What is CPCS Compact Crane Training (A66)?
The compact crane (often called a spider or mini crane) is a useful piece of equipment that can be used in many industries such as construction, maintenance, entertainment, and events. It is designed to be small and easy to move, making it perfect for use in small or crowded areas. Additionally, its ability to lift heavy loads makes it an asset for any job that requires lifting or moving large objects.
People who operate compact cranes need special training to do it safely. The CPCS A66 Compact Crane training course is designed for beginners and people who have some experience. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take the CPCS tests and become a certified Compact Crane Operator.
CPCS Compact Crane Training - Key Information
-
Foundation and Experienced courses available
-
Complete this course to apply for your Red Card or to keep your Blue Card up to date
-
CPCS is the most recognised qualification for operating plant in the UK
-
Practical, hands-on training course
-
You must hold the relevant CITB health, safety and environment test (less than 2 years old)
-
Theory assessment and practical CPCS technical test
What will I learn on a CPCS Compact Crane Course?
Knowledge and Skills covered during your Compact Crane training will include:
- Health and safety regulations that apply to operating a compact crane
- Safe operation techniques including hoisting, lowering, slewing, and luffing, and how to execute a range of different lifts
- Site safety and load management
- Maintenance including daily checks and inspection procedures
- Communication with site personnel to ensure a safe and efficient working environment
Choose a course option
All of our courses are delivered with the same level of information and support, so you can choose the style of training that best suits your environment.
Our prices include:
-
Certificates
-
Exams
-
Course materials
Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)
The CPCS covers an extensive range of plant categories. The Construction Plant Competence Scheme uses practical and written assessments to ensure you are competent in your chosen category. These assessments are taken at the end of your training.
- Pass the relevant Health, Safety and Environment Test.
- Attend training days in your chosen category.
- At the end of your training, complete your category assessments (assessment fee’s are included in your course price).
- Receive your Trained Operator (red) or Competent Operator (blue) card.
What is the difference between the Red and Blue CPCS Card?
You can start working within your chosen category once you have earned the Red (trained operator) card. The card confirms the core skills, knowledge and understanding required. However, a newly trained operator will still require full and close supervision until they deemed sufficiently experienced to without supervision. That is where the Blue CPCS card comes in.
Red CPCS Card
Each category on your red card will have it’s own 2 year expiry date the card itself has no expiry. Your Red card is not renewable, this is to ensure progression towards your competent card (The Blue CPCS card). During the 2 years you will be expected to register and achieve a NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) and upgrade to the Blue (competent operator) card.
Blue CPCS Card
To earn your Blue card you must meet the requirements of the Red card plus complete an NVQ or SVQ in your category.
Your Blue card will last for 5 years, each category on the card will have the expiry of the card itself. You will have to renew your card within the 5 years.
If you would like to read more about the application process for Red and Blue CPCS cards, read this ‘How to get your CPCS Card’ document from CPCS.
CPCS Compact Crane Course Content
You will cover the following content on your CPCS Compact Crane training course:
- The purpose of principle components, controls and terminology
- Conforming with manufacturer requirements and relevant regulations and legislation
- Undergoing pre-use plant checks and configuring the machine ready for travel
- Manoeuvring the crane in confined spaces
- Setting up rated capacity indicators or load moment indicators for lifting duties
- Identifying the weights and centres of gravity of loads
- Lifting various loads using the full radius and slewing or steering capabilities of the crane
- Accurately placing loads, minimising the swinging of loads
- Complying with signals and instructions
- Understanding the procedures for lifting and towing
Customer testimonials
Here are some testimonials left by our previous happy customers
Assessment and Certification
You will take both a theory and practical assessment for your CPCS Compact Crane training course.
You will take a theory assessment in the form of the CPCS verbal test. You need to achieve 80%, plus full marks on any mandatory questions to pass the standard set in the theory test.
Your practical test will assess your operating ability through practical activities based on the core skills needed to operate the compact crane.
What qualification will I get on the CPCS Compact Crane training course?
- CPCS Trained Operator Card (red card) on passing the CPCS technical tests.
- CITB National Construction College e-certificate, available on request from CITB.
Entry Requirements
To be able to enrol on a CPCS Compact Crane course, you will have to have the following:
- The relevant CITB health, safety and environment test, passed no more than two years before the course start date
- Good understanding of spoken and written English.
Special Considerations
The delegate can have additional time for their theory test which is a verbal or taped verbal test. If a translator is required, this will incur additional costs and will need to be arranged in advance.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding support during the course, please contact our team on 0800 0213 263.
Popular CPCS courses
View other CPCS plant categories below:
CPCS Slinger/Signaller (A40)
The CPCS Slinger Signaller course teaches you how to safely guide lifting equipment on a construction site, including how to communicate with crane operators, check equipment, and follow site safety rules.
CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations (A61)
Complete the CPCS Appointed Persons: Lifting Operations (A61) course and learn how to safely and effectively fulfil your responsibilities when planning lifting operations.
CPCS Crane Supervisor (A62)
The CPCS Crane Supervisor course will enable you to undertake the duties of a crane supervisor through achieving the relevant CPCS card. Gaining a CPCS qualification will prove you have the relevant knowledge and skills that are in line with the industry standard.
Find a course near you
Or select a location below
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we frequently get asked about CPCS courses.