National vocational qualification (nvq)

The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS), is a plant-based accreditation similar to the CPCS scheme. NPORS is recognised on many sites with many of the major contractors due to the new addition to their card scheme, the CSCS logo NPORS card.

Like CPCS, NPORS also have a Red ‘Trained Operator’ card and a Blue ‘Competent Operator’ card” (there is also a third ‘NPORS Traditional’ card which isn’t linked to the NVQ and doesn’t show the CSCS logo generally for those who operate in industry sectors other than construction).

The testing with NPORS differs from CPCS slightly, especially in the theory testing area (for example, the theory test consists of fewer questions than CPCS). The system of upgrading your Red NPORS card to the Blue NPORS card however is much the same as the CPCS system and requires operators to complete a Level 2 NVQ in their specified category of plant.

The Blue ‘Competent Operator’ NPORS card demonstrates that the holder has:

1. Passed the appropriate CITB health, safety and environment test.
2. Passed an NPORS theory test.
3. Passed the relevant NPORS practical test for the specified category of plant equipment.
4. Completed a competence-based assessment (NVQ) for the specified category of plant equipment and has proven to their assessor that they are a safe and competent operator.

To access the Blue NPORS card, operators need to already be in possession of the Red (Trained Operator) NPORS card which is accessible once the operator has passed the NPORS training course for a specified category of plant.

In order to upgrade the Red ‘Trained Operator’ NPORS card to the Blue ‘Competent Operator’ NPORS card they will need to achieve a plant operations or NVQ for the specified category.

These qualifications have been developed within the industry to measure an operator’s competence against national standards in the workplace.

 The NVQ process isn’t a training course (if you’re looking into the NVQ you will have already completed your training and passed your CPCS practical test at this point). This is about proving that you’re putting your skills into practice, in a real construction environment.

In a nutshell, you’re simply demonstrating to your assessor that you are operating safely and competently, showing them the evidence (documents, photos, videos) that proves it.

All of our Plant and Controlling Lifting Operations NVQs are assessed through a  ‘professional discussion’ assessment with your assessor.

This ‘discussion-style’ assessment method involves no written work or classroom-based elements.

We offer a unique one-day assessment for these qualifications.

The whole assessment is conducted and captured electronically through audio and video recordings which drastically reduces the duration compares with the traditional ‘paper and pen’ NVQ assessments.

In order for the assessment to take place in a single day you will be expected to thoroughly prepare beforehand and have all evidence ready to be presented on the day.

Yes. 

In order to apply for a Blue NPORS card you will also need to have completed the CITB Health Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within 2 years.

This is a short, multiple-choice test designed to ensure learners have a thorough understanding of general health and safety practice on construction sites.

An NVQ is a UK regulated qualification and therefore does not ever expire. The Blue NPORS card however is valid for five years, after which time you will need to pass the latest CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test in order to renew the card.

 CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is the leading competence card scheme within the construction industry. CPCS covers a wide range of construction plant, providing proof that an operator has achieved a recognised level of competence.

The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) is an alternative to the CPCS scheme. It offers the same accredited training and registration as CPCS, and has become one of the most recognised accredited training schemes in the UK.

One reason that many operators choose the NPORS route over the CPCS route is that NPORS is generally cheaper than CPCS (although NPORS training still ensures compliance with industry standards in the same way that CPCS does).

With NPORS you can complete the training on your own site, with your own machinery, or at the training provider’s site. CPCS training however can only be completed at certified centres.

Although the NPORS route is generally the cheaper option, it’s not as widely accepted at CPCS. As a general rule, If you’re considering working on large contractor’s sites then CPCS may be the option for you (although many of the larger contractors are now accepting the NPORS card). Your CPCS card is much more likely to be accepted by employers, and your training will be more detailed.

If however you just want to work with smaller machinery, or want a low-cost course to get you started, then NPORS might be the one.

It’s probably a good idea to ask your company or (or potential employer if you have a job lined up) if NPORS or CPCS are accepted before making your decision.

 Unfortunately not. If you hold a Red ‘Trained Operator’ NPORS card and complete a Level 2 NVQ in the specific category of plant, you can upgrade your Red NPORS card to the Blue ‘Competent Operator’ NPORS card, but you won’t be able to ‘upgrade’ to the Blue CPCS card without first holding the Red CPCS card (and passing the appropriate CPCS training course.  

Red NPORS card holders have 2 years from the date of issue to complete an NVQ in the specified category of plant. Once the NVQ has been achieved they can upgrade their card to the Blue ‘Competent Operator’ NPORS card.

In the event that a Red NPORS card holder needs to extend their card, NPORS will also extend the registration period for a further 12 months.

In order to do this, Red NPORS card holders must be registered onto an NVQ in the specified category of plant and apply for a 12 month extension with NPORS  

At RightWay Plant Training, we can provide proof of registration on a plant/lifting operations NVQ the very same day. Once you have been approved to enrol by one of our assessors you can register at any time. 

If you have any questions on the above or require a quote to complete and NVQ please contact Michael Smith on 07773 883940 or email rightwayplanttraining@outlook.com