Converting to a blue/green card

Because the CPCS scheme requires you to be trained and experienced, you cannot obtain a competence card straight away. That's why the scheme has two different levels of card.

The red card is a stepping stone to a blue/green competence card, which enables trained operators to get on site to gather the work experience required to complete the NVQ/SVQ and qualify for a blue/green card.

The key advantages of this route are that it teaches you all the basic skills you need and helps to build experience of operating plant. To find out more choose an option from the drop-down list.

If your machine category has an NVQ/SVQ available for it, your final card will be blue. If your category does not have a specific NVQ/SVQ, then your final card will be green. In order to convert your red (trained plant operator) card into a blue/green (competent plant operator) card you must have:

1.

Completed the Specialised Plant and Machinery Operations (SPMO) N/SVQ (or the relevant units in the case that there is no full NVQ/SVQ available in that category of plant)

2.

Logged a minimum of 300 operating hours for each category that you wish to transfer to the blue/green (competent plant operator) card. These hours must be signed-off and your competency confirmed by your employer. If you are not able to record the 300 hours you will be able to take a site-assessment in its place.

Who does that?

3.

Held the categories on the red (trained plant operator) card for a minimum of six months (and your red card must be within its expiry date).

4.

Passed the CITB-ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test within the last two years

How do I do that?

5.

Arrange the conversion of your card by phoning the CPCS helpdesk on 0870 417 7274. The conversion of your card costs £20.

The blue/green card is valid for five years, after which time you will need to renew.

When you are sent your card, you will also receive a logbook in which you are expected to record your operating hours for when you come to renew.