The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) provides skills cards for the plant sector of the construction and related industries. Established in 2003, it has issued over 300,000 cards across 64 plant and related occupation categories, and is generally the most widely accepted card scheme on construction sites.

CPCS is managed by NOCN Group, one of the UK's largest providers of skills solutions to the construction sector. The scheme's requirements are also reviewed regularly by the CPCS Technical Review Group, drawing on industry feedback, health concerns and new plant technology.

There are two main levels of card. The Red Trained Operator Card is the entry-level qualification, issued on successful completion of the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests at a CPCS accredited test centre, alongside a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test. The Blue Competent Operator Card is the next step, awarded once a Red cardholder also completes the relevant NVQ, and it demonstrates the holder can work independently on plant machinery.

Upgrading from Red to Blue requires holding a valid CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, having passed the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last two years, and achieving an NVQ with the appropriate units relevant to the CPCS category.

Card validity also differs between the two. The Red Trained Operator Card is valid for two years and is non-renewable, so cardholders need to progress to the Blue Competent Operator Card via an NVQ before it expires. The Blue card, on the other hand, is valid for five years and can be renewed by passing the latest CITB test and a CPCS renewal test.