NPORS 360 Excavator Training (N202)

NPORS 360 Excavator Training (N202) Course Aims

The NPORS 360 Excavator Training Course (N202) provides safety knowledge and practical training in the safe use of tracked or wheeled excavators. To provide both theoretical and practical training to ensure the safe usage of an excavator, including safe and efficient operation.

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Learning Outcomes

Here is a brief overview of the content of training.

Introduction to the Machine
Control Familiarisation
Pre-Start Checks & Basic Maintenance Procedures
Basic Driving Procedures & Practice
Use of Hydraulic Controls
Parking at End of Shift Procedures/ Practice
Road & Site Travelling Procedures/Practice

Excavating & Digging Procedures/Practice
Trenching Procedures/Practice
Back-filling Procedures/Practice
Site Leveling & Ground Consolidation Procedures/Practice
Practical Skills Tests

CITB Grants

Check if this course is eligible for CITB Grant

CITB Plant Standards & Grants

Workforce Skills Support has CITB-approved status, delivering CITB-assured courses as listed in the Construction Training Directory. We are recognised by CITB as well as the British Construction Industry as a training provider who can deliver good-quality training that meets industry-approved standards. We are part of the CITB’s automated grant payments system, making it easier for employers to book courses with us for their workers and be reimbursed for it.

Please note: There is a cap on how many times an employer can claim a short-duration course achievement grant. Check the CITB website for information on the number of claims allowed based on your last levy return.

If a candidate has been granted a grant for a particular course in their lifetime, they will not be eligible for grant again for the same course unless it has specific refresher standards published on the short-duration course register.

If refresher course standards do exist for a particular course, then only one refresher course is eligible in a lifetime for each candidate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about this course? Here is a compilation of our most frequently asked questions.

This highly interactive practical and classroom-based training course concludes with practical assessment and theory tests, demonstrating the candidate’s full understanding of the training.

The 360 Excavator Theory and practical tests equip participants with comprehensive safety knowledge and hands-on training for the secure utilisation of both tracked and wheeled excavators. As an employer with excavator operators, this is one of 2 accreditations recognised by the Construction Leadership Council, Major Contractors Group, and recommended by the Construction Industry Training Board. The second scheme is CPCS A59, and you can find out more about the scheme here. It is health and safety training and testing specifically for the plant to help demonstrate the competence of the excavator.

For those new to plant, referred to as novices, that require training, the programme is designed to deliver a well-rounded educational experience, encompassing both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Participants will gain insights into the key safety protocols and regulations governing excavator operations, ensuring they are well-versed in maintaining a secure working environment. The course emphasises the importance of efficient excavator operation, covering aspects such as proper handling, precision in digging, loading materials into a vehicle, manoeuvring undulating ground, pre-start and running checks, digging vertical trenches, and effective utilisation of various attachments.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises, participants will develop the necessary competencies to operate excavators while confidently prioritising safety. Additionally, the course aims to enhance participants' awareness of potential hazards and emergency procedures, fostering a proactive approach to risk mitigation in excavator operations. Overall, the 360 Excavator Course seeks to produce skilled and safety-conscious professionals capable of executing excavator tasks with proficiency and responsibility.

Novice Operator: 1–10 Days, maximum of 3 candidates

Experienced Operator: 1 Day test only, maximum of 4 candidates

Location: Nationwide. Delivery on-site.

For entrants that wish to apply for the NPORS Traditional Card, there is no requirement to have an NVQ qualification. If the ‘HS&E TESTED Logo’ is required on the card, entrants must ensure they have attended and passed the CITB Operatives Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the two years prior to application for the card and will have to achieve, within 2 years, the relevant NVQ.

For more information on required NVQ, contact us on 01623 287830.

There are no formal prerequisites for the novice course. However, participants should have a basic understanding of English and numeracy.

Participants are typically required to bring their own PPE, including safety boots, high-visibility clothing, hard hats, and gloves.

Assessment is conducted through a combination of practical demonstrations, theoretical exams, and ongoing observation during the training. Participants must demonstrate competence in both knowledge and practical skills.

To clarify, we would need to know what type of NPORS card you hold, as this will determine if or how it can be renewed. If you want to contact the team to do this, please call the office on 01623 287830 and press 1 for the sales team.

There are three types of NPORS cards:

NPORS Traditional
NPORS-trained Operator: CSCS Affiliated (NVQ) is required for an upgrade. This cannot be renewed. We can deliver the NVQ needed for the upgrade
NPORS Competent Operator: CSCS Affiliated

You can find your local NPORS test centre for training by following this link:

Find your local NPORS test centre

NPORS 360 Excavator (N202)