CPCS training and testing gets a revamp

Changes to the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) have been revised following the industry review that began last year and come into effect on 1 August.

One of the biggest changes is the separation of training and testing - similar to learning to drive a car. Any suitably qualified person can instruct trainees - although a register of approved instructors will be retained - but the testing will be done by a CPCS tester at an accredited test centre or by on-site assessment.

All new candidates will take a technical test and at the end of transition arrangements, which run through to January 2009, those renewing their blue CPCS cards will also have to take the test.

After that date, those renewing their blue CPCS card using a logbook will need to have it independently validated by the theory test centre.