As you begin your journey in the construction industry, learning, training, working and becoming certified, you notice the number of acronyms that are thrown around constantly. Two very common acronyms that you will come across and need to familiarise yourself with are: CSCS and CPCS. CSCS stands for Construction Skills Certification Scheme, while CPCS represents the Construction Plant Competence Scheme.
It is important to understand the differences and meaning behind both CSCS and CPCS, especially for you to make sure you specialise in the specific one you are looking for. Depending on the route you take within the construction industry, you will need to acquire either a CSCS or a CPCS qualification.
What is a CSCS Qualification?
The Construction Skills Certifications Scheme (CSCS) is essentially the leading skills certification scheme in the UK construction industry, hence the importance of understanding the difference between a CSCS and a CPCS qualification.
Achieving a CSCS qualification will provide you with a type of CSCS card, based on the qualification you underwent. The different types of CSCS cards are:
- Labourer (Green Card)
- Apprentice (Red)
- Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (Red)
- Experienced Worker (Red)
- Trainee Card (Red)
- Skilled Worker (Blue)
- Advanced Craft (Gold)
- Supervisory (Gold)
- Manager (Black)
To learn more about the different types of CSCS cards and which one would be best for you, you can check out our CSCS qualifications here.
Your CSCS card is extremely important as they provide evidential proof that when you work on a construction site, you have the appropriate training and qualifications up to the level dependent on your card type. CSCS cards play a huge part in the improvements and enhancements of construction standards and increased safety on construction sites across the UK.
It is important to note that having a CSCS card is not actually legally required and solely dependent on the contractor/client managing the construction site. Although, it must be said that in most cases, you will be required to have a valid CSCS card to carry out work on a construction site.
What is a CPCS Qualification?
Alternatively, the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is solely focused in the specific area of the construction industry, for plant operators. Due to the complexity and importance of plant operations across the UK, the CPCS card is treated separately from the CSCS card. The CPCS card is more in-depth as it focuses on and specialises in plant machinery.
Again, a CPCS card will be required by employers and contractors to ensure work is carried out to set industry standards, and to know that the individual is qualified and competent to work with plant machinery across a site.
In order to acquire your CPCS card you will need to complete the following (in the correct order):
- Complete relevant training in order to pass the CPCS technical test
- Complete the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test
- Achieve CPCS theory (within 2 years of acquiring the above)
- Complete a CPCS practical test (within 6 months of the theory above)
What does the CPCS Card Actually Cover? When you attain your CPCS card you will be covered for plant site operations in construction and allied industries. Additionally, the cards you can receive are either a Trained Operator card or a Competent Operator card (blue)
You can find out more about the CPCS card via our website.
