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United Kingdom · Theory test

CPCS dumper training: A09 and A56

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) has separate categories for dumpers and dump trucks. Two of them, A09 Forward Tipping Dumper (wheeled) and A56 Dump Truck, Articulated Chassis, are covered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) plant training standards, and CPCS dumper training for either follows those standards. NOCN Group publishes the theory questions and practical test for both.

  • 1 hourA09 forward tipping dumper practical test
  • 7 or 17 hoursA09 minimum course, experienced or novice
  • 1 hour 30 minutesA56 articulated dump truck practical test
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Dumper and dump truck categories

CategoryEndorsementsShown
A09 Forward Tipping DumperA: wheeled, B: trackedSeparately
A56 Dump Truck, ArticulatedA: up to 15 tonnes, B: all sizesHighest only
A57 Dump Truck, RigidA: up to 15 tonnes, B: up to 50 tonnes, C: all sizes wheeled, D: all sizes trackedHighest of A to C; D separately

The CITB training standards cover the wheeled forward tipping dumper and the articulated dump truck in all sizes.

The dumper theory tests

A09 and A56 each have a theory question list on NOCN’s revision pages, along with the practical test specification and the On-Site Assessment. For A56, the theory test is taken once and the practical test is taken at the endorsement you want.

NOCN: A09 revision documents ↗NOCN: A56 revision documents ↗How NOCN’s question lists work →

What the A09 practical test involves

The A09 test needs a forward tipping dumper with a seatbelt and roll-over protection, on risk-assessed ground that includes rough terrain. The tasks include:

  • mounting and dismounting, and finding information in the operator’s manual
  • travelling and reversing through a restriction with 500mm of clearance
  • discharging at least three loads
  • forming a stockpile of at least two loads

The tester marks faults as penalties, and the grading sheet allows no more than eight.

NOCN: A09 Standard Practical Test ↗

How long is CPCS dumper training?

NOCN’s training standards (April 2025) set these minimum course lengths, including assessment. A09 is the wheeled forward tipping dumper and A56 the articulated dump truck in all sizes.

CourseA09A56
Experienced, one learner7 hours7 hours
Novice, one learner17 hours21 hours
Novice group sharing a machineUp to 37 hoursUp to 49 hours

NOCN’s July 2023 routes-of-entry sheet gave different hours; it also says highly skilled operators can go direct to test.

Choosing a CPCS course →The red card you get after passing →
Sources: NOCN and 7 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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