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United Kingdom · Theory test

CPCS traffic marshal card: A73 Plant and Vehicle Marshaller

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) category for traffic marshalling is A73, Plant and Vehicle Marshaller. If you’re after a CPCS traffic marshal card, this is the one: you guide plant and vehicles around a site, so the tests check how you communicate with drivers and keep people safe. It has no endorsements, and it’s one of the eight categories under the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) plant training standards.

  • 50 minutesTotal time for the A73 practical test
  • 7.5 tonnesSmallest vehicle used in the practical test
  • 7 or 10 hoursA73 minimum course, experienced or novice
Where to study

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

The A73 theory test

NOCN Group publishes the A73 theory question list, plus candidate notes for scenarios 1 to 4 and guidance it gives to test centres. The questions cover topics such as rear-view mirrors, unloading on the public highway, signalling with light sticks and working near power lines.

NOCN: A73 revision documents ↗How NOCN’s question lists work →

What the A73 practical test involves

It has two timed parts: communication, with 20 minutes, and manoeuvring, with 30 minutes.

  • Communication: you use two-way radios, one with a hands-free kit, following a script of call signs, radio checks and instructions to move, turn, reverse, halt and stop in an emergency.
  • Manoeuvring: you guide a vehicle or item of plant of at least 7.5 tonnes, with a restricted rear view, through, into and out of a segregated area.
  • The vehicle is driven by a competent, certificated operator, never by the tester.
NOCN: A73 Standard Practical Test ↗

How do you train for a CPCS traffic marshal card?

NOCN’s A73 training standard (April 2025) sets these minimum course lengths, including assessment:

LearnersNoviceExperienced
110 hours7 hours
214 hours7 hours
317 hours14 hours
421 hours14 hours

NOCN’s July 2023 routes-of-entry sheet gave different hours; it also says highly skilled people can go direct to test. NOCN lists A73 as an off-centre test, which can also be done at a centre if you’re completing the CITB training standard.

Choosing a CPCS course →Every step to a CPCS card →

The Skilled Plant Operative Card version

Since February 2026, NOCN has also offered Plant and Vehicle Marshaller on its Skilled Plant Operative Card, for people working outside construction in areas such as logistics and manufacturing. That card has its own theory test of 12 written-answer and 12 multiple-choice questions, and it’s available only through CPCS Accredited Centres.

NOCN: Skilled Plant Operative Card ↗
Sources: NOCN and 6 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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