CPCS A77 Telescopic Handler (Telehandler) – All Sizes including 360 Slew

Course Overview

The CPCS A77 Telescopic Handler (Telehandler) – All Sizes, including 360° Slew course is designed to give operators the knowledge and practical skills needed to use telescopic handlers safely in a range of working environments. It is suitable for people working in the construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors who move, lift, and place loads using a telehandler.

This CPCS A77 telescopic handler course covers all key aspects of safe operation, from machine preparation and travel through to load handling on varied terrain. It also includes the safe use of 360° slew telehandlers, helping delegates operate confidently and efficiently while meeting site and legislative requirements.

Who is this course for?

This CPCS A77 Telescopic Handler course is intended for personnel who are required to operate a telehandler as part of their role. It is ideal for:

• Site telehandler and forklift operators
• Groundworkers and site operatives who move materials using plant
• Agricultural and industrial workers using telehandlers for loading and handling tasks
• Plant operators who need formal CPCS training for all sizes of telescopic handlers, including 360° slew machines

The course is suitable for both novice and experienced candidates, and the most appropriate CPCS route will be based on the delegate’s existing knowledge and practical experience.

What you will learn

By the end of the CPCS A77 Telescopic Handler course, delegates will:

• Explain key factors that ensure a safe working environment in the construction industry, and outline the legal and operational responsibilities of a telescopic handler operator
• Identify and interpret essential information from the manufacturer’s handbook or operator manual and other relevant information sources
• Locate and describe the major components, warning signs, decals and all machine controls of a telescopic handler, including their functions
• Perform all pre-operational safety checks in line with manufacturer guidelines and legislative requirements
• Safely access and exit the telescopic handler using the correct procedures
• Prepare the telescopic handler for movement, ensuring all systems and settings are correctly configured
• Travel and manoeuvre the telescopic handler over different terrain types and gradients, both laden and unladen
• Complete all required safety checks at loading and unloading areas before operations begin
• Manoeuvre, position, and configure the machine to safely pick up a variety of loads, excluding suspended loads
• Lift, transport and place fork-mounted loads with accuracy and control at multiple locations
• Load and unload materials safely from vehicles
• Fit, adjust and remove machine attachments in accordance with manufacturer guidance
• Move loads using a 360° slew or rotating boom telescopic handler safely and efficiently
• Explain the environmental considerations related to telescopic handler use, including fuel efficiency, noise and ground impact
• Describe the correct procedures for loading and unloading the machine for transportation
• Carry out all shutdown, parking and end-of-work procedures safely and efficiently

Practical exercises reflect typical site conditions 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 operate the telescopic handler safely, carry out the required tasks to the expected standard and demonstrate a sound understanding of site safety and machine operation.

On successful completion of the required CPCS technical tests, delegates can apply for the appropriate CPCS A77 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 climbing on and off the plant 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 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 the appropriate telehandler are available. 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 site layout, machinery and lifting requirements.

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 operating this category of plant 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.

Why choose COTS Training for CPCS A77 telescopic handler training?

Choosing COTS for CPCS A77 telescopic handler training means delegates are taught by instructors who understand both the CPCS scheme and the realities of operating telehandlers on busy sites. Training is delivered in a clear and supportive way, with time set aside for questions, discussion and practical exercises.

By the end of the course, the aim is that every delegate is confident in carrying out pre-use checks, manoeuvring the machine safely, handling loads accurately and working in line with site rules and best practice.

CPCS A77 Telescopic Handler course FAQs