Are you considering a career in professional driving? Or perhaps you're already an experienced driver looking to enhance your skills and career prospects? Whatever your situation, understanding CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training is essential for anyone operating commercial vehicles on UK roads. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about CPC training.
What is CPC Training?
CPC, or Certificate of Professional Competence, is a mandatory qualification for drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches in the UK. The aim is to ensure that drivers have the necessary skills, knowledge, and professionalism to safely and effectively operate commercial vehicles. This qualification is renewable every five years, following an initial qualification for new drivers to pass.
The Two Types of CPC Qualifications
There are two types of CPC qualifications: the Driver CPC and the Transport Manager CPC.
- Driver CPC: This is for professional drivers and involves periodic training to maintain and develop their skills throughout their career.
- Transport Manager CPC: This qualification is for individuals responsible for managing transport operations within a company. While drivers need the Driver CPC, transport managers require the Transport Manager CPC.
The Structure of Driver CPC Training
Driver CPC training consists of two parts: the initial qualification and periodic training.Initial Qualification: New drivers must complete the initial qualification, which involves passing four separate tests: two theory tests (multiple-choice and hazard perception) and two practical tests (driving ability and vehicle safety demonstration).Periodic Training: Once you've obtained your initial qualification, you'll need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain your CPC. This ongoing training ensures that drivers stay up-to-date with industry regulations, best practices, and new developments.
Benefits of CPC Training
Investing in CPC training offers numerous benefits for both drivers and employers:Legal Compliance: Ensures compliance with UK and EU regulations, avoiding penalties and fines.Improved Safety: Enhances driver skills, leading to safer driving practices and reduced accidents.Career Advancement: Opens up opportunities for career progression and higher-paying roles.Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates professionalism and commitment to safety, improving the reputation of both drivers and employers.
Commercial Transport Training - Gain Your CPC Card Today
CPC training is a mandatory requirement for professional drivers in the UK. Whether you're embarking on a new career or seeking to enhance your existing skills, obtaining your CPC qualification is a vital step. Here at Commercial Transport Training, we understand the importance of high-quality training in ensuring the safety and professionalism of drivers on our roads. With our CPC training programs and experienced instructors, we're committed to providing drivers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.If you're ready to take the next step in your driving career, please give us a call today on 01525 370 862. We also have an online enquiry form that you can complete, and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
FAQs
While some find the CPC theory test challenging, it can be manageable with proper preparation. Common challenges include the breadth of knowledge required and the pressure of a timed test. Overcoming these challenges involves thorough preparation and effective time management during the test.
Is the transport manager CPC hard? ›
This is the most frequently asked question by prospective Transport Manager CPC students. The simple answer is, it's tough! The qualification is A level standard and is taught in as little as 10 days. In addition, some potential students have also not studied towards an exam for many years.
What to expect on a CPC course? ›
New drivers – the Driver CPC qualification
Part 1 – Theory Test: includes both the multiple choice test (1a) and the hazard perception test (1b) Part 2 – Case Studies. Part 3- Practical Driving Test of driving ability. Part 4 – Driver CPC Practical Test (Vehicle Safety Demonstration)
How long does CPC take? ›
take 35 hours of Driver CPC training to keep driving professionally. renew your HGV or bus driving licence.
How many people fail the CPC exam the first time? ›
There's no doubt about it, the CPC® exam is tough. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC® Exam on the first try. That means that half of all test-takers need a second shot at passing. Who wants to take this test more than once?
Can I pass the CPC exam without going to school? ›
Yes, you can technically take the CPC exam without going to school. However, it is not recommended. The exam covers highly specific material, medical coding procedures, and codes. Without having studied medical coding, you may have a more difficult time passing the exam.
How can I pass my CPC exam successfully? ›
To complete the CPC exam in the allotted 4 hours, you need to answer questions in about 2.4 minutes or less. Practice like an athlete to improve your pace. Keep practicing for test-taking skills. Eliminating answers is an effective strategy for both accuracy and time management.
How do I prepare for CPC? ›
The following preparation tips will help ensure that you're fully prepared.
- Ensure you have mastered the essentials. ...
- Train with AAPC's world-class instructors. ...
- Test your knowledge before the exam. ...
- Diagnose and prioritize your focus areas. ...
- Review the study guide and test-taking techniques. ...
- Sign up for a 1-day exam review.
Individuals who earn a score of 70 percent or better (105 correct questions) will pass the CPC exam. If you fail your first test, you are allowed one free retake.
How do I pass my CPC? ›
The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic. To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.
Lorry, minibus, bus and coach
| Weekdays | Evenings, weekends and bank holidays |
|---|
| Driver CPC part 1a: theory - multiple-choice questions | £26 | £26 |
| Driver CPC part 1b: theory - hazard perception | £11 | £11 |
| Driver CPC part 2: case studies | £23 | £23 |
| Driver CPC part 3a: off-road exercises | £40 | £40 |
2 more rowsThe CPC exam is a test of medical coding proficiency consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions that assess 17 areas of knowledge. Most questions present a coding scenario to test proper application of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
What happens if you fail CPC? ›
If you fail the exam, it can limit your employment opportunities and make it more difficult to secure certain roles. Employers often prioritize candidates with a valid CPC certification, as it demonstrates their knowledge, skills, and commitment to road safety.
How many times can you take the CPC exam? ›
How many attempts for the CPC exam? You can take the CPC exam as many times as you like! Each entry fee entitles you to take the test once, and if you don't pass the first time, just schedule another test for a few months in the future.
Does a CPC expire? ›
Your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence ( CPC ) qualification lasts for 5 years. To keep your Driver CPC you need to do 35 hours of training before your 5-year deadline. The deadline to do your training is shown on your card.
Is a CPC test hard? ›
Like any exam, the Driver CPC test is hard only if you don't have the information and training behind you to pass it. However, we take pride in supporting all of our trainees to pass, and our pass rate is exceptional.
Is it hard to get a CPC? ›
The CPC exam can be challenging as it covers a wide range of topics and requires extensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines. However, with adequate preparation and practice, passing the exam is achievable.
