CPCS Training FAQs

All candidates training at our centre are advised to arrive at 7:30am so they have time for a tea/coffee before starting training at 8:00am.

Candidates will be notified of their test times on their training day. If you would like to know your test time before training (or arriving at our centre) please call the office on 01189 790 030. Late arrivals on test day will not be tolerated.

There is free secure on-site parking at both our centres. We offer complimentary tea/coffee to candidates throughout the day. We do not provide lunch but there is a delivery service (or cafe close-by) at our Wokingham centre, and an on-site cafe at our Chippenham centre.

BAM Construction Training run various courses throughout the month. We can book you onto a course which could potentially start in one or two weeks’ time but if you didn’t require the course immediately, we can also take bookings a few months in advance.

No it does not. We might not have a course scheduled but we may be able to set one up for you.

No it does not. There are many other courses we run for clients which are not always advertised on our course calendar. In most cases we are able to accomodate your requirements. Please contact us for further enquiries.

Please bring the following items with you:

1 – Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. Hard Hat, Yellow Florescent Jacket, Safety Boots, Gloves)

2 – Form of Identity showing address and photo (i.e. driving licence, CPCS card).

3 – Relevant CITB Construction Industry Health, Safety & Environment Test Pass Certification. The candidate must have passed the appropriate test within the preceding 2 years of:

• The date of the CPCS Technical Test or Onsite Assessment; and
• The date on which the card application is received by CITB.

You can get information on the Touch Screen Health and Safety test by calling 0344 99 4488 or clicking here.

4 – Work boots must not be worn in the canteen or classrooms, so it is advisable to bring an alternative pair of shoes.

We require payment to be made upfront unless advised otherwise.

A Cancellation of a course must be made in writing and the following cancellation charges will apply:

• More than 20 working days prior to the course’s start date – no charge
• Between 20 working days and 10 working days inclusive – 50% fee
• Less than 10 working days of the course’s start date – 100% fee

To participate in this course, you (or your delegates) will be required to read, write, speak and understand English. For example: be able to read and understand a daily newspaper or magazine and hold a conversation in English. If not, a registered interpreter should be agreed upon prior to the commencement of the course. Please ensure that the relevant checks are made. If a candidate requires an interpreter but does not arrange for one, we will not be held liable.

If  you (or your delegates) have any special needs or requirements, please let us know so we can do our best to accommodate. We also urge you to let us know of any existing medical conditions so that we can be fully prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency.

To download the official HSE preparation app please visit the CITB website by clicking here.

No, we cannot. BAM Construction Training Ltd are a VAT registered business (GB168820580) which means all of our services are subject to VAT.

CPCS Trained Operator Red Card – To gain a Red Card you need to have a valid HSE Test, pass a CPCS theory test and a CPCS practical test.

Competent Operator Blue Card – You must have completed all of the above and complete an NVQ for each category of plant.

The most common way to gain a Blue Card is by upgrading an existing Red Card. In some instances, you may be automatically be upgraded to a Blue Card, if you have an NVQ Prior to undertaking your technical tests.

The Red Trained Operator Card lasts for a period of 2 years. You will need to complete a HSE Test, CPCS Theory and CPCS Practical Test.

The Blue Competent Operator Card lasts for a period of 5 years but requires an NVQ in addition to the above requirements.

To go upgrade from Red to Blue and from a trained operator to a competent one, you’ll need to complete the relevant NVQ.

Have a look at our NVQ page or speak to one of the team to find out what’s involved, it’s easier than you think.

The Blue Competent Operator Card can be renewed with 3 things:

• Complete a Health, Safety & Environment Test within the last two years.
• Complete the relevent multiple-choice Renewal Test.
• Then one of the following three options: Get your logbook, achieve a practical tests at our centre or pass an on site assessment.

With the above steps done you will be eligible for another 5 year competent operator card. No two cards are the same. Renewals differs from person to person, it can depend on how many categories of plant are held, when the ticket started and when it expires.

If you are unsure what you need to do to renew your card. Get in touch and we will be happy to tell you exactly how to reinstate your card.

Yes, you must bring PPE, PHOTO ID and PROOF OF HEALTH & SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT. If you do not have valid health and safety, you can still attend the training because we can accommodate the HSE test at our centre.

You can call CPCS on 0844 815 72 74 and request a new one for a small fee of £30.

No, we do not guarantee a pass on any of our training courses. Your booking includes one theory test and one practical test. If you fail one of these tests we will always try to accommodate a retest for you at a discounted rate.