CPCS CPCS Card Categories 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the CPCS category A09 relate to?
- Excavator — 360 degrees (Correct answer)
- Forward Tipping Dumper
- Rough Terrain Forklift
- Tower Crane
Correct answer: Excavator — 360 degrees
CPCS category A09 is for the 360-degree excavator — one of the most common plant types on UK construction sites. The full rotation capability distinguishes it from restricted-swing excavators.
Question 2: Which CPCS category covers the operation of a telescopic handler (telehandler)?
- A17 (Correct answer)
- A02
- A60
- B03
Correct answer: A17
CPCS category A17 covers the Telescopic Handler (Telehandler), which is widely used on construction sites for material handling and lifting operations.
Question 3: What is the CPCS category for a crawler crane?
- A04 (Correct answer)
- A09
- A60
- B02
Correct answer: A04
CPCS category A04 covers the Crawler Crane. Crawler cranes are large, tracked lifting machines used for heavy lifts and are distinct from mobile cranes (A02) and tower cranes (A04 is specifically crawler).
Question 4: A worker holds a CPCS card for a rough terrain forklift (A14). Can they legally operate a counterbalance forklift?
- No — they must hold the relevant CPCS or RTITB/FLT qualification for counterbalance forklifts specifically (Correct answer)
- Yes — all forklift types are covered by a single CPCS card
- Yes — if they have operated both for more than a year
- Only if the site manager gives written permission
Correct answer: No — they must hold the relevant CPCS or RTITB/FLT qualification for counterbalance forklifts specifically
CPCS categories are specific to plant type. A card for one type of forklift does not authorise operation of a different type. The operator must hold the relevant qualification for the specific machine.
Question 5: What is the CPCS category code for a forward tipping dumper?
- A09E / A09F depending on payload (Correct answer)
- A56
- A03
- A14
Correct answer: A09E / A09F depending on payload
Forward tipping dumpers are covered by CPCS category A09E (up to 10 tonne payload) and A09F (over 10 tonne payload). The payload determines the specific category.
Question 6: Which of the following plant types requires a CPCS category for 'appointed person' status rather than an operator card?
- Crane appointed person — CPCS category A61 (Correct answer)
- Tower crane operator
- Piling rig operator
- Excavator operator
Correct answer: Crane appointed person — CPCS category A61
CPCS category A61 covers the Crane Appointed Person — the competence to plan and supervise lifting operations — rather than to physically operate a crane. It recognises a management and planning role.
CPCS CPCS Card Categories 2
What does the CPCS category A09 relate to?