What is a CPCS Blue Card?

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Nauman Farooq

July 16, 202618 min read

The official name of a CPCS Blue Card is the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card. The Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card is issued by the Construction Plant Competence Scheme.

CPCS Blue Card shows that the cardholder is competent and qualified to operate a particular type of plant. It also proves the holders professional competence, experience on-site and health and safety awareness.

The main purpose of a Blue CPCS card is to ensure that the holder has demonstrated a level of health, safety and environment awareness and meets the required standards in health and safety legislation.

How Long Does a CPCS Blue Card Last?

Blue CPCS Card is valid for 5 years. Once expires, you will need to renew your CPCS Blue Card.

CPCS Blue Card Renewal

Your CPCS Blue Card renewal process will depend on how long your card has been expired.

How to Renew a CPCS Blue Card If Expired for Less Than 5 Years

If you want to renew your CPCS Blue Card, which has been expired for less than 5 years, you must:

hold a Blue CPCS Card for the required category.
pass the relevant CITB HS&E test within the last two years.
pass the CPCS Blue Card renewal test for the required category.
demonstrate an ongoing practical operating experience through an on-site assessment, a CPCS practical test, SVQ or NVQ, or a logbook.

How to Renew a CPCS Blue Card If Expired for More Than 5 Years

If you want to renew your CPCS Blue Card, which has been expired for more than 5 years, you must:

pass the relevant CITB HS&E test within the last two years.
pass CPCS theory and practical tests.
hold the relevant NVQ.

CPCS Blue Card Renewal Cost

Your CPCS Blue Card renewal cost will include the following:
Fee for your training, if required (depends on the training provider).
CITB HS&E Test fee of £23.50 (if it's not taken in the past 2 years).
CPCS Theory Test fee and CPCS Practical Test fee (depends on the category).
CPCS smart card fee (£28).

CPCS Blue Card Price

The CPCS Blue Card price depends on several factors, such as:

CPCS smart card fee (£28).
Training fee (depends on the training provider).
CPCS Theory Test fee (depends on the category).
CPCS Practical Test fee (depends on the category).
CITB HS&E Test fee (£23.50).

From December 2nd, 2019, all the CPCS operators who wish to get their CPCS Blue Card for the first time, renew, upgrade, or replace it, will get a smart CPCS card. The smart CPCS cards cost £28.

You must also require training to prepare for the tests; your training fee depends on your chosen training provider. At Hurak Learning, the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) is offered at £549.99.

The CPCS Theory Test fee and CPCS Practical Test fee will depend on the category you're applying for and the test centre you choose to take your test.

The CITB HS&E Test fee is £23.50.

How to Get a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card

Getting a CPCS Blue card is simple, requiring the following steps.

Step 1: Already Have a Red CPCS Trained Operator Card

If you want to get a Blue CPCS Card, you must already have a CPCS Red card.

Step 2: Pass the Relevant SVQ or NVQ for the Desired Category

You must pass the SVQ or NVQ for the category you want to apply for your Blue CPCS Card. You can choose either of the following two qualifications:

Step 3: Pass the CITB HS&E Test

Pass the relevant CITB health, safety and environment test.
At Hurak Learning, we make all the arrangements to secure your CITB test effortlessly. Reserve your test today!

Download our CITB Operatives and Specialists Test Prep Book for free!

Step 4: Pass the CPCS Theory Test

You must pass the CPCS theory test within two years of the CITB HS&E Test.

Step 5: Pass the CPCS Practical Test

You must pass the CPCS practical test within six months of the CPCS theory test and within two years of the CITB HS&E Test.

CPCS Blue Card NVQ

To get your CPCS Blue Card, you must complete either of the following NVQ qualifications:

By completing these Level 2 NVQ qualifications, you will get expertise in operating specific types of plant machinery.

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) has 11 pathways whereas the Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations (Construction) has 15 pathways to choose from.

The CPCS Blue Card NVQ Diploma is an advanced qualification covering more in-depth concepts suitable for individuals with prior industry knowledge. The CPCS Blue Card NVQ Certificate is suitable for individuals in entry-level roles, and it helps develop a foundational understanding of plant operations.