPCS.   A requirement for the CPCS Test Centres will be the provision of a suitable Test Site with welfare facilities, a theory test area, and a practical test area which meets the specifications for the CPCS Technical Test.

 The CPCS Test Centres will provide a single point of contact and deliver a complete package of services to  support the operator from Trained Operator card application through to Competent Operator card renewal; including H&S testing, Technical Tests and S/NVQ Assessments.

The application process to become a CPCS Test Centre opened in May 2008, and is open to everyone and existing CPCS Training Providers have been contacted and invited to apply. CPCS has already received over 120 applications.

Testers and Trainers

The role of the CPCS Instructor has also been revised and is to be divided into two separate roles. The CPCS Trainer will be accredited as a qualified trainer and listed on the CPCS website as a source of training. Likewise, the CPCS Tester will be accredited as a qualified tester and be able to deliver the CPCS Technical Test when registered with a CPCS Test Centre.  The application process to become a CPCS Trainer or Tester opened in May 2008, and, like the CPCS Training Providers, is open to everyone, subject to meeting the scheme requirements. Again, existing CPCS Instructors have been invited to confirm whether they wish to transfer into the new Scheme as a Trainer or Tester.  CPCS has already received over 350 Tester applications, and 450 Trainer applications. 

 Support

Crucially, there will be changes to the grant support from CITB-ConstructionSkills that employers should be aware of. As of August, achievement grants will be available for a CPCS Theory Test pass, a CPCS Practical Test pass, a H&S Test pass and an S/NVQ achievement with attendance grants made available to support training through the Training Plan or Short Duration Training.

The aim has been to simplify the grant scheme to encourage more employers to claim the grant that is available

 Transition:

 1 August to 31 October: Scheme launch for new applicants

• The new Scheme will be launched on 1 August with accredited CPCS Test Centres and registered CPCS Testers delivering the Technical Tests and On Site Assessments.  Operators will be able to completed new style application forms under the new Scheme rules.  Employers will be able to claim the supporting 2008/9 Grants for CPCS Technical Test Achievements.
• As explained, the role of an approved CPCS Training Provider will no longer exist in the new Scheme. The CPCS Management Committee has, however, acknowledged that there will be CPCS Training Providers and CPCS Instructors who have advanced bookings for training, assessments and testing beyond 31 July 2008.  It has therefore been accepted that any activities notified to CPCS by 31 July 2008 by CPCS Training Providers will be accepted under the existing Scheme rules as long as they are fully completed, with associated CPCS Card applications received by CPCS by 31 October 2008 (normal process for submission).   Operators will be able to continue to complete old style application forms.  Employers will be able to claim the supporting 2007/8 Grants for CPCS Technical Test Achievements.

At 31 October

• Termination of CPCS Training Provider Agreements
• CPCS Instructor cards will no longer be recognised by the Scheme
• Termination of role of In House Assessor as the role to be completed by CPCS Testers
• No further old style application forms of Grant claims accepted

1 November to 31 December:  New Scheme activities and applications only

• No old style applications under the old Scheme rules and Grant claim for the 2007/8 Grant Scheme will be accepted
• No CPCS Renewal Theory Test requirement applied to blue card renewals.
• Validators to continue to sign off blue card renewals

At 31 December

• Termination of CPCS Validators (to be replaced by the centre at which the CPCS Renewal Theory Test is taken). 

1 January 2009:  Full Scheme activities including CPCS Renewal Theory Tests

• Launch of CPCS Renewal Theory Tests
• Launch of Logbook validation at the point of sitting CPCS Renewal Theory Test
• Full Scheme in Operation
• Visit www.cskills.org/cpcs for further information on the scheme.

For further media enquiries please contact David Pidgeon 020 7367 9803 or email david.pidgeon@cskills.org

Notes to editors

About the scheme

• The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) scheme was launched in 2003 with the aim of becoming the card scheme for the plant industry.  CPCS is now the main standard for plant operators, proving that they have passed the ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test and have the necessary qualifications and experience to competently operate plant.
• The scheme is managed by a board of employers and members of industry bodies such as the Construction Confederation, the Construction Plant-Hire Association (CPA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• It is the only scheme accepted by MCG and MHBG group firms for all plant occupations
• The scheme is ‘run by the industry for the industry’, with a management board made up of representatives from across the plant sector