Opening week log-jams blight CPCS test centres

ConstructionSkills is battling to clear a log-jam of applications for new Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) test centres.

Just three official centres were up and running for the launch last Friday, while ConstructionSkills struggled with 140 applications from businesses hoping to become accredited centres.

All new plant operators requiring a CPCS card must take practical and theory exams at an accredited test centre under new rules that came in on 1 August.

But industry sources said the body had failed to prepare operators for the scheme change and most had no idea where they could be tested. One tester told CJ: "I've had probably 50 calls this week about tests and I haven't been able to tell people where to go."

A ConstructionSkills spokesman said a total of 13 test centres had been approved by Monday and 30 were expected to be up and running by the end of the week.