Hoist Operator Training - CPCS & NPORS Courses
Need to train as a hoist operator, or already use hoists and need the right qualification for site work? We provide hoist operator training at our Wellingborough training centre for both new and experienced operators.
The course covers the checks, controls and working routines you need to know when operating a construction hoist. There is theory to cover, but practical training is an important part of the course too.
If you are new to hoists, we start with the basics and give you time to get used to the machine. Already have site experience? Tell us when you enquire. We can then advise on the CPCS or NPORS training route that best matches your experience and requirements.
Hoist Training Course at a Glance
- Course: Hoist Operator Training
- CPCS category: A20 Hoist
- Available routes: CPCS and NPORS
- Typical duration: 1–3 days
- Experience: beginner and experienced operator routes
- Training: theory and practical
- Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
- Training centre: Airfield Road, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
Course length can vary. Someone who has operated hoists regularly on site may need a different amount of training from a complete beginner.
If you are unsure which route to book, tell us what experience you already have and which card your employer or site requires.
What Is Hoist Operator Training?
A construction hoist moves people, materials or both between different working levels on a site. Operating one safely involves considerably more than pressing the up and down controls.
Before work starts, the operator needs to know what to check on the machine and around the working area. Loads have to stay within the limits of the equipment. Landing areas need to be used correctly, instructions have to be understood and any defect or unusual behaviour needs to be dealt with properly.
That is what construction hoist training is there to teach.
During the course you will work through the operating procedures, controls, safety devices, routine checks and actions expected from a hoist operator. You will then put that knowledge into practice on the equipment.
Who Is the Hoist Training Course For?
New to Operating Hoists?
You do not need years of plant experience before starting hoist training.
The initial stage in the training process for beginners involves learning the mechanism itself: how it operates and what has to be checked, the meaning of limits, and the interpretation of a safe working routine.
Once those basics make sense, you can spend more time practising the tasks you will be expected to carry out during normal operation and assessment.
New operators usually need more training time than people who already operate hoists at work. That is why we ask about your experience before confirming the most suitable course.
Already Operate Hoists?
If you regularly use construction hoists, tell us when you make your enquiry.
Your existing experience may affect the amount of training you need before assessment. We can discuss the work you have carried out and advise whether an experienced-operator route is suitable.
CPCS A20 Hoist Training
Within CPCS, Hoist is category A20.
Candidates taking the CPCS route are tested on both their knowledge of the category and their ability to operate the equipment correctly.
For candidates working towards a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, the relevant Health, Safety and Environment requirement and CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests form part of the process.
We also have a dedicated CPCS A20 Hoist Training Course page where you can find more information specifically about the CPCS route.
Passenger and Goods Hoists
Construction hoists are used for different jobs, and the type of machine on site matters.
Passenger Hoists
A passenger hoist is designed and approved for carrying people between working levels. The operator must pay close attention to access, loading, controls, safety devices and the procedures used at each landing.
Goods Hoists
Goods hoists are used to move materials and equipment.
For the operator, that means knowing the machine’s load limits, checking how the load has been placed and keeping an eye on the landing and loading areas before the hoist moves.
The exact machine and category you require should be confirmed before you book. If your employer has specified a particular hoist type or accreditation, let us know.
What Will You Learn on a Hoist Operator Course?
Training covers the everyday tasks and safety checks expected of a construction hoist operator.
Topics can include:
- the operator’s role and responsibilities
- main hoist components and controls
- pre-use and running checks
- recognising defects and reporting problems
- checking the operating and landing areas
- working load limits
- loading and unloading
- signals, instructions and site communication
- hazards around the hoist
- procedures for taking equipment out of service
- isolation and securing of the machine
- emergency procedures and emergency lowering
- safe shutdown at the end of work
You will also spend time operating the equipment so that the procedures covered in theory make sense in practice.
What Do I Need Before Hoist Training?
Requirements differ according to the card and assessment route you are taking, so it is worth checking this before you book.
If you are a candidate working toward the Red Trained Operator Card, you will need to meet the relevant CPCS Health, Safety and Environment requirement and pass the relevant Theory and Practical Technical Tests for the CPCS A20 Hoist route.
You should also be able to understand the instructions and safety information used during training and testing.
Bring the PPE required for practical plant training. If you are not sure what you need to bring, ask us when arranging the course.
Already hold plant cards, qualifications or relevant site experience? Mention them when you contact us. They may be important when deciding which route is suitable.
CPCS Hoist Theory and Practical Tests
The CPCS assessment is not based on practical driving alone. You need to show that you understand the category as well.
CPCS Theory Test
The theory test looks at the knowledge behind safe hoist operation.
This includes areas such as checks, responsibilities, hazards, operating limits and the correct action to take when something is not right.
CPCS Practical Test
For the practical test, you need to put that knowledge into use on the machine.
You will be expected to prepare for the task, carry out the appropriate checks and operate in a controlled way while following the test requirements. Correct shutdown and securing procedures are also part of competent operation.
Training gives you a chance to practise these routines before you take the assessment.
What Card Can I Get After the Course?
The answer depends on the route you are taking and the requirements you have already completed.
CPCS Red Trained Operator Card
The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card is the trained-operator route.
For this card, CPCS requires the relevant Health, Safety and Environment requirement together with successful completion of the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests.
The Red Card is normally issued for two years.
It is a competence card used within the plant and construction industry; it should not be described as a statutory driving licence.
Moving from a CPCS Red Card to a Blue Card
The CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card is the next stage for operators who have demonstrated occupational competence.
To upgrade from Red to Blue, you need to meet the current CPCS requirements, including the appropriate Vocational Qualification for the category.
The Blue Competent Operator Card is issued for five years.
If Blue Card progression is your goal, ask us about the qualification route when arranging your training.
CPCS or NPORS Hoist Training?
If your employer or principal contractor has already told you which card they require, that makes the choice straightforward.
If they have not, it is worth checking before you book.
CPCS and NPORS are different plant operator schemes, and the most appropriate route can depend on the type of work you do, where you expect to work and what your employer accepts.
Tell us what you need the training for. We can explain the options available through CPTS rather than asking you to choose a course based on the name alone.
Why Train with CPTS?
Plant training works best when there is enough time to understand the machine and then use it.
At CPTS, candidates train at a dedicated plant training centre and can choose from a wide range of construction plant categories. We work with complete beginners as well as operators who already have experience on site.
For hoist training, that means we can discuss where you are starting from before recommending a route.
Other training available through CPTS includes:
- Telescopic Handler Training
- Slinger Signaller Training
- Excavator Training
- Dumper Training
- Roller Training
- other CPCS and NPORS plant categories
If you need several categories for work, tell us what you are planning to operate and we can help you work out a sensible order for the training.
Book Your Hoist Operator Training
To get a course recommendation, send us two things: what experience you already have and which card or accreditation you need.
If your employer has asked specifically for CPCS or NPORS, include that too.
We can then confirm the suitable hoist training route, available dates and price before you book.
Hoist Operator Training FAQs
What does a hoist operator training course cover?
Hoist training covers the checks and operating routines you need to use a construction hoist safely. You will look at the controls, load limits, loading areas, communication, common hazards, shutdown procedures and what to do if a fault or emergency occurs. Practical operating time is also included so you can put the theory into use on the machine.
What is CPCS A20 Hoist training?
A20 is the CPCS category for Hoist. The CPCS route includes a theory test and a practical technical test for the category. If you are working towards a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, you will also need to meet the relevant Health, Safety and Environment requirement.
Can I take hoist training if I have never operated one before?
Yes. We train complete beginners as well as experienced operators. New operators normally need more time to become familiar with the controls, checks and operating routine before assessment. Tell us when you enquire that you are new to hoists and we can advise on the right course length.
How long does hoist operator training take?
Our hoist courses typically run for 1 to 3 days. The amount of training you need depends mainly on your previous operating experience and the route you are taking. An experienced operator may need less preparation than someone using a hoist for the first time.
Do I need a Health, Safety and Environment test for CPCS A20?
Candidates working towards a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card need to meet the relevant Health, Safety and Environment requirement as part of the CPCS process. If you are unsure whether your current test is suitable or still valid for your application, check with us before booking.
What happens in the CPCS A20 hoist test?
CPCS assesses both knowledge and practical ability. The theory test checks your understanding of the category, including safe working practices and operating responsibilities. During the practical test you must show that you can prepare, check, operate and secure the hoist in line with the test requirements.
How long is the CPCS Red Hoist Card valid for?
The CPCS Red Trained Operator Card is normally issued for two years. It is intended as the trained-operator stage before progressing to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card. If you plan to upgrade, it is worth looking at the relevant Vocational Qualification requirements well before the Red Card expires.
How do I move from a CPCS Red Card to a Blue Card?
Moving from the Red Trained Operator Card to the Blue Competent Operator Card requires you to meet the current CPCS upgrade requirements, including the relevant Vocational Qualification for your category. The Blue Competent Operator Card is issued for five years.
Should I book CPCS or NPORS hoist training?
Start by checking what your employer, contractor or site has asked for. If they have specified CPCS or NPORS, book that route. If no particular scheme has been requested, contact us and tell us what type of work you will be doing. We can explain the options before you book.
Where can I take hoist operator training near me?
We run hoist operator training at our plant training centre on Airfield Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN29 7XA. Candidates travel to us from Northamptonshire and surrounding areas as well as from further across the UK. Send us your postcode if you want to check the location before booking.
Hoist Operator Training in Wellingborough
Hoist training is available at our plant training centre:
Construction and Plant Training Services
Airfield Road
Wellingborough
NN29 7XA
We train operators from Northamptonshire and from much further afield.
If you are searching locally, we also have dedicated pages for areas including Northampton, Kettering, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Peterborough, Leicester and Luton.