All candidates must have passed a Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within the last 2 years before taking a CPCS test.

Check eligibility on the CITB Card Checker or NOCN Card Checker

CPCS A78 Training & Testing – Vacuum Excavator

Training

Training is delivered on a per day basis (flat rate, not per candidate).

Training options:

• 1 novice candidate: 3 days of training, followed by the test on day 4
• 2 novice candidates: 4 days of training, followed by the test on day 5
• Training is tailored to the individual’s experience and requirements
• Experienced operators may go straight to test without training

Candidates must supply their own vacuum excavator and operator manual, or one can be hired (hire charges apply).

Testing

Testing includes both theory and practical elements. On successful completion, candidates will receive a CPCS card.

Location: All training and testing is carried out at our Plant Training & Testing Centre in Wigsley, NG23 7ER.

The CPCS A78 Vacuum Excavator tests are broken down as follows:

A78A Vacuum Excavator -Trailer – Manual arm

A78B Vacuum Excavator – Trailer – Semi powered arm

A78C Vacuum Excavator – Non-LGV – Manual arm

A78D Vacuum Excavator – Non-LGV – Semi powered arm

A78E Vacuum Excavator – LGV – Semi powered arm

A78F Vacuum Excavator – LGV – Fully powered arm – Senior Category

A78G Vacuum Excavator – 2nd Operator non-driver LGV Semi powered arm

A78H Vacuum Excavator – 2nd Operator non-driver LGV Fully powered arm

Any LGV tests require us to keep a copy of the candidates LGV licence which must be supplied. 

Red Trained Operator Card

• Issued upon successful completion of CPCS theory and practical tests
• Submit your application through an approved CPCS Test Centre
• Successful candidates receive a Red Trained Operator Card, valid for 2 years

Extend Your Red Trained Operator Card

Before expiry, apply for an extension.

2 Options available:

12-Month VQ Extension

• Register a Vocational Qualification (VQ) to extend your card for an additional 12 months
• Allenby Training Services offers a range of relevant VQs to support this extension
• Note: Extensions are subject to meeting specific criteria

Additional 2-Year CPCS Red Trained Operator Card

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a Red CPCS card expired by more than 12 months
• Have passed a valid Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within the last 2 years
• Pass the CPCS theory test (within 2 years of the HS&E test)
• Pass the CPCS practical test (within 6 months of the theory test and within 2 years of the HS&E test)
• Be registered for the relevant Vocational Qualification (VQ)
• Allenby Training Services can assist with registration and delivery of the required VQs
• All testing must be completed through an accredited CPCS Test Centre

Upgrading to a CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card

To upgrade your Red Trained Operator Card to a Blue Competent Operator Card, you must:

• Hold a valid Red Trained Operator Card:
• Within 12 months of expiry (if an extension has been granted), or within 24 months of expiry (if no extension was applied for)
• Have passed the Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within the last 2 years
• Achieve the relevant Vocational Qualification (VQ), with the correct units for your category
• Allenby Training Services delivers these VQs and can support you through the process
• Apply for a 5-year Blue Competent Operator Card, which is renewable

We are a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

If your company is CITB registered, you may be eligible to claim a grant for each candidate who attends this course.

To process the grant:

• Simply provide your company’s CITB Levy number when booking.
• We’ll include it in the course paperwork and submit everything on your behalf after the course.
• The grant claim is handled automatically — no extra admin for you.

If you have any questions about the grant process, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to help.