Compact Crane CPCS A66 Course

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Key Features

Of this Compact Crane A66 Course:

  • Covers full CPCS A66 Compact Crane requirements for safe operation in confined spaces on UK construction sites
  • Includes practical training on machine setup, lifting operations, load assessment and stability management
  • Meets current CITB standards and aligns with LOLER, PUWER and BS 7121 guidance
  • Combines classroom theory with hands-on practical exercises using industry-standard compact cranes
  • Prepares delegates for both CPCS theory and practical technical tests on the same course
  • Suitable for operators working with pick-and-carry compact cranes up to 10 tonnes capacity

Course Date Availability

Compact Crane A66 training at the following 1 centres. Prices from £1195 per person :

Training Centres Next Dates
Reading 15th Jun 202610th Aug 2026

Course Information

Overview:

The CPCS A66 Compact Crane course delivers the complete nationally recognised qualification for operating compact mobile cranes in restricted or urban environments. Delegates learn to plan, prepare and carry out lifting operations safely while complying with all relevant legislation and industry best practice. The training emphasises real-site conditions including limited headroom, uneven ground and proximity hazards that operators encounter daily on UK construction, demolition and civil engineering projects. Successful completion provides documented evidence of competence that site managers and principal contractors require.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

  • Experienced plant operators moving into compact crane work
  • Construction site supervisors responsible for lifting activities
  • Appointed persons and crane coordinators requiring practical insight
  • Demolition and refurbishment contractors working in tight access areas
  • Groundworkers and riggers who assist with compact crane operations
  • Employers seeking to upskill existing staff to CPCS standards

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Pre-use checks, daily maintenance and defect reporting procedures
  • Correct siting, outrigger deployment and ground condition assessment
  • Use of load charts, radius calculations and safe working load limits
  • Slinging and signalling methods appropriate to compact crane duties
  • Planning and executing lifts in confined spaces with overhead restrictions
  • Emergency procedures, shutdown protocols and post-operation checks
  • Relevant health and safety legislation including LOLER and PUWER

Course Agenda

Overview:

The course runs over three days and combines one day of theory and two days of practical training and testing. Delegates complete both the CPCS theory test and practical technical test during the programme.

Key Modules Covered

What you will learn:

  • Health, safety and legislation relevant to compact crane operations
  • Machine knowledge, controls and rated capacity indicators
  • Site preparation, ground assessment and machine configuration
  • Lifting accessories, rigging and communication methods
  • Practical lifting operations in varied site conditions
  • Theory and practical CPCS technical tests

Private Courses On-site

Compact Crane CPCS A66 training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.

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Accreditation & Next Steps

What you will achieve as a result:

Delegates who pass both tests receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator card valid for two years. Within that period operators must complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations to upgrade to the five-year Blue Competent Operator card. Regular refresher training is recommended every three to five years to maintain competence and meet site audit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most commonly asked Compact Crane CPCS A66 questions:

The standard course is delivered over three consecutive days, combining theory instruction with practical exercises and both CPCS tests.

Delegates must hold a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (or equivalent) taken within the last two years and provide photographic ID. Some prior experience of lifting operations is beneficial but not mandatory.

Practical training includes machine familiarisation, pre-use inspections, outrigger set-up on different ground conditions, load chart interpretation and a series of controlled lifts in restricted areas.

Assessment consists of a multiple-choice theory test and a practical test where delegates demonstrate machine preparation, operation and safe lifting procedures under examiner observation.

Successful delegates are issued a CPCS Red Trained Operator card. This allows them to work under supervision while they complete the required NVQ to upgrade to a Blue Competent Operator card.

The Red card is valid for two years. The Blue card, once obtained, remains valid for five years and requires renewal through the CPCS renewal process.

Delegates must wear safety boots, high-visibility clothing, hard hat and gloves. All other training equipment and lifting accessories are supplied by the training provider.

A66 specifically covers compact cranes designed for work in confined spaces. Other categories such as A02 or A04 cover larger mobile cranes with different capacities and configuration requirements.

Yes. The training is structured to take delegates from foundational knowledge through to test standard, although prior site experience with lifting operations helps with the pace of learning.

Delegates are given the opportunity to re-sit the failed element, usually within a short period, once additional practice or study has been completed.

The course prepares operators to plan and execute lifts safely in areas with limited access, overhead obstructions and variable ground conditions, matching the demands of refurbishment, urban and civil engineering projects.

While not mandatory for card renewal, refresher training every three to five years is strongly recommended to keep skills current and satisfy many principal contractor audit requirements.

Prices per person typically start at £1195. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)

More Information

This qualification focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to operate compact cranes safely and efficiently across the full range of tasks encountered on modern construction sites. It provides clear evidence of competence that helps operators meet employer and client expectations.

Last updated: May 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group