To get into construction, there are various organisations that provide the cards that prove you’re qualified to do your desired role. Two of the main organisations that provide the accreditation to work on construction sites are CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) and NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme).
This article gives details on each card scheme, and should help you decide which one to go for when training.
What is a CPCS card?
CPCS is a card scheme that proves individuals are trained and skilled on operating or working around various construction plant. Up until fairly recently, CPCS was the most recognised and favoured card scheme.
CPCS pros
- More widely recognised. Especially among the larger contractors.
- A higher chance of acceptance on UK sites.
What is an NPORS card?
NPORS is a fast-growing alternative to CPCS, also providing evidence that individuals are qualified to work on and with construction plant. It became accepted by the UKCG (UK Contractors Group), now Build UK, in 2014.
NPORS pros
- A broader range of courses.
- More flexible format.
- Generally more affordable.
- Getting increasingly recognised.
- Can be quicker to achieve accreditation.
What are the similarities between CPCS and NPORS?
Both CPCS and NORS adopt the same Red and Blue Card system. Upon passing the training, a Trained Operator Red Card is given, which is valid for two years. Although, under some circumstances, this can be extended for a year.
During this time, the operative must gain enough experience to obtain a Competent Operator Blue Card. To do this they pass an NVQ assessment (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification).
Both an NPORS and CPCS Blue Card is valid for five years. It then gets renewed by passing a renewal test.
Click on the image below to choose your NVQ assessor. They will support your journey to Blue Card certification.
What’s the difference between CPCS and NPORS?
NPORS training and testing can take place on site, using the machinery that’s readily available there.
Up until 2023 CPCS testing could only take place at CPCS accredited centres. But changes have since taken place, allowing testing on only some categories to take place on a client’s site, with the caveat that the standard test specifications for these cases are rigidly enforced.
This gives NPORS accreditation much more flexibility. Also, depending on where you are in the country, it might narrow your options if you wish to choose CPCS, because some areas of the UK might not have easy access to CPCS test centres. So, NPORS being able to easily deliver on site makes it the cheaper option, because of the lack of overheads. This could work out in favour of a company that requires multiple-person accreditation.
What are the differences between NPORS/CPCS and CSCS?
Both NPORS and CPCS card schemes are integrated with CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), so they both have the CSCS logo on the cards. This means they both have some overlap of the health and safety criteria that CSCS requires. But it doesn’t mean an operative can substitute the CSCS card for the NPORS/CPCS cards. Some site managers or construction companies might accept an NPORS/CPCS card instead of CSCS, but it is not standard practice.
This is because CSCS serves a different purpose. It isn’t a plant-focused scheme. CSCS proves a person is skilled and trained in their respective field of construction. You can learn more about that here.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this has helped you decide which card scheme to opt for.
It’s important to note that NPORS and CPCS cards are not exclusive to only people who operate plant. They’re also designated for people who work with or around plant. To give some examples, slinger/signallers, crane supervisors, and APs, who each don’t operate cranes, but do work directly with cranes.
It’s clear that there are some similarities between the two card schemes, but the differences could sway your decision between the two.
Although CPCS has for years been the more recognised, NPORS is coming on leaps and bounds, and there aren’t that many construction sites that don’t accept that accreditation.
Also, the NPORS flexibility and lesser cost is making it more and more popular.
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