Posted By NickW Hello, Just wondering if anyone in the know can give an opinion on what preparation is required before doing the accredited APS 'management of CMD coordination' training. I have done the NEBOSH diploma but that was 5 years ago and get involved with some CDM work but dont actually do CDM coordination as a job. Do you think I would struggle on the course? if so can anyone recommend any preparation work/courses to get me up to speed before hand? cheers for any advice.

Posted By Ian Mitchell Hi Nick. I did the course 6 months after my general cert and with only 6 months industry experience. I passed it with the leading provider of the course (although it is now out of date since the 07 regs came in). Any intelligent person with an inquisitive mind can PASS the course. I am most certainly NOT a competent CDM Co-ordinator and would not take on such a role as competence is far more than qualifications alone. Of course, you know that anyway. If you fancy the course for professional development you should go for it as it if you are diploma level you can easily pass it with some work in the evenings. I personally find the course useful as in my role as QHSE Manager for a SME Construction firm I need an understanding of CDM if only so that I can pleasantly surprise CDM coordinators with information as soon as they ask for it!! It's also good to allow you to challenge people if you believe they are asking for something that has no tangible benefit to safety where, if you had no CDM awareness, you would just give it unquestioningly...

Posted By NickW Cheers for that. I am a bit reassured. What did concern me was this on the APS website. "Those who wish to undertake the course should be familiar with and have knowledge of the construction industry and construction health and safety" "familar with and have knowledge of" ? A bit vague I think. I am familar with construction but have never say supervised a tower crane lift or erected a 10 lift scaffold :-)

Posted By Crim Can anyone expand on the course content, how long, cost, qualification gained etc. as you have just gained my interest. I work in construction mainly for Principal Contractors and have never before thought about gaining competence as a CDM Coordinator up until now.

Posted By AHS I would strongly recommend also that you get to grips with the safety elements involved in the design of the particular project. I think the APS exam is open book so it shouldnt present a problem.

Posted By Ian Mitchell Hi Crim. Probably a slip of the tongue (or finger as it is typed!) but passing the APS course doesn't give you competence as a CDM Co-ordinator, it gives you competence in understanding the role of the CDM Co-ordinator! To join you need X number of years of experience etc. You may well be suitable for the role, as this is just a general observation and not relating to your individual situation... Mind you , all this argument is irrelevant as no individual is supposed to be a CDM Co-Ordinator anyway!!!