CPCS 360 Excavator Mock Test

If you’re due to take your 360 excavator test soon and wondering what to expect, read this guide to find out all you need to know about the excavator tests and how best to prepare so you can ensure you pass first time.

What is the CPCS 360 excavator theory test?

Diggers are fascinating machines which carry out sizeable tasks. Able to turn in every direction due to their rotating base, 360 excavators do everything from dismantling to excavation and other clearance tasks on site. Despite their common use, these huge machines can be dangerous if handled incorrectly.

The CPCS theory test is an important layer of assessment necessary to ensure qualified operatives will be able to carry out their duties safely, in line with industry and statutory requirements. Though this may feel like a hassle, from an employer’s point of view it’s vital they know there is an industry standard they can trust. Excavator tasks such as digging the foundations for a home, require solid skills an employer will rely on.

When you qualify, you’ll hold valuable certification which means you can earn more and pursue the career path of your choice.

The test will only cover topics learnt during the course. With your 360 excavator training extending over a number of days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore topics in detail during and after each session. Meanwhile, our free practice test can be used for practical preparation beforehand.

Remember to ensure you’ve taken and passed your CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, commonly known as the CSCS test, before booking the course as it’s a mandatory requirement. Take a CSCS mock test here.

What’s in the 360 excavator theory test?

The CPCS has organised the theory test in the form of a verbal question and answer session so it’s not as intimidating as a formal written exam. Your examiner will ask the questions which are largely multiple choice. You can re-take the test if you fail but re-sit it within 90 days of the first test. If this period expires, you’ll have to re-take the course.

The pass mark for the theory test for 360 excavator training is 80%. Though this is high don’t forget you won’t get tested until the last day so you can even swot up on topics you’re unsure about in the evenings.

How long is the 360 excavator theory test?

It will take about one hour to complete the CPCS 360 excavator theory test.

360 Excavator Training

360 excavators are in demand in the UK but to operate one you’ll need to complete the CPCS 360 Excavator Training Course to get the licence required. Operators play an important role on-site and are highly skilled at what they do so you’ll have to sit a theory and practice test to complete training.

CPCS excavator training ensures you can operate the digger safely in the busy work environment. Once qualified, you’ll be rewarded with a red CPCS card, putting you on course for further professional development if you choose.

What is 360 excavator training?

Commonly known as diggers, 360 excavators perform a range of critical tasks on a construction site. Thanks to 360° degree rotation capability, excavators are relied upon for digging, removing and transporting heavy-duty materials.

Due to the nature of the work and your sole control over such large equipment, it’s really important you’re properly trained to carry out your work safely and accurately. Your CPCS 360 excavator training course will be deeply embedded in relevant legislation and industry regulations because there’s a real potential to do harm to others, property, land and more without proper training.

During the digger course you’ll have ample time to learn the theoretical concepts, regulations and guidance associated with operating excavators. You’ll also enjoy the safe space to acquire and practice lots of practical skills you’ll use daily as an operative.

Who is 360 excavator training for?

360 excavator training is mandatory for anyone who wants to work as a 360 excavator operator in the UK. If you already have experience operating one but are changing jobs, have recently had an accident or been considered to be driving dangerously, you will also need to attend the course. However courses for experienced digger operatives are organised differently, requiring fewer hours for training without practical sessions.

If you’re applying for your first role at present, you may be pleased to know some employers offer CPCS 360 excavator training to new employees as part of induction so check job adverts carefully to see if it’s included.

What does the CPCS 360 excavator training course involve?

There are 6 different types of CPCS excavator training courses:

• Beginner
• Experienced
• Excavators over 10 tonnes
• Excavators below 10 tonnes
• Wheeled excavators
• Tracked excavators

Once you’ve decided which type of excavator training you want to pursue, you’ll enjoy an in-depth course with a stimulating mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical instruction in the main duties you’ll perform daily as an operative.

You’ll take your tests on the final day of the course. For experienced drivers that will only be the theory test. Providing you pass both tests, you’ll be awarded an essential CPCS red card which you’ll need to work as a digger operative. You’ll also be registered on the RTITB’S NPORS database as a qualified operator.

Gaining your red CPCS card puts you at the beginning of a great career path. If you have an NVQ Level 2 by the time your red card expires, which will be two years from the date of award, you’ll be able to apply for the blue CPCS card for experienced workers.

CPCS cards are a demonstration of professional training, recognised throughout the construction industry. They are usually required by employers.

Before you can take digger training you must have passed the CITB Health Safety and Environment test within the last two years. Even if you have taken and passed the test before, your pass certificate will still need to be dated within the last two years to be valid.  

Training will include the following topics:

• the controls and parts of a 360 excavator
• your legal, industry and company responsibilities in role
• important health and safety legislation
• mandatory procedures as set out in legislation, industry regulations and more
• how to attach and remove buckets
• to carry out accurate checks before and after use
• the correct protocols for transporting materials over various terrain
• how to carry out various manoeuvre and tasks safely

What is the 360 excavator training test?

The skill involved in operating excavators means you will need to pass your theory and practical tests to get your digger licence. The theory test is a verbal test which takes about an hour and the practical test will last for about 70 minutes. Both tests will cover knowledge gained during the course.

How much does 360 excavator training cost?

Excavator training costs depend on which the level of course you’re taking and whether you want to operate diggers over 10 tonnes or below. Generally, 360 excavator course prices are around £700. These costs will cover all sessions plus your theory and practical tests.

You can get help with training costs from Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The CITB have grants available to help construction workers with training costs.

How long does 360 excavator training last?

The length of your training will depend on whether you’re attending a 360 excavator course for experienced operatives or beginners and whether you want to operate vehicles over 10 tonnes or below.

CPCS 360 excavator training courses usually last between 2-5 days but some do go on for 9 days. Beginner’s courses and some of the training for vehicles over 10 tonnes tend to be longer than those for experienced operatives which usually wouldn’t last more than 4 days.

What is a red CPCS card?

CPCS red cards are an interim card for newly qualified excavator operators. Also known as the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, they show employers you have completed training and are cited as a requirement on most industry job specifications.

As mentioned earlier, some employers will pay you to take the training when you commence a first-time role so it’s worth checking job vacancy details carefully.

The idea is that you will move on to a blue CPCS card after two years. The reason for this is that the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) exists to promote professional development for the construction industry. Moving through the cards is a good way to advance your career in the sector.

The blue CPCS card is called the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card and is a marker of a higher skillset.

You won’t be able to renew your red CPCS card but you can extend it if:

• you are going to take the required SVQ or NVQ training and have registered for it. If so, you can extend your red card for another 12 months. If your red CPCS card has expired, you won’t be able to get an extension and you must apply for a blue CPCS card at the end of the 12 months because your NVQ/SVQ course will be finished.
• you are registered to take a required NVQ/SVQ and already passed both the CPCS practical test and the CSCS health, safety and environment test but your red CPCS card has expired you might be able to get an extension for 24 months. To find out if you qualify for an extension, call the CPCS on 0844 815 7274.