Step one – Getting a red card

The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, commonly known as the ‘red card’ confirms a level of core skills, knowledge and understanding that can be applied in the workplace. It shows that you have been tested to CPCS standards.

It is issued on successful completion of the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests which must be taken at a CPCS accredited test centre.

You must have achieved the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the 2 years before taking the CPCS technical tests. Please click here for more information.

Please use the menu above to see which categories we offer.

Once you have passed the CPCS Technical Tests you will be issued with the CPCS Trained Operator Card. This card has a two year validity and is non-renewable.* You are required to prove your competence in the category by undertaking the relevant NVQ within the 2 years in order to move up to the Blue Competent Operator Card.

*You can however get a red card extension providing you are still within your grace period of expiry and you register for the relevant NVQ. Just call our team on 01772 623591 or email info@ainscoughtraining.co.uk
and we can help and guide you with what you need to do.

Ainscough Training Services is a fully accredited CPCS Test Centre and approved NOCN Job Card centre, offering training and testing for categories relating to the lifting industry. Please see the ‘NVQ’ menu above to view our full list of categories that we offer.

In 2019, NOCN Job Cards acquired the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) the leading skills certification scheme for plant within the UK construction industry from CITB

The scheme operates two cards, below is the “old design CPCS card that is still valid until the respective category expiry date and the new CPCS Job card under NOCN (Your new NOCN job card will have a new Personal ID number.

The new CPCS Digital SMART Cards feature: – Near Field Communication (NFC) technology – Increased fraud prevention – Secure authentification for employers