If you've searched for CPCS course prices you'll have noticed most websites won't give you a number. That's usually because they're brokers reselling someone else's training. We own our machines and run our own CPCS test centre, so here is the honest breakdown of what getting your card involves.
The Four Parts of the Cost
- The training course. This is the biggest variable. Our CPCS courses start from £325 for a dumper and from £495 for a telehandler or 360 excavator. Experienced operators pay less because they need fewer machine days; complete beginners need longer courses.
- The CITB HS&E test. The Health, Safety & Environment touch-screen test is mandatory before any CPCS technical test and must have been passed within the last two years. The fee is set by CITB. We can book it for you at our centre.
- CPCS technical tests. The theory and practical tests for your category. At our centre these are included in the course price — check this when comparing providers, as some quote training and testing separately.
- The card itself. A fixed fee set by NOCN (the scheme operator) for issuing your Red Card.
When you book with us you get one all-in figure covering everything above — no surprises on test day.
Typical Price Ranges by Machine
| Course | Course price | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dumper (A09) | from £325 | 1–3 days |
| Scissor lift (A25) | from £325 | 1–3 days |
| Forklift (A16/A14) | from £345 | 1–3 days |
| Telehandler (A17) | from £495 | 1–4 days |
| 360 excavator (A58/A59) | from £495 | 1–5 days |
| Dump truck (A56) | from £545 | 1–3 days |
Prices shown are our experienced-operator course prices; novice courses need more machine days. See all courses and prices.
Red Card Now, Blue Card Later
Passing your technical tests gets you the Red Card (Trained Operator), valid for two years. To keep working beyond that you upgrade to the Blue Card (Competent Operator) by completing an NVQ Level 2 while you work — we deliver that too, and it's a separate cost to budget for within your first two years.
How to Keep the Cost Down
- Book direct with a training centre, not a comparison site — brokers add margin.
- Be honest about your experience — if you've got real seat time, a short experienced-operator course saves hundreds of pounds.
- Pair short courses — dumper and roller together make you immediately useful to groundworks contractors.
- Ask about CITB grants if you're employed by a CITB-registered company.