National Construction College (NCC)

Skilled Plant Operative Card

For operatives outside the Construction Skills Certification Scheme footprint, involved in off-site activities like manufacturing, transport logistics, distribution, and engineering.

Skilled Plant Operative Card

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Can be delivered on site at your premises of work or at out training centre in Bircham Newton. For details please email ncc.accountmanager@citb.co.uk  or call 0344 994 4433. 

Course content

Aimed at non-construction plant operatives to demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviour to operate plant machinery against construction industry standards. Each course will be tailored for learners, content could include:  

  • Introduction – Skilled Plant Operator Card Scheme, operator responsibilities, health and safety basics

  • Machine knowledge – Main parts, functions, limits, and controls

  • Pre-start checks – Daily inspections and reporting defects

  • Operation skills – Starting, driving, steering, stopping, and manoeuvring

  • Legal duties.

Please note for the Skilled Plant Operator Card the HS&E test is not required.

Categories we are accredited to deliver

  • SC02 – Crawler Crane

  • SC04 – Tower Crane

  • SC09 – Forward Tipping Dumper

  • SC17 – Telescopic Handler

  • SC31 – Ride on Roller

  • SC33 – Agricultural Tractor

  • SC34 – Crawler Tractor/Dozer

  • SC40 – Slinger/Signaller

  • SC58 – 360 Excavator below ten tonne

  • SC59 – 360 Excavator above ten tonne

  • SC60 – Mobile Crane

  • SC61 – Appointed Person

  • SC62 – Crane/Lifting Operations Supervisor

  • SC64 – Overhead Travelling Crane

  • SC68 – Plant Driving

  • SC73 – Plant and Vehicle Marshaller.

Teaching and assessment

To obtain the NOCN Skilled Plant Operative Card, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous, quality-assured assessment, which includes:

  • Invigilated theory knowledge test: 12 written response questions and 12 multiple-choice questions

  • One-to-one practical ability test: Demonstrating the safe use of plant equipment to produce a specified outcome within a given timeframe.

Both tests are covered by a single notification, streamlining the process without compromising on quality.

What you get

  • Skilled Plant Operative Card (SPO) - valid for 5 years

  • CITB National Construction College E-Certificate is available on request.

Entry requirements

  1. Good spoken and written English.

  2. Valid form of ID. See accepted forms of ID.

By booking a course, you agree to follow our Terms and Conditions.

Did we miss something?

For more information, email ncc.accountmanager@citb.co.uk or call 0344 994 4433.