1. MEWPs (Boom, Scissor and Mast Climber types) are covered by the CPCS Plant Operator Scheme. This scheme is mainly for Construction based Plant Operators, but other industries also recognise it. The good news is that it has national recognition, especially with the Major Contractors Group (MCG). 2. However the costs are very high for the Technical Tests to get the CPCS Trained Operator Card, - and then an NVQ must be taken within 2 years to covert this card to a Competent Operator Card. 3. It is known that MEWP operators often move between employers, trades and clients within different industries so a construction targeted CPCS card may not be acceptable, although there is no reason why not. Also 'most' construction sites, includes MCG members, now accept IPAF as a recognised MEWP qualification. 4. IPAF offers specific training and assessment for a wide range of machine types, but without any NVQs. IPAF is simpler, quicker, cheaper and specialises in MEWPs for all industries, covering more types than CPCS. 5. SUMMARY - Choose IPAF unless your industry or client demands CPCS.

Hello Paul, Fellows covered quite a lot of the areas which are correct, I manage a CPCS test centre we are also accredited to deliver Lantra Awards and AITT bodies, so we cover 3 of the 6 accrediting bodies recognised by HSE. Accrediting bodies offer MEWP certification, IPAF is an international organisation but regarding Fellows comment about pricing this is not all together true about UKCG (formerly MCG) prefered scheme CPCS, IPAF courses are just as expensive, we like other centres discount tests depending on how many can attend so our price for testing on theory and practical is £350.00 remember CITB grants would recoupe over half of this figure back. We decided against becoming IPAF centre because of the situation between IPAF and the CPCS Management commitee, I am lead to believe this will come to an head within the next 12 months which will ask questions of IPAF to complete the NVQ/QCF which I am unsure what the outcome will be. So in summary IPAF is very expensive compared to lets say Lantra Awards which for £250.00 + machine and registration will allow 4 people to train complete a theory and preactical test working out at approx £100.00 per person. A last note be happy with the accrediting body you choose there are 6 plus IPAF to choose from.

Grant is only available for in scope citb organisations so be careful with George's comments. I would always go IPAF as it is industry neutral and widely recognised in m,uch the same way as PASMA Bob