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United Kingdom · Theory test

CPCS telehandler training: category A17

The telescopic handler, or telehandler, is category A17 in the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS). CPCS telehandler training prepares you for one A17 theory test and a practical test for each endorsement you want, from industrial telehandlers to all sizes and suspended loads. NOCN Group publishes the A17 question list, the lifting capacity chart used in the theory test and the full practical test specification.

  • 2 hoursPractical test, endorsements A to C
  • 45 minutesPractical test to add endorsement E alone
  • 7 or 28 hoursA17C minimum course, experienced or novice
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

A17 endorsements

EndorsementCoversShown
AIndustrial telescopicHighest of A to C
BUp to 9 metresHighest of A to C
CAll sizes except 360° slewHighest of A to C
ESuspended load (non-rough terrain)Separately

Endorsement D has been replaced by A77 Telescopic Handler 360 slew, a category of its own; passing A77 also puts A17C and A17E on your card.

The A17 theory test

You take one A17 theory test, however many endorsements you go on to add. NOCN’s A17 page has the theory question list and the A17 lifting capacity chart, which a question asks you to read. Endorsement E has its own suspended loads question list and a lifting chart shared with A77.

NOCN: A17 revision documents ↗How NOCN’s question lists work →

What the A17 practical test involves

NOCN’s standard practical test specification for endorsements A to C sets these tasks:

  • pre-start and running checks, using the operator’s manual, always done first
  • travelling up and down an 18% slope, over rough ground (not for A) and through a chicane
  • reversing at least 20 metres in a straight line and through a narrow restriction, empty and loaded
  • fitting an attachment
  • placing a heavy load on a loading-out tower, using at least 75% of the machine’s lift height
  • loading three loads onto a truck bed and stacking them
  • placing a load at full reach

Adding endorsement E in the same test makes it 2 hours and 35 minutes in total.

NOCN: A17 Standard Practical Test ↗

How long is CPCS telehandler training?

The telescopic handler for all sizes excluding 360 slew (A17C) is one of the eight categories under the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) plant training standards. NOCN’s A17C training standard (June 2025) sets these minimum course lengths, including assessment:

  • Novice: 28 hours for one or two learners, 35 hours for three
  • Experienced: 7 hours for one learner, 14 hours for two, and it can’t be shortened

The trainer chooses your route after profiling your skills. NOCN’s July 2023 routes-of-entry sheet gave different hours; it also says highly skilled operators can go direct to test.

NOCN lists A17 as an on-centre test, which can also be done off centre if you’re completing the CITB training standard.

Choosing a CPCS course →The red card you get after passing →
Sources: NOCN and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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