Industry-Recognised Certification
Gain one of the most trusted plant operation credentials in the UK. The CPCS A17 telehandler course prepares candidates to achieve their Red Trained Operator Card, proving their competency and commitment to safe working practices across construction environments.
Expert Trainers
Our instructors bring years of hands-on experience in plant operations and lifting activities. They deliver clear, practical training supported by real-life examples, helping delegates build confidence in both basic handling and complex telehandler operations.
Balanced Training
The course is structured to combine classroom learning with practical operation using modern telehandler equipment. This ensures candidates understand essential safety legislation while applying skills directly on-site during controlled training sessions.
CPCS Test Preparation
You’ll receive full preparation for both the theory and practical CPCS A17 assessments. Mock tests, guided coaching, and detailed instructor feedback ensure you are fully equipped to pass on your first attempt and progress smoothly into operational roles.
Benefits of Completing the CPCS A17 Telehandler Course
The benefits include:
Enhance Your Professional Skills
This qualification equips you with the essential knowledge required to safely operate a telehandler across different site environments. You will gain a strong understanding of load handling, manoeuvring, and safety checks—skills that are highly valued across the construction sector.
Increase Your Employment Opportunities
The CPCS A17 telehandler certification is a requirement on most UK construction sites. Completing this course opens up new job opportunities and makes you a more attractive candidate to employers seeking skilled, compliant machine operators.
Build Long-Term Career Progression
The course lays a strong foundation for advanced CPCS categories and other plant operation certificates. With the CPCS Red Card achieved, you can progress to earning a Blue Competent Operator Card through on-site experience and NVQ progression.
Course Overview
Our CPCS A17 telehandler training provides a comprehensive blend of theory, practical skills, and industry-standard safety knowledge. Each module is designed to help you operate telescopic handlers confidently and comply with strict construction-site regulations. Below is a fully detailed breakdown of what the course covers.
This module introduces candidates to the fundamental principles of telehandler operation. You will explore how the machine works, what each control does, and how telehandlers contribute to safe and efficient lifting activities. The session also covers legal duties placed on operators under UK regulations.
You will learn:
- Key telehandler functions, components, and attachment types
- Operator duties, including safe operation and daily responsibility
- Safety legislation such as LOLER, PUWER, and site compliance rules
- Differences between telehandlers and other lifting equipment
- Workplace scenarios where telehandlers are commonly used
A crucial part of safe plant operation is knowing how to inspect the machine before use. This module teaches you how to identify faults, ensure equipment readiness, and keep yourself and others safe.
You will learn:
- How to carry out full daily walk-around inspections
- Identifying mechanical, hydraulic, and structural defects
- Reporting procedures and defect escalation
- Checking tyres, forks, booms, fluid levels, and safety features
- Ensuring compliance with manufacturer guidelines and legal standards
This module develops your ability to handle the telehandler smoothly and safely across various terrains. Different manoeuvres are practised to build confidence and ensure operators can move loads without causing hazards.
You will learn:
- Correct driving techniques on level and uneven surfaces
- Steering modes and when to use them (front, crab, and coordinated)
- Forward, reverse, and tight-space manoeuvring
- Maintaining machine stability during movement
- Awareness of ground conditions, slopes, and blind spots
Load handling is a critical skill for every telehandler operator. This module demonstrates how to attach, lift, move, and place loads safely. You will also learn how stability changes based on boom length, load weight, and terrain.
You will learn:
- Methods to assess load weights and centres of gravity
- Safe loading, unloading, and positioning techniques
- How to avoid tipping, overloading, and unsafe lifts
- Using capacity charts and recognising machine limits
- Adjusting driving style when carrying suspended or heavy loads
Telehandlers often handle loads at significant heights. This module focuses on precision, safe movement, and understanding how boom extension affects stability and visibility.
You will learn:
- Best practices for extending, retracting, and controlling the boom
- How to place loads at high elevations with accuracy
- Maintaining full visibility and using spotters if needed
- Safe distances from edges, scaffolds, and overhead hazards
- How boom positioning affects tipping risk and machine behaviour
Construction environments contain many risks. This module helps you build strong hazard-awareness skills and understand how to work safely alongside other site workers and machinery.
You Will Learn:
- Identifying hazards such as overhead cables, pedestrians, and obstacles
- Establishing and maintaining exclusion zones
- People–plant separation and communication protocols
- Navigating busy or restricted sites safely
- Emergency procedures and what to do in dangerous situations
The final module prepares you fully for the CPCS theory and practical assessments. Candidates receive guidance, practice questions, and hands-on coaching to ensure they meet CPCS testing standards confidently.
You Will Learn:
- The structure of the CPCS theory test and typical question types
- Practical test expectations, scoring, and competence standards
- How to demonstrate safe operation throughout your practical exam
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Tips for passing your CPCS A17 telehandler assessments first time
Our Process
We’ve created a straightforward route to help you complete your CPCS A17 telehandler training smoothly.
Enrol Online
Choose your preferred dates and complete a quick registration. Our support team will guide you through any entry requirements and confirm your training schedule.
Attend the 3-Day Training
Join expert trainers for a combination of classroom learning and practical telehandler operation. This structured training ensures you are fully prepared for assessment.
Complete Your CPCS Tests
At the end of training, you will complete the CPCS theory and practical tests. Successful candidates receive the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, recognised across the UK construction industry.
Who Should Take This CPCS A17 Telehandler Course?
This course is ideal for individuals who need to operate telescopic handlers on construction, industrial, or agricultural sites. It is perfectly suited for:
- New plant operators starting their career
- Experienced workers seeking CPCS certification
- Labourers progressing into machine operation roles
- Operators needing to refresh outdated training
Frequently Asked Questions
No prior experience is required. The course is suitable for beginners, and our instructors provide full guidance throughout both theory and practical training.
Successful candidates receive the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, which demonstrates that you have passed both the theory and practical assessments.
Yes. After gaining site experience and completing an NVQ, you can upgrade to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card.
Training is delivered on modern CPCS-compliant telehandlers that reflect real on-site conditions and industry standards.
You will receive feedback from the assessor and can rebook the assessment. We also offer additional support to help you prepare.
Yes. CPCS is the leading and most widely recognised plant operator scheme used on UK construction sites.
Yes. The listed course price covers training, CPCS theory and practical test fees, and all associated learning materials.
Ready to Get Certified?
Begin your journey toward becoming a certified telehandler operator. Our CPCS A17 telehandler course offers expert training, industry-standard instruction, and full preparation for CPCS testing, all included in one structured programme. Start now and secure your place to build a safer, stronger, and more rewarding career in plant operations.