Plant Card Schemes
CSCS does not issue cards to workers in the plant sector.
Instead, CSCS is partnered with a number of card schemes which provide their own skills certification cards.
These schemes issue cards bearing the CSCS logo and are based on similar standards as CSCS, often requiring the card holder to gain a recognised qualification and pass a health and safety test.
Each of the plant schemes represent different occupations within the plant sector and each have their own set of requirements. Before contacting a plant scheme to apply for a card, applicants should check the details below to find out which plant scheme is appropriate for their occupation.
ALLMI
Plant categories covered: ALLMI solely covers plant categories involved in the Lorry Loader Industry. These include:
- Lorry Loader Operator
- Slinger/Signaller
- Crane Supervisor
- Appointed Person
- Thorough Examiner
Cards offered: ALLMI offers a Certificate of Achievement and Identity Card for Operators and Instructors.
Requirements: ALLMI issues cards following successful completion of its mandatory theoretical and practical training and assessment, which is based on normative requirements of BS7121 Part 4 and other applicable elements of the 7121 series (assessment methodology validated by CITB as comparable to S/NVQ Level 2 for lorry loader operatives). This process applies to all routes into the scheme (i.e. novice or experienced), as well as being a mandatory requirement for the card renewal process.
Card duration: 5 years.
Further information: call ALLMI on 0344 858 4334 or visit their website.
CPCS
Plant categories covered: CPCS covers plant operators and associated operations in construction and allied industries.
Cards offered:
- Trained Operator Card
- Competent Operator Card
- Tester Card
Requirements: CPCS issues cards based on CPCS’ own theory and practical tests, the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, and S/NVQ’s.
Card duration: 2 or 5 years, depending on the type of card.
Further information: call CPCS on 0300 999 1177, or visit their website.
CSR
Plant Operators in Northern Ireland can alternatively apply for a CSR card. This is only available in Northern Ireland, but is accepted across the UK.
IPAF
Plant categories covered: IPAF covers mobile elevating work platform operators and issues cards bearing the CSCS logo to operators who work on construction sites.
Cards offered:
- Powered Access License Card
Requirements: IPAF issues cards based on training delivered at IPAF approved training centres. Applicants must complete a CITB or other recognised Health, Safety & Environment test to obtain a PAL card bearing the CSCS logo.
Card duration: 5 years.
Further information: call IPAF on 01539 566 700, or visit their website.
MPQC
Plant categories covered: MPQC covers plant operators in extraction, road building and construction
Cards offered:
- Assessed Operator Card
- Competent Operator Card
- Assessor Card
Requirements: MPQC issues cards based on the MPQC practical assessment, CITB Health, Safety and Environment tests and S/NVQs
Card duration: 2 or 5 years depending on the type of card.
Further information: Call MP Awards on 0115 972 6121 or visit their website.
NPORS
Plant categories covered: NPORS covers plant operators across a multitude of sectors and issue construction specific cards bearing the CSCS logo.
Cards offered:
- Trained Operator Card
- Competent Operator Card
- Instructor Card
Requirements: NPORS issues cards based on S/NVQs, the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, and NPORS’ own theory and practical tests.
Card duration: 5 years.
Further information: call NPORS on 01606 351240, or visit their website.
