1|Page
CPCS (CONSTRUCTION PLANT
COMPETENCE SCHEME) THEORY TEST
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
AND RATIONALES
1. What is the maximum charge a CPCS Accredited Centre can apply for the CPCS
Theory Test?
A. £50
B. £100
C. £150
D. £200
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: There is a maximum charge of £100 that the CPCS Accredited Centre
can apply for the CPCS Theory Test .
2. What is the pass mark for the CPCS Standard Theory Test?
A. 70%
B. 75%
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C. 80%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Individuals are required to achieve 80% plus any mandatory questions
to pass the CPCS Standard Theory Test .
3. What happens if a candidate answers 80% of the questions correctly but fails a
mandatory question?
A. The candidate passes
B. The candidate fails and must retake the test
C. The candidate is given a partial pass
D. The mandatory question is discounted
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mandatory questions must be answered correctly to get an overall
achievement even if 80% of the other questions were answered correctly .
4. How long is the CPCS Theory Test valid for the purpose of progression onto the
CPCS Practical Test?
A. 3 months
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B. 6 months
C. 1 year
D. 2 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CPCS Theory Test is valid for six months from the date of
achievement for the purpose of progression onto the CPCS Practical Test .
5. How is the CPCS Theory Test answered?
A. In writing
B. Verbally
C. On a computer
D. Via multiple-choice form
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CPCS Theory Test must be answered verbally and will be recorded
using digital audio recording equipment, in a one-on-one session with a CPCS
Tester .
6. Is there a limit to the number of times an individual can take the CPCS Theory
Test?
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A. Yes, maximum of 3 attempts
B. Yes, maximum of 5 attempts
C. No limit
D. Yes, maximum of 2 attempts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: There is no limit to the number of times that an individual can take the
CPCS Theory Test .
7. What must a candidate pass before attempting the CPCS Theory Test?
A. The CPCS Practical Test
B. The Health, Safety and Environment Test
C. The CPCS Advanced Theory Test
D. The NVQ Level 2
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: You must pass the appropriate Health, Safety and Environment Test for
the category of plant before you attempt the CPCS Theory Test .
8. How long is the Health, Safety and Environment Test valid for the purpose of
progression onto the CPCS Practical Test?
CPCS (CONSTRUCTION PLANT
COMPETENCE SCHEME) THEORY TEST
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
AND RATIONALES
1. What is the maximum charge a CPCS Accredited Centre can apply for the CPCS
Theory Test?
A. £50
B. £100
C. £150
D. £200
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: There is a maximum charge of £100 that the CPCS Accredited Centre
can apply for the CPCS Theory Test .
2. What is the pass mark for the CPCS Standard Theory Test?
A. 70%
B. 75%
,2|Page
C. 80%
D. 100%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Individuals are required to achieve 80% plus any mandatory questions
to pass the CPCS Standard Theory Test .
3. What happens if a candidate answers 80% of the questions correctly but fails a
mandatory question?
A. The candidate passes
B. The candidate fails and must retake the test
C. The candidate is given a partial pass
D. The mandatory question is discounted
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mandatory questions must be answered correctly to get an overall
achievement even if 80% of the other questions were answered correctly .
4. How long is the CPCS Theory Test valid for the purpose of progression onto the
CPCS Practical Test?
A. 3 months
,3|Page
B. 6 months
C. 1 year
D. 2 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CPCS Theory Test is valid for six months from the date of
achievement for the purpose of progression onto the CPCS Practical Test .
5. How is the CPCS Theory Test answered?
A. In writing
B. Verbally
C. On a computer
D. Via multiple-choice form
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CPCS Theory Test must be answered verbally and will be recorded
using digital audio recording equipment, in a one-on-one session with a CPCS
Tester .
6. Is there a limit to the number of times an individual can take the CPCS Theory
Test?
, 4|Page
A. Yes, maximum of 3 attempts
B. Yes, maximum of 5 attempts
C. No limit
D. Yes, maximum of 2 attempts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: There is no limit to the number of times that an individual can take the
CPCS Theory Test .
7. What must a candidate pass before attempting the CPCS Theory Test?
A. The CPCS Practical Test
B. The Health, Safety and Environment Test
C. The CPCS Advanced Theory Test
D. The NVQ Level 2
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: You must pass the appropriate Health, Safety and Environment Test for
the category of plant before you attempt the CPCS Theory Test .
8. How long is the Health, Safety and Environment Test valid for the purpose of
progression onto the CPCS Practical Test?