About NPORS

Established in 1992, the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme ( NPORS ) is now one of the UK’s leading Accreditation and Registration Bodies, working across the Construction, Industrial, Utilities, Warehousing and Distribution, Agricultural, Ports and Marine sectors.

This training offers flexibility, whilst maintaining standards, both nationally and internationally by working with industry and Accredited Training Providers.  It is accepted by United Kingdom Contractors Group (UKCG).

For more information on the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme click here.

NPORS Operator Training

In 2015 NTSS Ltd also became an accredited training provider for NPORS plant training.  We can provide this training either at our training centre in Cambridgeshire or on customer’s sites.

NPORS training and testing is conducted in accordance with published course objectives and learning outcomes which are derived from the National Occupational Standards.  Testing includes Theory and Practical testing much in the same was as CPCS.  It is possible to book a 1 day course for experienced operators that involves testing only or a novice or refresher course can be booked over several days to include training prior to testing.

The NPORS Operator Card is a record of training/assessment an individual has undertaken to prove their ability to safely operate or drive an item of plant machinery or equipment. Registration with NPORS lasts for three or five years from the date of first initial test.

To learn more about the NPORS training we offer click here.

For what to expect on your NPORS test day click here.

For general information on NPORS click here.

Operator Training

Training and testing is conducted in accordance with published course objectives and learning outcomes which are derived from the National Occupational Standards. Employers, once they have assessed the suitability of a person for the role of plant operator will then decide which route their candidate should follow i.e. novice, operator, experienced operator requiring training or experienced operator requiring no training. An NPORS Accredited Training Provider (ATP) will complete a pre-assessment of the operator to determine the level of training required.

NPORS Operator Cards

In 2016 NPORS changed the way they run their scheme.  To bring them more in line with what is offered by CPCS they now have 2 options available with their cards.

NPORS training and testing is conducted in accordance with published course objectives and learning outcomes which are derived from the National Occupational Standards. Employers.  We will assess you for suitability in the role of plant operator and will recommend which we believe you should follow i.e. novice, operator, experienced operator requiring training or experienced operator requiring no training.

CSCS NPORS Cards

NPORS now offers a CSCS card.  Much like the CPCS operator cards this type of card will require you to complete practical and theory tests after which you will be awarded a two year ‘red’ Operator Card.  During the two years you must then register and complete an appropriate S/NVQ to be awarded a ‘blue’ Competent Operator Card which will then be valid for 5 years.

Unlike CPCS, you have the option of undertaking the practical and theory tests either at an accredited test centre or at another location of your choosing assuming it meets the necessary criteria.  If the criteria were not met, the course would still go ahead however the certification would then face restrictions e.g if undertaking a forklift test and you didn't have a high lift, the delegate/s would be restricted to the height that we were able to lift to.

Before undertaking any CSCS NPORS practical or theory test you will need to have passed a Health, Safety and environment test within the two years prior.

Traditional NPORS Cards

This is a record of training/assessment an individual has undertaken to prove their ability to safely operate or drive an item of plant machinery or equipment. Registration lasts for three or five years from the date of first initial test.

An NPORS card is much more flexible than other schemes, giving you the ability to:

  • Include attachments – E.g. Telescopic Handler – with Bucket attachment.
  • Restrict the card for Operational reasons – E.g. 180 Excavator – restricted to front bucket use only.
  • Restrict the card for Commercial reasons – E.g. Restricted for use on A Company Ltd sites only.
Traditional NPORS Cards Renewals

An operator can renew his card in one of two ways:

An employer signs a renewal notification form. This signature is to verify that the operator has maintained a good standard on the category and has been accident free during their employment.

Or

Refresher training to be completed for each group of categories.

NPORS Categories

For more information on our NPORS training and details of all the categories we offer please see our Plant Training Courses page , our Upcoming Courses or contact us.