Should I do NPORS or CPCS?
Both prove you can operate the machine, and both are widely recognised. CPCS is often specified by larger contractors and on major infrastructure projects, so if you’re heading for that kind of site, it’s usually the safer bet. NPORS is more flexible, covers a wider range of machinery and can be delivered on your own site. If you’re not sure what your employer expects, ask them which card they want to see, or call us and we’ll help you work it out.
How long is my card valid for?
It depends on the route. On the CSCS route, you start on a red Trained Operator card valid for two years. Within that time you need to complete the relevant NVQ to move up to the blue Competent Operator card, which lasts five years and can be renewed. A traditional NPORS card without the CSCS logo is registered for either three or five years, depending on what your sector or employer requires. Our guide on how to get a CPCS blue card explains the red-to-blue upgrade in more detail.
Do I really need an NVQ?
If you want the blue Competent Operator card, yes. The red card is non-renewable and only covers you for two years, so the NVQ is how you move from “trained” to “proven competent”. The good news is that it’s assessed while you work (no exam, no classroom). We gather evidence through observations, photos, witness statements and your work records, so you carry on earning while you complete it.
I've never operated a machine before. Can I still book?
Absolutely. We train complete beginners every week, alongside experienced operators who just need a specific ticket or a bit of practice before a test. Every lesson is paced around how you learn, so nobody gets rushed and nobody gets left behind.
Do I have to come to you, or can you come to us?
Either. Practical training runs at our Wakefield centre, just outside Leeds, and we also deliver on-site anywhere in the UK. On-site works well for employers putting a team through together, since it keeps your people on your ground and your machines.
What is the touch screen test and do I need one?
If you want any card carrying the CSCS logo, yes. You’ll need to have passed the CITB or NPORS health, safety and environment touch screen test within the two years before you apply. It’s a separate booking from your practical training, so it’s worth getting it out of the way early. Plenty of people only find out about it when their application is refused, so ask us if you’re unsure whether yours is still in date.
How long does a course take?
It depends on the machine and your experience. A novice course on a single category typically runs over several days, while an experienced operator needing a test only may be done in a day. We’ll give you a realistic answer when you enquire rather than a figure that suits us, because booking too little time is the quickest way to fail.
What happens if I don't pass?
It’s rare, but it happens. We’ll talk you through what went wrong, arrange extra time on the machine where it’s needed, and get you booked back in for a retest. There’s no drama about it and no judgement from us. Our job is to get you through, not to take your money and move on.
Can you train a whole team on our site?
Yes, and it’s something we do regularly. On-site training keeps your operators on your ground and your machines, cuts travel and downtime, and lets us fit around your shift patterns. Get in touch with the categories and numbers you need and we’ll put a plan together.
What do I need to bring on the day?
Photo ID, your PPE, and your touch screen test details if you have them. If you’re missing anything, tell us before the day rather than on it. Weather is rarely a reason to cancel, so dress for standing outside on a wet morning in Yorkshire.
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