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Industry-standard qualification for wheeled site dumpers. Get certified, work on UK sites, and build towards your Blue Card.
Whether you're brand new to site dumpers or need formal certification for existing experience, the A09 covers operators of forward tipping dumpers.
Never operated a dumper before? The full 3-day course takes you from zero to test-ready with comprehensive theory and practical training.
Been running dumpers but don't have your CPCS card? 2 days of training gets you test-ready, or consider the Experienced Worker Test if you're confident.
Working on foundations, drainage, or landscaping? Dumper certification is essential for moving materials around confined site areas efficiently.
Red Card expiring and haven't completed NVQ yet? Re-test to extend it while we help you get that Blue Card sorted.
Already hold other CPCS cards? Add dumper certification to your portfolio—it's the most common piece of plant on any site.
Training groundwork teams or site operatives? We accommodate group bookings and work around project timelines where possible.
This isn't vague promises—here's what actually happens during your training, broken down by theory and practical components.
Training routes tailored to your experience and operational background
We offer a free assessment service to help determine the best training path based on your experience and goals.
Prerequisites for certification
Before taking the CPCS technical tests, you must pass the Health, Safety & Environment test.
Valid for 2 years, this can be completed at our centre during your visit!
Comprehensive evaluation of competence
40 question examination conducted by a CPCS appointed tester.
Typically afternoon of final day demonstrating safe operation.
CPCS Red Card (Trained Operator)
Professional training with over 20 years of plant operator expertise in Staffordshire
Often 1:1 where possible. Proper supervision, not a crowded course. Plenty of time in the cab.
Modern, well-maintained dumpers (1-6 tonnes). Not hired-in kit.
Not sure if you need full training, 2 days, or EWT? We'll assess you honestly and advise the best route. No obligation.
We'll connect you to NVQ providers and help you understand funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).
No hard sell, no gimmicks. Just quality training and honest advice on what you need.
Duration depends on your experience level. We tailor training to what you actually need, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Competitive pricing for professional certification
Complete certification package
Eligible companies can receive substantial grants to cover training costs. Contact us to check your eligibility and find out how much you could save.
Spread the cost of your training with Klarna.
Klarna payment options may be available at checkout, subject to eligibility.
Klarna's terms and conditions apply.
Common questions about Forward Tip Dumper training
Complete beginners: 3 days (typically Monday to Wednesday)
Some experience: 2 days + assessment
Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.
No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got experience, we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.
The A09 category covers forward tip dumpers from 1 to 6 tonnes payload capacity. This includes:
You'll be tested on the size most relevant to your work, but the certification allows you to operate the full range within the A09 category once qualified.
Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction and civil engineering sites.
However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.
You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.
The process:
We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).
The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on forward tip dumpers. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.
Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 1-2 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.
We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.
A09 Forward Tip Dumpers: Compact site dumpers (1-6 tonnes), forward tipping, designed for tight spaces on construction sites. Highly manoeuvrable, perfect for residential and confined areas.
A56 Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs): Much larger machines (20-40+ tonnes), rear tipping, pivot steering, designed for moving large volumes over rough terrain. Used on major earthworks and quarries.
Most general construction sites use A09 dumpers. If you're unsure which you need, check the machine sizes at your workplace.
For construction sites (off-road): No driving licence required. The CPCS A09 allows you to operate dumpers on private construction land.
For public roads: If you need to drive a dumper on public highways, you need an appropriate UK driving licence, and the machine must be road-registered, taxed, and insured.
Most site dumper work is entirely off-road, so a driving licence isn't necessary for the CPCS qualification or typical site operations.
First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it was pre-use checks, driving technique, tipping procedures, or safety awareness. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested.
Next steps typically involve:
Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.
Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.
Funding options depend on your employment status:
We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.
Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab.
Safe maximum slopes depend on dumper size, ground conditions, load weight, and manufacturer specifications. General guidelines:
Critical rules:
Our training emphasizes slope assessment and safe operation on various gradients.
Recognizing overloading is critical for safety. Signs include:
Preventing overloading:
Overloading causes most dumper accidents including tip-overs and loss of control. Our training emphasizes load recognition and safe communication with loading equipment operators.
Dumper operators must complete pre-use inspections before each shift. This is a legal requirement and forms part of your CPCS practical test.
Daily pre-use checks include:
If you identify defects, you must report them and take the machine out of service until repaired. Our training includes thorough instruction on pre-use checks with practice exercises.
On construction sites (off-road): The CPCS A09 alone allows you to operate dumpers on private construction land. No driving licence required for site-based operations.
On public highways: To drive a dumper on public roads, you need:
In practice, most site dumper work is entirely off-road within site boundaries.
Expand your qualifications with these complementary certifications
Join professional operators with recognised CPCS certification. Expert training available in Staffordshire.
Professional training available throughout the year in Staffordshire. Contact us for course dates.