CPCS V NPORS

Where does it start?

Whenever we are asked for any type of plant training – Telehandler, Over-head Crane, Slinger Signaller, Excavator, Digger, Dumper (the list is endless) we have two questions we will ask;

  1. Are your delegates experienced or novice?

  2. What accreditation are you looking for?

Not always, but quite often the answer is huh? Or eh?

Generally, if you are looking for an accredited course for any of the above or similar the options are going to be CPCS or NPORS.

But which to choose?

NPORS – National Plant Operators Registration Scheme

Founded in 1992 NPORS is a well-recognised awarding body in the industry offering regulated training and testing on loads and loads of different machinery. They are also a partner scheme of CSCS, meaning they meet a standard of training that has been recognised by CSCS.

CPCS – Construction Plant Competence Scheme

Launched in 2003, CPCS is regarded as the elite of accreditations. As well as NPORS, CPCS also offer regulated training and testing across over 60 categories of plant machinery and are a partner scheme of CSCS.

Is there a difference?

On the face of it, it would seem there’s not much of a difference between the two, right? Well, you’d probably be right. While CPCS is far more greatly accepted on some of the major sites across the UK it can also be considerably more expensive, especially if you are training more than one delegate. What people maybe don’t realise is that in 2014 NPORS became a UKCG accepted record scheme. Which means it is recognised to be the same standard as CPCS.

Generally CPCS training/testing must be carried out a registered CPCS test centre (there are a few exceptions to the rule), however, with NPORS if you have the facility to carry out the training/testing onsite it can work out to be substantially more cost-effective when training a group of delegates.

What’s important is to get it right for you. Imagine spending the money to have your workforce trained and tested under NPORS and they are then turned away from site because CPCS is the requirement.

That’s where we come in. Give us a call today and we can talk you through how it all works and what would be the best option for you and your workforce.

Contact Training First