NOCN Card Renewal Test replaced by New CPCS Renewal CPD Course

NOCN CPCS Card Renewal Test replaced by New CPCS Renewal CPD Course

As of 22 August 2024, the process for renewing CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) Competent Operator Cards will undergo a significant change. NOCN has announced that the traditional CPCS Renewal Tests will be replaced with a new, more streamlined and industry-aligned CPCS Renewal CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Course. This change reflects NOCN‘s ongoing efforts to modernise the CPCS card renewal process and align it with the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Why is the CPCS Card Renewal Process Changing?

NOCN has been working closely with industry stakeholders for over a year to review the current renewal process and develop an updated solution that better serves cardholders and employers alike. The decision to replace the traditional renewal test with an online CPD course comes in response to the growing industry focus on continuing professional development and the need to incorporate more relevant and future-focused learning elements into the process.

In addition, this change aligns with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme’s (CSCS) long-term goal of integrating CPD elements into all construction card schemes by 2030. By introducing an online CPD course that is both comprehensive and accessible, NOCN aims to ensure that cardholders remain current with industry developments and regulations, while also supporting ongoing skill and career development.

Key Benefits of the New NOCN CPCS Renewal CPD Course

The new CPCS Renewal CPD Course is designed to be more flexible and beneficial than the traditional renewal test. Key advantages include:

• No Category-Specific Test: Unlike the previous renewal test, the new course covers all CPCS categories, simplifying the renewal process for cardholders.
• More Relevant Learning: The CPD course offers learning content that is directly related to the cardholder’s role and future career development, ensuring that the training is practical and valuable.
• Easy Access: The course is available online through the NOCN Hub, meaning it can be completed on any device connected to the internet, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• Flexibility: Cardholders can complete the course at their own pace, in a location and at a time that suits them, making it easier to fit the training into their busy schedules.
• Instant Feedback: The course provides immediate feedback on learning progress, helping cardholders identify areas for improvement and reinforcing key knowledge.
• On completion, the operators records will be changed to confirm completion of the relevant modules

What Does the New CPCS Renewal CPD Course Involve?

The new CPCS Renewal CPD Course is made up of five comprehensive modules that cover all existing CPCS categories. These modules are designed to reduce the number of specific modules that cardholders need to complete while offering future-fit topics that reflects the latest developments in the industry. The topics covered in the course include:

• People Plant Interface: Understanding how to safely manage the interaction between people and machinery on-site.
• Sustainable Plant Operation: Best practices for environmentally responsible and efficient operation of plant machinery.
• Eco Operation: Strategies for reducing the environmental impact of plant operations.
• Legislation Changes (Basic): A review of recent changes to industry regulations and legal requirements.
• New Technologies within Plant Equipment: An introduction to the latest advancements and innovations in plant equipment.

At the end of each module, questions are posed to confirm that the cardholder has successfully understood the content, ensuring that the learning objectives have been met. However, this is not a pass/fail test, more of a reflection of understanding of the content.

Module Groupings by Category

The new CPD course consolidates learning into broad category groupings, making the renewal process more efficient for cardholders. Some of the key module groupings include:

• Earth Moving and Compaction: Covers categories such as all Excavators, all Dump Trucks and Dumpers, Loading Shovels, Rollers, and more.
• Lifting and Lifting Equipment: Includes all Cranes, Forklifts and Telehandlers, MEWP’s, Slinger/Signaller and Hoists.
• Piling and Pumping of Materials: Focuses on Piling Rigs and Concrete Pumps.
• Lifting Supervision and Management: For those responsible for Managing and Supervising Lifting Operations – Appointed Persons and Crane Supervisors.
• Demolition: Includes all categories related to Demolition Plant Operations.

Next Steps for Cardholders and Employers

Starting from 22 August 2024, all CPCS Card renewal modules will be completed through the new NOCN Online CPCS Renewal CPD Course, which will be available for £28 (the same price as the former renewal test). This course will be valid for two years and can be accessed through the NOCN Hub.

To prepare for this transition, cardholders and employers should register for an NOCN Hub account, which will allow them to access the new CPD course and manage their renewals more effectively.

The shift from the traditional CPCS Renewal Test to the new CPCS Renewal CPD Course marks a significant step forward in how the industry approaches professional development and skills maintenance. With its focus on relevant, future-ready content and its flexible online format, the new course promises to deliver substantial benefits to both cardholders and their employers. By integrating this CPD course into the CPCS renewal process, NOCN ensures that construction professionals continue to develop their skills while staying up-to-date with the latest industry practices and technologies.