FAQs
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page, where you’ll find helpful information about our training courses, facilities, certifications, and what to expect when learning with us.
Whether you’re preparing for your first course or looking to advance your skills, this page is designed to give you clear, practical answers to the most common queries—from what to bring on the day and how to get to our training centre, to understanding different qualifications such as CPCS, NPORS, and CSCS cards.
We’ve also included guidance on funding options, course requirements, and industry-recognised certifications to help you make informed decisions about your training and career progression.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help—just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
General F&Q's
At Pipps Park there are no food or catering services available so please bring the food you desire with you.
We do have a canteen area where a microwave and toaster are provided.
There are shops in the local vicinity where you can buy food on your lunch break should you require.
Tea/Coffee/water will be provided and offered to you throughout your experience with us.
Our training centre address is Pipps Park, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8TR.
Alternatively, you can use ‘What3Words’ to find us – vibes-pickles- deodorant.
If you are travelling to us via rail, the closest train station is Needham Market and from there we would advise getting a taxi to the training centre
If you are driving, please see the map image of Junction 51 off the A14
Please ensure you have full PPE with you if you are participating in a practical element of training. This should include a minimum of a hard hat, Hi Vis, appropriate boots and gloves. If you are completing the Abrasive Wheels course please bring the correct goggles required. Glasses are not acceptable with the use of abrasive wheels. If completing a face fit testing, ensure you bring your OWN FFP3 MASKS and are clean shaven. Failure to comply with these will result in the test being unable to be carried out as these are not provided.
Anybody who is a CITB Levy Payer can claim for funding. All you need to do is register with CITB.
We are always happy to help with funding questions, so please do get in touch or visit our funding page for more information about Grants & Funding
Yes, construction training is available for both males and females.
Gender roles are socially constructed and both men and women can enjoy careers in construction.
If we do not have the course you need on our website, please do still contact us as we still may still be able to facilitate.
We will also continue to grow our course offering so please do check back regularly for updates.
Please be aware that any changes made to training with less than 72hrs notice may result in an admin charge.
If you need to cancel your training within 72hrs of training date, then please be aware you may still be charged.
CPCS & NPORS F&Q's
- There isn’t a lot of difference between CPCS and NPORS. The result and learning outcomes are similar, as are the ways to achieve cards.
- Both schemes have pros and cons and choosing one will come down to your preferred learning style, budget and what sort of sites and companies you work with.
- The main plus for CPCS is that it is so widely recognised and nearly every construction site in the UK will accept CPCS as a form of accredited training on plant machinery. One of the downsides of CPCS is that it can be more expensive and take longer to achieve the accreditation you want.
- The major plus for NPORS is that it is a cost-effective alternative to CPCS. The potential lower costs are not associated with lower quality; NPORS still ensures compliance with strict industry standards in the exact same way CPCS does. NPORS also offers more flexible learning; training can be done on-site with your own machinery (or at ATP’s site). CPCS is restricted to certified centres.
- As mentioned, CPCS is still viewed by some in the construction industry as a superior scheme so some firms may request that plant operators hold CPCS cards. This must be taken into consideration when thinking about the type of work you will be doing in the future. However, NPORS has become so common now that most major build companies will accept the card as an alternative to CPCS.
CSCS logoed cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site. By ensuring the workforce are appropriately qualified the card plays its part in improving standards and safety on UK construction sites. Most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid card.
The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) is a UK Accreditation and Registration Body, working across the Construction, Industrial, Utilities, Warehousing and Distribution, Agricultural, Ports and Marine sectors.
A CPCS Card is a license that proves your ability to operate construction plant at the highest level. There are two types: The Trained Operator Red Card, which is the first card you will receive, and the Competent Operator Blue Card which you will need to work up to.
Both these cards show a great deal of competence on specific items of plant and are recognised nationwide as the preferred proof of competence within the industry. With a CPCS Card you will appear more attractive to employers, making it easier to find work and will be able to get onto the biggest Construction sites, with the strictest safety polices.
CSCS Green Card F&Q's
CSCS cards cost £36 and the separate CITB Health, safety and environment test costs £22.50. There are organisations that offer card application services. If you are being charged more than £36 for a card or £22.50 for a CITB Health, safety & environment test, check that you understand what additional services you will receive.
To find out what card you need for your occupation, please use the card finder on the CSCS website. This will also confirm which HS&E test is required.
https://www.cscsonline.uk.com/card-finder
Most cards arrive at their requested destination within 10 working days of application. If your card has not been delivered to your requested destination within four weeks of your application, please contact CSCS. After 90 days, your application will be considered closed and a further payment of £36 will be required to process a replacement card.
Before starting an individual application:
- Use Card Finder to find the right card for your occupation. Holding the wrong card may result in you being refused entry to site.
- Have a scanned copy of your qualification certificate, or proof of registration to complete a qualification, or proof of professional body membership.
- Pass the appropriate level of the CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test within the last two years. Have the test ID number ready, this can be found at the top of the pass certificate.
- Have a credit or debit card to pay the £36 application fee.
SSSTS and SMSTS F&Q's
The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a two-day course designed for site supervisors or anyone who has a supervisory role in the construction industry. The course aims to provide essential knowledge and skills to ensure that supervisors understand their responsibilities for health and safety on construction sites. The SSSTS qualification is important because it helps to reduce the number of accidents and injuries that occur on construction sites. It also ensures that supervisors are aware of their legal obligations to provide a safe working environment for their workers.
The SSSTS qualification is valid for five years. After this period, supervisors must attend a refresher course to renew their qualification. The refresher course is a one-day course that aims to update supervisors on any changes to health and safety legislation or best practices in the construction industry.
The SSSTS course covers a range of topics, including health and safety law, risk assessments, method statements, working at height, manual handling, and fire safety. The course also covers the responsibilities of supervisors, including how to monitor and control site activities, how to supervise and manage workers, and how to communicate effectively with other stakeholders.
As well as SMSTS, you could also look into CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS). While both courses cover many of the same topics and skills, SSSTS focuses more on the requirements of supervisors as opposed to managers.
Ultimately, it will be down to you and your employers to decide which of these courses would suit your responsibilities. The SMSTS course offers more advanced and detailed knowledge, but it may be unnecessary for those without managerial responsibilities.
Like SMSTS, certificates for SSSTS courses are valid for 5 years, at which point a CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme – Refresher (SMSTS-R) will need to be completed.
Throughout your study of the SMSTS course, you’ll cover many important aspects of maintaining a safe workplace. As a current or aspiring site manager, you’ll be required to assess potential risks and implement safe solutions to problems that may arise when working. The idea of a site manager is to minimise these risks completely. By having adequate health and safety knowledge you’ll be able to spot potential accidents and mitigate them appropriately. At the end of the course, you’ll know how to safely perform demolitions and excavations, as well as fire safety procedures and managerial duties.
The SMSTS course lasts for 5 years after you’ve completed it. This is to make sure you stay up to date with the latest health and safety rules and regulations as they change over time. That means there’s no excuse for bad health and safety practices since you have to do the refresher every five years. If you’ve already taken the course, you can use this time to get an SMSTS certification if you want to move up the ranks as a site manager.
It is recommended for all onsite workers at a construction site to hold a valid CSCS card. This includes those who have an SMSTS certification or qualifications relevant to becoming a site manager. SMSTS certification is separate from a CSCS card. You would ideally need both if you wish to work onsite as a site manager. Your SMSTS certification can be added to your CSCS card as proof of your experience and qualifications.
There’s no legal requirement for site managers to have an SMSTS qualification. However, most construction sites will not hire a site manager (or promote someone to site manager) without an SMSTS qualification.
Street Works (NRSWA) F&Q's
Unfortunately, not. Due to the demands of the course, it will need to be undertaken at an approved training centre such as ours at Construction Training Services.
The NRSWA qualification is valid for 5 years.
The most common Street Works courses are:
- Full 5-day Operative Course
- Full 5-day Supervisor Course
- Location and avoidance of underground services (Cat & Genny)
- Signing, lighting, guarding
- Monitoring signing, lighting and guarding
Please do check with your employee if you are unsure which course you require.
There is no such thing as beginner courses in Street Works – each course delivers something different.
If you have no experience, some studying beforehand would benefit you greatly. There are many books that support the Street Works courses.
The operative’s qualification is for candidates who do the actual job.
A Supervisor qualification means you can only supervise the operatives.
Confined Spaces F&Q's
The City & Guilds qualification is valid for three years
Everything will be provided to undertake the course. You will just need to bring the correct PPE which you will be advised on.
Delegates must be clean shaven for day 2 of the course when using SCBA. Delegates who are not clean shaven will not be able to complete the course.
