swap cscs to cpcs tickets

shanem4422

Hello everyone.
i have 2 tickets that i would like to switch over from the irish cscs to the uk cpcs tickets. they are the dozer and 360 excavator. i also have a safepass that i will need to change over for a blue operators uk cpcs ticket, I have tried calling the Solas / Fas mount lucas centre but cant get a response for days, is this the only option to change over the tickets or is there another way besides redoing them in the uk?
i seen some other threads about needing a fetac level 6 course to do this. i have a level 7 BS.c in construction management. Will this help me?

westdub

No point in contacting Solas as they wont be able to help you, unless you have done the the CSCS FETAC you wont be able to change to a CPCS card as it's one of the requirements to change cards, I had the same problem when I went to change my CPCS card to a Irish CSCS one, I had loads of chats with both Solas and the CITB in the UK about it and the simple answer is you can renew your card with no problem but if you want to change country you Must hold a FETAC qualification in the required category as it's now a legal requirement for all new cards issued...

Also the blue card is the Plant operators ticket nothing to do with a safepass the UK version of safepass is a CSR card...

shanem4422

Thanks for that info Westdub. im at a loss about what to do so. i was under the impression i could do the UK’s Construction Skills, Health, Safety & Environment test in mount lucas then send off and get the equivalent of a uk safe pass, then there are so many safe passes i thought i could just choose the blue one. theres loads of links about getting cards transfered on google searches but it seems like it all has to go through mount lucas solas centre, they must have closed that department down or something so? ive been calling that number for a week and no answer.
Do you know if i could get the blue cpcs card in northern ireland or whats the process involved?

westdub

Up to a few years ago you could have done the CPCS course in the Republic but now the ony way to get a CPCS ticket is to go to the UK which of course includes NI, the only thing I can suggest is to ring around and see what courses are available and how much they cost...

http://www.bsdtraining.com/Home.aspx

shanem4422

Just to follow up on this post in case anybody needs to reference this info.
i already had the irish plant operator cards (CSCS) for a 360 evcavator.
i needed the UK version of these the (CPCS) Blue plant operators card.
I got in contact with the national construction training centre in mount lucas Co. Offaly and booked the interview and exam required for this catageory. I also had to book the environmental health and safety touch screen test which is the minimum requirement for construction site work in the UK. Each of these tests cost 50 euro each so a total of 150 euro. The interview is recorded for checking by the CPCS in the UK so dont expect any help. the examiner will ask you about your previous experience and machine knowledge. expect a minimum of 30 mins to 1 hr interview. if your interview is successful you can progress to the exam.
The exam consists of 87 questions that count for a total of 225 points. you need to get a minimum if 172 points to pass. this exam is also recorded, study for the exam is essential and i highly doubt many will pass without revision. the examiner will tell you at the end if you were successful or not.
the questions are freely available from the cpcs website. the answers are sometimes available on ebay for sale for 10 pounds.

After i completed the touch screen health and safety test i filled out some forms and about 3 weeks later the UK CPCS blue card competent operator 360 excavator arrived out at my home address in Ireland.

kay 9

I got my safe pass and plumbing trade card swapped for their gold card without any exam. That was 3 yrs ago in London. Considering getting my 360 ticket swapped too but maybe that's different. Too much hassle and I ain't going to bother.

Some companies in the UK accept irish cscs & safe pass and will give you time off to get it changed over.