CPCS blue card: the Competent Operator Card

What does a CPCS blue card show?

• health and safety awareness, through an HS&E test
• the knowledge behind the category, through the CPCS theory test
• operating ability, through the CPCS practical test
• operating competence on that type of plant, through a VQ or the employer’s confirmation of competence

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) set a Level 2 VQ as the minimum standard for skilled operators across every recognised card scheme. You still need familiarisation training on any other type of machine you’re asked to operate.

How to upgrade a CPCS red card to blue

1. Hold a red card for the category that’s in date or ran out within the last 12 months.
2. Have an HS&E test pass from within two years of your application.
3. Achieve a VQ with the units for that category.
4. Email copies of the full qualification and unit certificates to cpcs@nocn.org.uk with your card number, name, date of birth, postal address and an email for the payment link.
5. Pay the upgrade fee through the link NOCN sends.

The blue card runs for five years from the day NOCN receives the application. If you already hold a blue card, the upgraded categories go onto it and keep its expiry date; if that card ends within three months, renew it first. If you can’t email, use form F1/2. A centre can also apply for you.