NOCN Group
About the CPCS Renewal Test
To renew your CPCS Blue Competent Operator card, you must take and pass the CPCS Renewal Test. The test makes sure that you have kept your knowledge of each plant category or group of categories held on your card up-to-date.
The tests are designed to cover the essential knowledge that is expected of experienced plant operators. These tests have been developed with industry to meet the needs of construction plant and trades.
Each test is 15 minutes and you will be required to take a renewal test for each group of categories that you hold on your card. NOCN's Renewal Test Tool will help you to know which test(s) you need to take and prepare. Renewal Test Tool »
If you have added a new category to your CPCS Blue Competent Operator card within two years of your card expiring, you don’t need to take the renewal test for that category when you renew your card.
The CPCS Renewal Test has been a requirement of the scheme since October 2013.
When and where to take the test
The Renewal Test can be taken at any Pearson Vue test centre. You can take the Renewal Test alongside the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test if you wish to.
You need to take the Renewal Test before your existing CPCS Blue Competent Operator card expires. You need to pass each category test before the category can be renewed.
Payment methods
You can take up to five CPCS Renewal Tests in a single slot. One single slot costs £35.00 and includes the cost of the smart card being produced. If you wish to take six or more tests, it will cost you an additional £35.00 per slot that you require.
For example:
| Number of test(s) |
Number of slots needed |
Cost (£) |
| 1-5 |
1 |
£35.00 |
| 6-10 |
2 |
£70.00 |
| 11-15 |
3 |
£105.00 |
| 16-20 |
4 |
£140.00 |
You can also pay for the test via voucher. Vouchers can be bought in advance and are valid for one year from the point of purchase. Purchase a voucher »
Please Note:
If you have previously purchased a voucher e.g. for £30, you can still redeem this against the test (providing it has not expired), but you will be required to pay the additional amount e.g. £5 when booking to make up the full price of the test.
NOCN's Renewal Test Tool will help you to know which test(s) you need to take and prepare. Renewal Test Tool »
Booking the test
To book your CPCS Renewal Test(s) you can either:
Once your test has been booked if you want to cancel or reschedule your slot, you need to give at least 48 hours’ notice or you will still be charged.
What to expect on the day of your test
On the day of your Renewal Test(s) you need to:
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your test starts
- Bring your confirmation letter/email with you
- Bring ID that includes your photo and a signature. View acceptable IDs here. If you do not have a suitable ID, you can use an ID Waiver Form – details on how to complete and submit the form are included in the document.
Staff at the Test Centre will check your documents when you arrive. You will not be able to sit your test if you do not have the relevant documents and you will not be refunded.
The CPCS Renewal Test is a computer based test, and all you need to do is click on your chosen answers by touching the screen or using the mouse.
Before the test starts there is an on-screen tutorial which explains how everything works and lets you try out the buttons and computer.
Each test consists of 15 questions. Once the test starts, you have 15 minutes to answer 15 randomly selected multiple choice questions. If you are taking more than one test, these will follow straight after one another. You should not leave the room before you have completed all of your booked tests or you will lose all your test results.
Our Renewal Test Tool will help you to know which test(s) you need to take and prepare. Renewal Test Tool »
Preparing for the test
Use the Renewal Test Tool to find out which test(s) you need to take before booking your test(s). It is important to use this tool as you may not have to do a test for every category you hold on your CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card.
This tool will also help you to revise for the tests through factsheets. NOCN is currently working on video revision aids and will update the tool when these are ready.
After the test
Once you have passed your Renewal Test(s) you can apply to renew your CPCS Blue Competent Operator card, as long as all other renewal requirements have been met.
You can apply to renew your card even if you have not passed all of your renewal tests.
For more information on how to renew your card, visit nocnjobcards.org/CPCS/competent-operator-card/renew-your-competent-operator-card.
What to do if you are unsuccessful - retaking the test
If you do not pass your Renewal Test(s), you must book another test slot and retake the test(s). A new test fee will need to be paid when you retake a test.
You can retake the test(s) as many times as you need and you can book a retake after 48 hours of your previous attempt.
If you are struggling with the Renewal Test(s) please make sure you have used our revision material and all available accommodations.
Additional assistance
CPCS offers the following accommodations should you need them:
| Accommodation |
Description |
| Voiceovers |
Headphones will be provided so you can hear the test questions and possible answers as they are displayed on the screen.
You will be able to add a Voiceover in English to your test automatically as part of the booking process, without any requirement for prior approval.
|
| Reader-recorder |
You can request a reader-recorder at the point of booking your test. This will be a person who will read out the test questions and possible answers, and record your responses.
All requests for a reader-recorder must be sent to product@jobcards.org for approval. Once approved, a member of our customer service team will contact you to complete your booking.
|
| Separate room |
You can request a separate room at the point of booking your test. This is usually in conjunction with a reader-recorder.
All requests for a separate room must be sent to product@jobcards.org for approval. Once approved, a member of our customer service team will contact you to complete your booking.
|
The CPCS Renewal Tests are only available in English.
If you require any reasonable adjustments not listed above, please contact product@jobcards.org for approval. Once approved, a member of our customer service team will contact you to discuss your requirements and complete your booking.