We deliver the MPQC Operator Competency Scheme for a full range of plant, process, construction and road surfacing plant categories throughout the UK. If you work in the Extractives or Mineral Processing industry, the Minerals Products Qualification Council (MPQC) is the recognised accredited standard for mobile plant operatives.
We support equipment operators through their journey from initial training on the required categories of mobile plant, followed by an onsite operational assessment for the award of an MPQC Assessed Operator status (previously known as a Red MPQC card). Each assessment consists of a Health and Safety Test and a practical assessment. Assessments can take up to 2 hours and include key assessment factors directly associated to the machine category and the operational duties of that machine. Once completed, learners are registered to complete an MPQC Level 2 Vocational Qualification.
Our Assessors work with each learner to build an evidence-based portfolio. On completion, they will be awarded their qualification and their Assessed Operator status will be upgraded to an MPQCCompetent Operator (previously known as a Blue MPQC card).
MPQC and CPCS The MPQC competency scheme continues to have a reciprocity agreement with CPCS, which allows operators to transfer their MPQC card to CPCS and vice versa. If you are looking to transfer the categories of your MPQC card to CPCS you will need to complete an application form.
Plant Operative Status Glossary
Assessed -an operative has completed formal training and passed an observational assessment on the item of mobile plant - valid for 2 years, non-renewable.
Competent - an Assessed operative who has also completed a relevant Vocational Qualification in plant operations, process operations, extractives construction or road surfacing - valid for 5 years
Authorised -those who are required to operate mobile plants for maintenance purposes only and have successfully completed an MPQC Test and Repair assessment - valid for 5 years
Concessionary - for individuals who operate quarry light vehicles (4x4) and have completed a relevant operational assessment - valid for 5 years
The scheme no longer issues Red and Blue Cards. Instead you are awarded an Assessed Operator status or a Competent Operator status. Assessed Operator - you must have completed formal training and successfully passed an operational assessment by an approved MPQC Assessment Centre. This status is valid for 2 years and in this time you must complete the relevant Level 2 Vocational Qualification,
Competent Operator - you are an Assessed Operator who has completed the relevant Level 2 Vocational Qualification. Your original status is updated from 2 years to 5 years.
MPQC Assessed Operator - Valid for 2 years
MPQC Competent Operator - Valid for 5 years
MPQC Authorised Operator - Valid for 5 years
MPQC Concessionary - Valid for 5 years
In 2023 MPQC stopped issuing coloured MPQC Plant Operator Competency Cards and instead now issue an MP Awards Plant Operator Card. This card has 2 QR codes on the reverse that can be scanned using a suitable mobile device, the MP Connect App or the CSCS card reader. When scanned your digital profile will show your training history.
Your training records will display using a traffic light system:
Green for in date | Amber for due to expire | Red for out of date
If you download the MPQC Connect App you will be able to access your training records or scan another operatives card to review their training records.
MPQC recognises that there may be extenuating circumstances where an individuals may not complete their Vocational Qualification within the 2 years permitted for the Assessed Operator status. To extend your status you must contact your MPQC Approved Scheme Provider and request the extension, they however must ensure that you are registered on to the relevant NVQ prior to submitting the extension request form.
MP Awards will review any extension request within 10 working days of request.
Yes, as long as the card is still in date.
If you are operating on a red card you have up to 2 years to complete the relevant qualification from the date of your first assessment. If this is done your red card/assessed operator status will be upgraded to a Competent Operator. As the equipment categories on your licence expire you will need to complete a reassessment and all these new assessments will be added on to your MP Awards Plant Operator card.
You need a copy of your qualification certificate, this must be sent to the Centre that completed your MPQC Mobile Plant Assessment. They will then apply for your upgrade directly with MP Awards.
If you have done you MPQC assessment and MPQC qualification with Certora, you will be automatically upgraded once you have successfully completed your qualification.
NB if you already have a MP Awards Plant Operator Card, you will not receive a new one, your digital profile will be updated from Assessed to Competent.
Speak to the centre that completed your assessment and they will apply for a new card to be sent to you.
No, but your digital profile will and the QR code on the reverse of your MP Awards Plant Operator card can be read by a CSCS card reader.
