DURATION
1-5 Days
PRICE FROM
£745
RATIO
2:1
CERTIFICATION
CPCS Red Card

Who Should Take This Course?

Whether you're brand new to tracked plant or need formal certification for dozer experience, the A34 covers operators for earthmoving and grading work.

Complete Beginners

Never operated tracked plant? The full 7 day course takes you from zero to test-ready with comprehensive training on dozer operation and grading techniques.

Experienced Operators

Been running dozers but don't have your CPCS card? 3-5 days of training gets you test-ready for the A34 assessment.

Plant Operators Expanding Skills

Hold cards for excavators or dumpers? Dozer certification adds precision grading and bulk earthmoving to your skillset—typically 3-5 days depending on experience.

Red Card Renewals

Red Card expiring and haven't completed NVQ yet? Re-test to extend it while we help you get that Blue Card sorted.

Civil Engineering & Quarry Workers

Working on major projects or in quarries? Formal dozer certification opens doors to motorway construction, major developments, and specialist earthmoving contracts.

Employers

Training multiple staff? We accommodate group bookings and work around project timelines where possible.

Available Course Dates

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What You'll Learn

This isn't vague promises—here's what actually happens during your training, broken down by theory and practical components.

Machine Knowledge & Systems

  • Understanding track systems, drive mechanisms, and turning techniques
  • Blade types: straight blades, universal blades, and semi-U blades
  • Hydraulic tilt and angle controls for precision grading
  • Pre-operational checks and daily maintenance routines
  • Engine management, transmission modes, and power train
  • Undercarriage inspection: tracks, rollers, and sprockets
  • Ripper attachments and their operational use
  • Cab controls, instrumentation, and safety features
  • Bulk earthmoving: pushing spoil over distance efficiently
  • Slot dozing vs side-by-side dozing methods
  • Downhill and cross-slope pushing techniques
  • Material stockpiling and windrow creation

Earthmoving Techniques & Grading & Finishing

  • Spreading dumped material evenly across areas
  • Backfilling excavations and compacting with tracks
  • Clearing vegetation, roots, and site obstructions
  • Operating on steep gradients and difficult terrain
  • Blade positioning for precision grading work
  • Creating and maintaining specified gradients
  • Fine-grading to achieve smooth, level surfaces
  • Working to laser or GPS grade control systems
  • Battering slopes to specified angles
  • Cutting high spots and filling low areas
  • Track pattern management for surface finish
  • Final trim work before handing over surfaces

Safety & Site Awareness

  • Stability assessment on slopes and soft ground
  • Overhead hazards: cables, bridges, and structures
  • Working near excavations, drops, and water hazards
  • Exclusion zones for pedestrians and other plant
  • Reversing procedures and blind spot awareness
  • Emergency stop systems and evacuation procedures
  • Environmental controls: dust, noise, and run-off management
  • Communication with site teams and spotters

Course Options & Duration

Training routes tailored to your experience and operational background

Route Duration Who It's For What's Included
Novice 7 Days No previous dozer or tracked plant experience Complete training from ground up, theory test, practical test, HS&E prep
Some Experience 3-5 Days Regular dozer operators needing formal CPCS certification Skills refinement, advanced techniques, theory test, practical test
Experienced Worker Test 1 Day Confident, experienced operators Theory test (morning), Practical test (afternoon), No training provided, Must demonstrate competence to CPCS standard
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Not Sure Which Route Is Right For You?

We offer a free assessment service to help determine the best training path based on your experience and goals.

Discuss Your Training Needs

Entry Requirements

Prerequisites for certification

Basic Requirements

  • Age: Must be at least 16 years old
  • Fitness: Should have reasonable fitness levels and no medical conditions that would prevent safe machine operation

HS&E Test Requirement

Before taking the CPCS technical tests, you must pass the Health, Safety & Environment test.

  • CITB HS&E Test - Operatives level
  • NOCN Operatives HS&E Test

Valid for 2 years, this can be completed at our centre during your visit!

What to Bring

  • Valid photo ID (in date passport or driving licence)
  • Safety boots or Safety Wellies in winter
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • We can provide Hi-Vis and hard hat if necessary

Tests & Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of competence

Theory Test

40 question examination conducted by a CPCS appointed tester.

  • Verbal examination conducted one-to-one by a CPCS tester
  • Up to 40 questions on dozer operation and safety
  • Track mechanics, blade controls, and hydraulic systems
  • Earthmoving techniques and grading principles
  • Slope stability, ground conditions, and hazards
  • Environmental considerations and site regulations
  • Pass mark: Typically 80% or higher
  • Duration: 30 minutes

Practical Test

Hands-on assessment of your dozer operating competence demonstrating safe operation.

  • Pre-use inspection and undercarriage checks
  • Safe mounting and starting procedures
  • Track manoeuvring and steering control
  • Bulk earthmoving over specified distances
  • Precision grading to specified levels
  • Blade angle and tilt adjustments
  • Operating on slopes and uneven ground
  • Shutdown and securing procedures

After You Pass

CPCS Red Card (Trained Operator)

  • CPCS Red Card (Trained Operator) valid for 2 years from issue
  • Work on UK construction and civil engineering sites
  • Recognised by all major contractors and agencies
  • Must upgrade to Blue Card within 2 years
  • Blue Card Upgrade: Gain on-site experience, complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations (Dozer), apply for CPCS Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable with CPD)

Why Choose Operator Training?

Professional training with over 20 years of plant operator expertise in Staffordshire

Tracked Dozer Fleet

Train on well-maintained tracked dozers representative of machines you'll operate on major projects.

Small Training Groups

Maximum 2:1 ratio ensures extensive hands-on experience and tailored instruction for this complex machine.

Expert Instructors

Learn from CPCS trainers with decades of earthmoving and civil engineering experience.

Complete Test Centre

All training and testing conducted at our approved Staffordshire facility.

Varied Training Ground

Purpose-built site with gradients, rough terrain, and grading areas to develop real-world skills.

Flexible Scheduling

Regular courses plus bespoke training arranged to match your availability and learning pace.

Course Pricing

Competitive pricing for professional certification

Test-Only From £745

Complete certification package

What's Included:

  • CPCS verbal theory test
  • CPCS practical test
  • CPCS Red card application
💰

CITB Levy Grant Funding

Eligible companies can receive substantial grants to cover training costs. Contact us to check your eligibility and find out how much you could save.

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Flexible Payment Options

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dozer training

What's the difference between a dozer and a grader?

A dozer (bulldozer) is a tracked machine with a front-mounted blade designed primarily for pushing large volumes of earth, clearing land, and rough grading. Dozers excel at moving material horizontally over distance and are used for bulk earthmoving.

A grader (motor grader) is a wheeled machine with a blade positioned between the front and rear axles, designed for precision grading and creating smooth, level surfaces. Graders are used for fine-finishing work like road construction.

Dozers are for heavy pushing and bulk earthwork; graders are for precision finishing and surface preparation.

Is dozer training suitable for complete beginners with no plant experience?

Yes, but dozer operation is considered one of the more challenging plant categories due to the precision required and the power of the machine. Complete novices can absolutely succeed, but should expect:

  • Longer training duration (7-10 days for novices)
  • A steep initial learning curve mastering track steering
  • Physical and mental concentration required during training
  • Patient instruction to develop blade control skills

We tailor novice training to ensure you build confidence progressively. Many successful dozer operators started with no prior plant experience and went on to have excellent careers in earthmoving.

What sizes of dozer does the A34 qualification cover?

The CPCS A34 qualification covers tracked dozers of all sizes. Once certified, you can operate:

  • Small dozers: 5-10 tonnes (ideal for landscaping and small sites)
  • Medium dozers: 10-20 tonnes (general construction and groundworks)
  • Large dozers: 20-40+ tonnes (major civil engineering and quarries)

You'll typically be tested on a medium-sized machine, but the qualification is valid across the full range. Employers appreciate operators who've experienced different sizes during their career.

Some very large mining dozers (50+ tonnes) may require additional site-specific training due to their specialised nature.

How long does the CPCS A34 dozer course take?

Complete beginners (no tracked plant experience): 7 days

Some experience (regular dozer use): 3-5 days test preparation

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). Dozer training takes longer than many plant categories because precision grading and blade control require significant practice time.

Do I need experience to attend?

No. Complete beginners are welcome, though dozer operation is challenging. Novices should expect 7 days of intensive training. If you've operated tracked machines or have some dozer experience, training can be shortened to 3-5 days.

Can I use my Red Card to work on site immediately?

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.

How do I upgrade from Red Card to Blue Card?

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations (Dozer) 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 A34 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.

What blade types will I learn to use?

Training covers the main blade types:

  • Straight blade (S-blade): General earthmoving and spreading
  • Universal blade (U-blade): Higher capacity, better material retention
  • Semi-U blade: Versatile combination of straight and U-blade features

You'll learn tilt and angle controls for precision grading. Most training uses universal or semi-U blades as they're most common on UK construction sites.

What happens if I fail the test?

We'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it's theory knowledge, blade control technique, or safety awareness. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested.

This might be more practice time, additional training, or just booking a retest. The dozer practical test is demanding—precision grading requires skill.

How long is the CPCS Red Card valid?

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.

Do I need a CSCS card to attend?

No, a CSCS card isn't required for CPCS training. However, if you have one, bring it—it's useful to have for general site access.

Can I get funding or finance for the course?

Funding options depend on your employment status:

  • Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying). Dozer training grants are substantial due to the specialist nature.
  • Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in high-demand specialist skills

Contact us to check eligibility and discuss options.

What's the job market like for dozer operators?

Strong demand on major projects. Dozer operators work on:

  • Major civil engineering: motorways, railways, airports
  • Quarries and aggregates sites
  • Large-scale housing developments
  • Mining and extraction operations
  • Demolition and remediation projects

Pay typically ranges from:

  • Newly qualified: £16-£20 per hour
  • Experienced operators: £20-£25 per hour
  • Specialist quarry/mining work: £25-£30+ per hour

Dozer operators are less common than excavator operators, making it a valuable specialist skill.

Why is dozer training longer than other plant courses?

Because dozer operation requires skills that take time to develop:

  • Precision grading: Achieving exact levels and gradients takes practice
  • Blade control: Coordinating tilt, angle, and lift simultaneously is complex
  • Track steering: Differential drive on slopes requires experience
  • Feel and judgment: Understanding how much material you're moving by sound and feel
  • Productivity techniques: Slot dozing, windrow building, and efficient material movement

Unlike simpler plant, you can't become test-ready in 2-3 days as a novice. It's a genuinely skilled trade.

What's the difference between crawler tractor (A32) and dozer (A34)?

A34 (Dozer): Tracked machines primarily for earthmoving with front-mounted blade. Focus on pushing, grading, and land shaping.

A32 (Crawler Tractor): Tracked machines for general agricultural or site work, often with rear attachments like rippers or scarifiers.

Most construction operators need A34 for earthmoving work. A32 is more common in agriculture and specialized site preparation.

Ready to Start Your Dozer Training?

Join professional operators with recognised CPCS certification. Expert training available in Staffordshire.

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Professional training available throughout the year in Staffordshire. Contact us for course dates.