CPCS card renewal to include theory testing

Plant operators will have to undergo theory examinations every five years when they renew their blue CPCS cards, once the new scheme becomes effect in August.

"Operators can opt for the logbook system of proving competence, but they will still have to pass the theory exam and must have passed the touch-screen health and safety test in the past two years," said CPCS management committee chairman Trevor Gamble.

It is likely that operators will be expected to have a range of underpinning knowledge and the examiner will select one area at random to test the depth of candidates' knowledge.

As operators won't know on which subject they will be tested, they will have to learn and understand all aspects of the curriculum.

While Gamble is aware there will be some resistance to the move, he said the issue of informing existing operators on quick hitches highlights the need for ongoing training.

"The Health and Safety Executive is keen that an ongoing learning element is incorporated in the card system so site agents know with certainty if the operator has undertaken such training," said Gamble.

He also drew a parallel with the forthcoming driver CPC, which requires truck drivers to undergo 35 hours of training during each five-year period for their vocational licence to be renewed.

There are free daily seminars about the new CPCS scheme and driver CPCs in SED's Green Pavilion. Go to www.sed.co.uk for more information and to register.