KNOWLEDGE HUB
NPORS
As the leading accreditation scheme for plant across a range of categories, NPORS cards are an essential addition to the qualifications of any operative.
Find out more about NPORS cards and how the training works below.
NPORS
Who can get an NPORS card?
Any plant operative can get an NPORS card regardless of experience – it’s just the route to getting a card that changes. Someone who is brand new to a plant category will have to undertake a novice training course where they are taught everything they need to know to safely and efficiently operate the machinery. Novice NPORS courses can last for between 2 and 10 days depending on experience and the piece of plant.
Experienced workers – those with more than 18 months verifiable work experience or at least 6 months of consistent daily use of the plant – can take an EWT (Experienced Worker Test). These tests take just a couple of hours and are designed to verify the existing skills and knowledge of the operator.
Once the test has been complete – either through an EWT or at the end of a novice course – we will apply for your NPORS card.
NPORS
What types of NPORS cards are there?
There are three types of NPORS cards to be aware of.
The NPORS Traditional card is designed for those who operate in industry sectors other than construction and who are therefore not subject to the requirement that operators hold a card bearing the CSCS logo.
Those working in the construction industry should opt for an NPORS card with a CSCS logo, of which there are two types.
The NPORS Red Trained Operator card is for operators who do not currently hold the requisite NVQ – this will be your only option if you are inexperienced in the specific plant category. The NPORS Blue Competent Operator card is for experienced operators who hold the relevant NVQ.
NPORS Traditional Cards
Lasting for 3 or 5 years, NPORS traditional cards are attained by completing a novice course or experienced worker test. They do not feature the CSCS logo.
NPORS Red Trained Operator Cards
These temporary cards last for 2 years and require you to have passed the HS&E test within the last 2 years. To renew, you must upgrade to a blue card.
NPORS Blue Competent Operator Cards
To upgrade to a blue card, you must complete an NVQ in the relevant category and have passed the HS&E test within the last 2 years. They last for 5 years.
I’ve never held an NPORS card, and I’m brand new to this piece of plant.
You will need to undertake the full novice training for the relevant category. You can then get a Traditional NPORS card or a Red Trained Operator NPORS CSCS card.
If you opt for the red card, you will also need to have taken your HS&E test within the last 2 years. You will then need to complete a Level 2 NVQ in the same category to upgrade the red card to a Blue Competent Operator card within 2 years.
I’ve never held an NPORS card, but I’m experienced on this piece of plant.
You will need to go through an Experienced Worker Test (EWT). You can then get a Traditional NPORS card, or a Red Trained Operator/Blue Competent Operator NPORS CSCS card.
If you already have a Level 2 NVQ in the relevant category, you can get a Blue Competent Operator NPORS CSCS card straight away, provided you have taken your HS&E test within the last 2 years. If you don’t have the NVQ already, we can:
1. complete it with you on the same day as the EWT so you can get a blue card straight away
2. order you a red card for now, and complete the NVQ at a later date to get you the blue card (within 2 years), or
3. order you a traditional NPORS card without the CSCS logo.
I have a Traditional NPORS card which is due to expire or has already expired.
You will need to renew your card by:
1. undertaking a refresher training (recommended), or
2. filling out an Operator Renewal Form which includes a declaration to be completed by your employer to verify that you have been regularly using the plant with a high standard of operation.
I have a Red NPORS card which is due to expire or has already expired.
Red NPORS Trained Operator cards cannot be renewed. This encourages continuous professional development, as you will need to get a Blue Competent Operator card by getting a Level 2 NVQ in the relevant categories. However, if you are unable to finish the NVQ in time, you can apply to extend your red card for up to 12 months as long as you are already registered onto an NVQ.
When you apply for the Blue Competent Operator card, you will need to have passed your HS&E test within the last 2 years.
I have a Blue NPORS card which is due to expire or has already expired.
The process for renewing a Blue Competent Operator NPORS CSCS card is the same as renewing a traditional card, except you will need to have passed your HS&E test within the last 2 years. Apart from that, you will need to renew your card by:
1. undertaking a refresher training (recommended), or
2. filling out an Operator Renewal Form which includes a declaration to be completed by your employer to verify that you have been regularly using the plant with a high standard of operation.
I already have an NPORS card, and I’d like to get a category added.
Each category (type of plant) requires its own training/testing to be undertaken. If you’re experienced in the new category, you can take the EWT. If you’re new to it, you’ll need to take the novice training. We can then get the category added to your existing card.
If you want the category added to a red or blue NPORS CSCS card, you’ll also need to have passed the HS&E test within the last 2 years. Additionally, adding the category to a blue card will still require you to have (or get) an NVQ in that category.
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