Construction / CPCS / CSCS

CPCS

CPCS is the Construction Plant Competence Scheme it was formed when NPORS, CTA and Lantra awards schemes linked with CSCS.

It is now the single card for the Plant industry and from January 2004 only CPCS cards will be accepted on Major Contractor Group Construction Sites. This is a competency based scheme and proves that a card holder is both qualified to operate Plant and has experience.

It is a requirement of the scheme that card holders complete 300 hours of practical work in each category covered by their card over a 5 year period. Together with your card you will receive a log book in which to record your practical experience.

PB Training offers a range of accredited courses covering all of your training needs. We offer training to enable employees to pass the CPCS/NPORS operator test and CPCS/Plant health and safety test.

For further details of available courses see the construction section of our catalogue. For a training audit and individualised training programme please contact us.

CSCS

WHAT IS A CSCS CARD?
The CSCS card is an individual identification and registration card (similar to a credit card) which lasts for three or five years. The CSCS card shows that the holder is considered to be competent at his or her job, lists any relevant certificates and also shows that the holder has undergone health and safety awareness training or testing. We provide training to support workers in passing the Health and Safety test. We also provide a range of accredited courses to meet your needs.  For more details see the construction courses section of our catalogue or contact us.

THE HEALTH & SAFETY TEST
This is a 45 minute multiple choice test on health and safety in construction. It is a screen based test and there are a maximum of 40 questions to answer. Special arrangement can be made for foreign speakers or dyslexic individuals when booking the test. You can do the test during the daytime, in the evening or on a Saturday. The test can be taken at one of the driving theory test centres. You may wish to prepare for the test by attending a construction health and safety awareness course.

GREEN CARD - CONSTRUCTION SITE OPERATIVE

The green card is available to those operatives who carry out basic site skills only (often described as labourers).
Those involved in skilled work are expected to apply for a skilled blue or gold card.


The green card is available via NVQ level 1 All applicants are expected
to pass the health and safety test unless an exemption applies.

RED CARD - TRAINEE
(Trainee cards are valid for 3 years only.) You will qualify for this card if you are a trainee, are registered for an NVQ or SVQ but have not yet achieved level 2 or 3. Trainees have the choice between the standard CSCS health and safety course or the health and safety test.

EXPERIENCED WORKER CARD
This card is available to everyone with on the job experience.
If you have an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3, or you have served an
approved apprenticeship.

BLUE SKILLED CARD

You may qualify for a blue skilled card if you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3, or if you have completed an apprenticeship. All applicants must pass the health and safety test.

 

GOLD SKILLED CARD

You may qualify for a gold skilled card if you have achieved an NVQ or SVQ level 2 or 3, or if you have completed an apprenticeship. All applicants must pass the health and safety test.

 

GOLD SUPERVISOR CARD
(The gold supervisor card is available for these occupations
NVQ or SVQ level 3)

• Building Site Supervisor
• Civil Engineering Site Supervisor
• Construction Plant and Equipment Supervisor
• Site Technical Assistant
• Technical Design (Built Environment) Assistant
• Transportation Technical Assistant
• Construction Estimating Assistant
• Construction Buying Assistant
• Construction Planning Assistant
• Construction Surveying Assistant

Highways Maintenance Supervisor
All applicants must pass the health and safety test unless
an exemption applies.

PLATINUM CARD - MANAGER
(The platinum manager card is available for these occupations - NVQ
or SVQ level 4)

• Building Site Manager
• Civil Engineering Site Manager
• Construction Plant and Equipment Manager
• Building Site Manager (Conservation)
• Architectural Technologist
• Civil and Structural Engineering Designer
• Construction Estimator
• Construction Buyer
• Construction Planner
• Construction Surveyor

Highways Maintenance Manager
All applicants must pass the health and safety test unless
an exemption applies.

BLACK CARD - MANAGER

The black card is available for the occupation of Contracts Manager only.

From June 2004 entry will be by NVQ or SVQ level 5  All applicants must pass the health and safety test unless an exemption applies.

YELLOW CARD - REGULAR VISITORS
The yellow Regular Visitor Card has been introduced for those people who frequently visit a construction site, but have no construction 'site' skill (such as delivery drivers, etc). The card is issued on a personal basis via an application form. The applicant will need to take and pass the CSCS Operative health and safety test, unless an exemption applies. The card has been designed to allow access to a Construction Site to be made easier, as the health and safety test status can reduce the amount of site induction that is required.

Important Notes
Although the health and safety tested status can reduce the amount of site health and safety induction required, some site-specific health and safety induction may also be required. The issue of this card does not relieve the site managers from their legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of people entering their sites.