180° Excavator Training

Complete beginners: 7 days (full training from basics)

Experienced operators: 2-3 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 7 day course. If you've got experience, we can shorten the training (2-3 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.

180° excavator (backhoe loader): Limited slew capability, typically rotating 180-200 degrees. Rear excavator swings side to side but doesn't complete full rotation. Perfect for working near walls, boundaries, and confined spaces. Usually wheeled with front bucket + rear excavator.

360° excavator: Unlimited rotation—cab and arm spin continuously in full circle. Typically tracked (not wheeled), larger machines designed for open excavation work.

The 180° combines front loader and rear excavator functions, making it highly versatile for utility work, trenching, and small construction projects. Most UK sites use both types.

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:

1. Pass A12 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

The EWT is a test-only route for people with significant recent experience on 180° excavators. 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 2-3 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.

No. The CPCS A12 qualification covers operation of both the front loader bucket and the rear excavator attachment. You'll be trained and tested on both functions during your course.

This dual functionality is one of the key advantages of the A12 certification—you're qualified to operate the entire machine, making you a versatile asset on construction sites. However, if you wish to operate dedicated loading shovels (A21) or 360° excavators (A58/A59), you'd need separate qualifications for those categories.

For site work only: The CPCS A12 allows you to operate 180° excavators on construction sites and private land. No driving licence required for off-road use.

For road use: To drive a backhoe on public highways, you need:

• Category B (car) licence if machine is under 3.5 tonnes gross weight
• Category C1 or C licence for heavier machines
• The machine must be registered, taxed, and insured for road use

Many operators use low-loaders to transport backhoes between sites rather than driving them on roads.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it's theory knowledge, excavation technique, front loader operation, or safety procedures. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested.

Next steps typically involve:

• Additional practice time on weak areas
• Further training if necessary (charged separately)
• Booking a re-test when you're properly prepared

Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

The A12 180° excavator qualification opens doors to diverse construction and groundworks roles:

• Groundworks: trenching for foundations, drainage, service installations
• Utility work: installing water pipes, gas mains, underground cabling
• Road works: kerbing, footpath excavation, surface preparation
• Landscaping: site levelling, pond excavation, groundwork prep
• Agricultural: drainage ditching, fencing post holes, farm maintenance

Many operators combine A12 with other tickets (dumper, roller, telehandler) to become multi-skilled and increase earning potential.

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:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

1:1 dedicated instruction. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab.

You'll be tested on one specific machine during your practical test (we use JCB 3CX backhoes), but your CPCS A12 qualification is valid for operating all makes and models of 180° excavators.

Once qualified, you can legally operate JCB 3CX/4CX, Caterpillar 432/442, Case 580/590, New Holland, Terex, Komatsu backhoes, and any other 180° excavator/backhoe loader.

Whilst controls vary slightly between manufacturers, the fundamental operation principles remain the same. Your CPCS card demonstrates competence across all brands in the category.

Underground services: The biggest risk. Hitting buried gas mains, electric cables, or water pipes can be catastrophic. Always check service plans, use CAT scanners, and expose services by hand digging.

Overhead power lines: The excavator arm can reach overhead cables even when you think you're clear. Maintain safe distances (typically 10 metres minimum from high-voltage lines).

Trench collapse: Never enter excavations deeper than 1.2 metres without engineered support. Be aware of adjacent traffic loads that can cause collapse.

Striking pedestrians: Limited visibility, especially when reversing or swinging the rear excavator. Use banksmen in congested areas.

Unstable ground: Deploying stabilisers on soft or sloped ground can cause tipping. Always assess ground conditions and use timber mats where necessary.

Our training emphasizes hazard recognition and safe working practices to ensure you can identify and manage these risks throughout your career.

No. The CPCS A12 is specific to 180° limited slew excavators (backhoe loaders). To operate other excavator types, you need separate qualifications:

• A59: Tracked 360° excavators above 10 tonnes (full slew capability)
• A58: Tracked 360° excavators below 10 tonnes (mini excavators)

However, the skills and knowledge from A12 transfer well. Many operators start with backhoe loaders then progress to larger 360° excavators. Holding multiple excavator categories makes you more versatile and valuable to employers.