CPCS A16 Industrial Forklift Truck

Course Overview

The CPCS A16 Industrial Forklift Truck course provides operators with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate industrial forklift trucks. It covers safe working practices, correct machine operation, and compliance with current health and safety legislation, making it suitable for both new and experienced operators.

Delivered by experienced instructors, the course includes pre‑use inspections, forklift controls, load handling, manoeuvring, and workplace safety awareness. Training concludes with the CPCS theory and practical tests, enabling successful candidates to achieve nationally recognised CPCS certification.

Who is this course for?

This CPCS A16 Industrial Forklift Truck course is suitable for individuals who need to gain or formalise their competence in operating industrial forklift trucks within industrial or construction environments. It is ideal for those seeking CPCS certification or looking to improve workplace safety and compliance. It is ideal for:

What you will learn

By completing the CPCS A16 Industrial Forklift Truck course, you will learn how to operate a forklift safely, efficiently, and in line with industry regulations, including:

• Understand the industrial sector and the responsibilities of a plant operator
• Identify principal components, controls, construction, and correct terminology
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions, operator handbooks, and relevant legislation
• Carry out full pre‑use checks and explain the importance of documentation
• Configure the forklift for travel
• Travel and manoeuvre safely, including in confined spaces, with and without loads
• Prepare the forklift for lifting and transferring loads
• Identify hazards, including underground and overhead services, and take appropriate action
• Lift, transfer, and accurately place loads up to full working height
• Load and unload vehicles safely
• Maintain safe working practices at all times
• Completing work and shutting down
• Keep work areas safe, tidy, and organised
• Carry out correct shut‑down and securing procedures
• Understand loading and unloading procedures for machine transportation

Practical exercises reflect typical lifting scenarios where possible, giving delegates the chance to apply the theory under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Assessment and certification

For successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end-of-course practical assessment and knowledge test with clear pass or fail criteria set out by the CPCS scheme. The assessments are designed to confirm that delegates can sling and signal safely, communicate effectively and support lifting operations to the required standard.

On successful completion of the required CPCS technical tests, delegates can apply for the appropriate CPCS A16 card in line with current CPCS scheme rules.

Entry requirements and additional information

To attend this course, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, in good physical health and able to meet the demands of practical training, including handling lifting accessories and working outdoors in typical site conditions. An adequate level of spoken and written English is required to fully engage with the course content and assessments. There are no formal qualification requirements, although any previous exposure to lifting operations, plant or construction work will be beneficial.

This course can also be delivered as a COTS-accredited in-house course. In-house training can be provided either at the COTS Training centre or at customer premises, where suitable facilities and lifting activities can be safely accommodated. In-house training is not tied to an external awarding body syllabus, which gives COTS greater flexibility to tailor the content, examples, and emphasis to the customer’s lifting operations, equipment, and site procedures.

Candidates will follow either the Novice or Experienced route, depending on their background:

• Novice route: For candidates who do not hold a current industry-recognised card in this category and/or have limited or no demonstrable practical experience of slinging and signalling in a construction environment. Previous site experience and a basic knowledge of construction terminology are beneficial but not essential.
• Experienced route: For candidates who hold a current industry-recognised red card in a relevant category or have equivalent experience. The trainer will complete an initial assessment and documented profiling to confirm suitability for the experienced route based on the candidate’s knowledge and skills.

Candidates wishing to obtain or renew a CPCS card must also meet any current CPCS scheme requirements, which may include holding a valid CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test. COTS can advise on the latest requirements at the time of booking.

PPE requirements

For the practical session, delegates must wear suitable personal protective equipment. This includes:

• Safety footwear
• Suitable work clothing
• Hard hat
• High-visibility vest or jacket
• Any additional PPE required by the site risk assessment or company rules

Any extra or site-specific PPE requirements will be confirmed before the course date.