Excavator 360 below 10 tonnes CPCS A58 Course

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Key Features

Of this 360 Excavator (Under 10t) Course:

  • Covers all core competencies for safe and efficient operation of 360° excavators under 10 tonnes on UK construction sites
  • Includes comprehensive pre-use inspections, machine stability calculations and ground condition assessment
  • Practical training on trenching, loading, lifting and precise excavation techniques in varied site conditions
  • Strong emphasis on current UK legislation, HSE guidance and risk management procedures
  • Prepares delegates for the CPCS technical test with both theory and practical assessment components
  • Recognised qualification that demonstrates competence to employers and principal contractors across the construction sector

Course Date Availability

360 Excavator (Under 10t) training at the following 1 centres. Prices from £1795 per person :

Training Centres Next Dates
Guildford 15th Jun 202629th Jun 2026

Course Information

Overview:

The CPCS A58 Excavator 360° Below 10 Tonnes course delivers the full, industry-recognised training required for operators working with smaller tracked excavators on construction, utilities and civil engineering projects. Delegates learn to operate machines safely and productively while meeting the exact requirements of the Construction Plant Competence Scheme. The qualification covers machine preparation, operational techniques, lifting duties and site-specific risk controls that reflect real working environments in 2026.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

  • Trainee plant operators seeking their first CPCS card for 360 excavators
  • Experienced operators requiring formal certification for under-10-tonne machines
  • Groundworkers and site supervisors who operate excavators as part of their role
  • Construction company employees needing to demonstrate competence for tendering and site access
  • Utility and civils contractors working in confined or urban environments

What You Will Learn

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

  • Pre-start checks, daily maintenance and defect reporting procedures
  • Safe entry and exit from the cab and correct control familiarisation
  • Excavation techniques including trenching, battering and precise grading
  • Loading lorries and hoppers while maintaining machine stability
  • Basic lifting operations using approved lifting points and accessories
  • Ground condition assessment and working near underground services
  • Emergency procedures and shut-down protocols

Course Agenda

Overview:

The course runs over several days and combines classroom theory sessions with extensive practical training on actual excavators. Delegates complete both a theory test and a practical test to achieve the full CPCS red or blue card depending on prior experience.

Key Modules Covered

What you will learn:

  • Health and safety legislation, risk assessments and site-specific hazards
  • Machine specifications, stability and rated capacity charts
  • Pre-use inspections and routine maintenance requirements
  • Operating techniques for excavation, loading and backfilling
  • Lifting operations, accessory selection and signalling procedures
  • Working in confined spaces, on slopes and near services
  • CPCS technical test preparation and practical assessment

Private Courses On-site

Excavator 360 below 10 tonnes CPCS A58 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.

Latest Delegate Feedback

⭐ Rated 4.2 By Our Candidates - (162 reviews)

360 Excavator (Under 10t) Training course that took place in Walsall recently was excellent. You all passed with distinction.

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Andy - Fri 8th May 2026

Great...

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Terry M - Fri 8th May 2026

360 Excavator (Under 10t) Course conducted on our site was challenging and enriching.

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Isabelle - Thu 7th May 2026

A worthwhile experience...

★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Neil W - Wed 6th May 2026

Accreditation & Next Steps

What you will achieve as a result:

Successful delegates receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator card or Blue Competent Operator card, depending on experience and test results. The qualification is valid for five years and can be renewed through the CPCS renewal process, which includes a logbook of operating hours and a refresher or retest as required by current scheme rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most commonly asked Excavator 360 below 10 tonnes CPCS A58 questions:

Duration varies by experience level. Novice operators typically complete a five-day course while experienced operators may attend a shorter two- or three-day programme that focuses on assessment preparation.

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

Training covers machine familiarisation, daily checks, excavation techniques, loading operations, lifting duties, stability awareness, working near services and all elements required for the CPCS technical test.

Assessment includes a multiple-choice theory test and a practical test conducted on an excavator. Both elements must be passed to achieve the CPCS qualification.

Delegates receive a CPCS Operator card (Red or Blue) and a certificate of training. The card demonstrates competence to site managers and principal contractors.

The CPCS card is valid for five years. Renewal requires evidence of ongoing operating experience recorded in a CPCS logbook plus completion of the renewal process.

Yes. CPCS requires operators to demonstrate continued competence through a refresher or retest before the card expiry date.

A58 covers machines under 10 tonnes while A59 covers machines over 10 tonnes. Both follow similar operating principles but differ in stability considerations and lifting capacities.

Delegates should bring suitable PPE including safety boots, high-visibility clothing, hard hat and gloves. A valid CITB test pass and photographic ID are also required.

Once the CPCS card is issued, operators can work under the supervision required by their card colour until they gain sufficient experience for a Blue Competent Operator card.

Yes. The course covers basic lifting duties using approved lifting points, accessory selection and communication with slinger/signallers.

Yes. CPCS is widely accepted across the UK construction industry and is often a contractual requirement for plant operators on major sites.

Prices per person typically start at £1795. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)

More Information

This qualification equips operators with the practical skills and documented evidence of competence expected on modern UK construction sites. It focuses on safe working practices that protect both the operator and others on site while supporting productive machine use across a wide range of tasks.

Last updated: Jun 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group