CPCS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPCS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does CPCS stand for? → Construction Plant Competence Scheme
2. What must a plant operator do if they are unsure whether a service has been correctly identified and isolated before excavation? → Stop work and contact the supervisor — do not proceed until confirmation is received
3. Under PUWER, when must a risk assessment for plant use be reviewed? → When there is reason to believe it is no longer valid or after a significant change
4. What does LOLER require regarding the competence of the appointed person for a lifting operation? → They must be competent in planning and supervising lifting operations
5. A pre-use check reveals the machine's horn is not functioning. What should the operator do? → Take the plant out of service and report the defect
6. What is the risk of operating plant on a slope steeper than the manufacturer's specified gradient? → The plant may overturn laterally or tip forward, causing serious injury or death
7. What hazard is created when an excavator operates near overhead power lines? → Risk of electrocution through arcing or direct contact
8. Which document provides the written authority for a lifting operation to proceed, detailing the method, equipment, personnel and hazards? → A lifting plan or method statement
9. What does 'duty of care' mean for a crane operator under LOLER? → The operator must take reasonable care to ensure lifting operations are carried out safely
10. A site manager asks a plant operator to use equipment outside its rated capacity. What should the operator do? → Refuse and report the request to the appropriate authority
11. What is the primary purpose of a pre-use check on construction plant? → To identify defects or hazards before operation begins
12. Under PUWER, what must be recorded following a plant inspection? → The results of the inspection and any remedial actions required
13. Which colour CPCS card indicates a trained operator who has not yet achieved full competency? → Red
14. How often must lifting equipment that is used for lifting persons be thoroughly examined under LOLER? → Every 6 months
15. What is the function of the excavator's slew brake? → It controls and stops the rotation of the upper structure
16. Who is the 'Appointed Person' in a crane lifting operation under BS 7121? → The person responsible for planning and directing the lifting operation
17. What does a blue CPCS card indicate about the holder? → They are a trained operator working towards their NVQ
18. What should an operator do before tipping a load at a spoil heap or trench edge? → Ensure stop blocks are in place and approach cautiously at a safe distance from the edge
19. What is an exclusion zone in the context of a lifting operation? → An area below and around the lift from which all non-essential personnel are excluded
20. Which regulation specifically requires that guards are fitted to dangerous parts of construction plant? → PUWER Regulation 11
21. What colour represents electrical services (high voltage) in the UK underground colour coding? → Red
22. What does LOLER stand for? → Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
23. What colour represents a gas pipe in UK underground service identification? → Yellow
24. What does RIDDOR require in relation to construction plant incidents? → Certain serious injuries, dangerous occurrences, and fatalities must be reported
25. What is the correct boom position when travelling a tracked excavator across site? → Boom retracted with bucket low to the ground, just above surface level
26. A plant operator is working near a communications cable (telephone/data). What colour identifies this type of service? → Grey or purple
27. What is the correct procedure for picking up a pallet of bricks with a telehandler fitted with forks? → Approach slowly, insert forks fully under the load, tilt back slightly, then raise
28. In what situation should a forward tipping dumper never be used? → To transport persons in the skip or anywhere other than the operator's seat
29. What is the correct procedure before slewing an excavator with a loaded bucket? → Check the swing area is clear of personnel and obstructions
30. What does the CPCS category A09 relate to? → Excavator — 360 degrees