NPORS · On-Site Assessment

Telehandler Training
& NPORS Assessment

NPORS-accredited telehandler training and operator assessments delivered at your site, using your own equipment. Upgrade your Red Card to Blue and demonstrate telescopic handler competence to your employer and principal contractor.

On-Site
Your equipment, your site
NPORS
N119 — Nationally recognised
Red Blue
CPCS card upgrade
CITB Funded
Grants available
Course Overview
CategoryTelehandler
NPORS CodeN119
CPCS CodeA17
DeliveryAt your site
Card IssuedNPORS Blue / CPCS Blue
Valid For5 Years
CITB GrantAvailable
About This Course

Telehandler — NPORS Training & Assessment

The telehandler — or telescopic handler — is one of the most versatile machines on a modern construction site, used for lifting and placing materials at height, loading vehicles and moving loads across site. Its combination of forward reach and elevation makes it a high-risk machine when operated without proper training and certification.

Our NPORS-accredited telehandler assessment covers both the theory and practical elements required to gain your NPORS Blue Operator Card or CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card. Assessment is delivered at your site using your own machine — no travel costs, no disruption to your programme.

Delivered at Your SiteAssessment on your own telehandler — no travel to a training centre, no unfamiliar machine.
NPORS AccreditedNationally recognised — accepted by principal contractors, CPCS, CSCS and procurement frameworks across the UK.
CITB Grant Funding AvailableEmployers registered with the CITB levy may be eligible for grant funding toward this assessment.
Currently Holding
Red Card
Trained Operator
After Assessment
Blue Card
Competent Operator

Who Is This Assessment For?

Operators holding a CPCS or NPORS Red Trained Operator Card who need to upgrade to the Blue Competent Operator Card to continue working on sites that require it.
Experienced telehandler operators with no formal card who can demonstrate workplace competence and want recognised certification.
Construction and agricultural workers who operate a telehandler regularly as part of their work and need to formalise their competence.
Employers certifying their plant operators to satisfy principal contractor pre-qualification requirements, LOLER obligations and CDM responsibilities.
Workers on Sizewell C or other major projects where a current competency card must be held before accessing site.
Assessment Content

What the NPORS Telehandler Assessment Covers

The assessment follows the NPORS N119 syllabus and tests both theoretical knowledge and practical operating skills. Our assessors work around your normal site operations wherever possible.

01Theory — Written Assessment
Telehandler types, configurations and rated capacities
Pre-use inspection and operator maintenance checks
Load charts, rated capacity and centre of gravity
Stability principles — forward, lateral and dynamic
Attachment types and safe use (forks, jibs, buckets, man baskets)
Safe travel on gradients, uneven ground and soft surfaces
Exclusion zones and working near overhead power lines
Relevant legislation — PUWER, LOLER, CDM
02Practical — On-Site Assessment
Pre-operational checks including mast, forks and safety devices
Safe mounting, dismounting and pre-drive checks
Travel loaded and unloaded on level and sloping ground
Picking up, transporting and placing loads accurately
Extending and retracting the boom safely with a load
Working in confined spaces and near overhead obstructions
Stacking and destacking at height
Safe end of shift procedures and machine isolation

What You Need Before Assessment

Sufficient practical experience operating a telehandler in the workplace
A suitable telehandler available on site for the practical element
Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
Current CPCS or NPORS Red Card if upgrading to Blue
CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test passed within the last 2 years (if applying for CPCS card)

What You Receive on Passing

NPORS Blue Operator Card — valid for 5 years
Ability to apply for CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card (A17) via CITB
Written confirmation of competence from All Star Safety
Recognition by principal contractors and SSIP pre-qualification schemes
What You Will Learn

Key Learning Outcomes

Understand site hazards and the legal responsibilities of a telehandler operator
Interpret load charts and understand rated capacity at different boom extensions
Identify key machine components, controls and safety warning systems
Carry out pre-use and post-use checks to manufacturer and legislative requirements
Select, fit and use attachments safely — forks, jibs, buckets and man baskets
Mount and dismount the machine safely and carry out pre-drive checks
Travel safely loaded and unloaded across various terrains including slopes
Pick up, transport and place loads accurately using forks and attachments
Extend and retract the boom safely with a load at height
Stack and destack materials at height safely and accurately
Work safely in confined spaces and near overhead obstructions and power lines
Manage exclusion zones and work safely with pedestrians and other plant
Understand LOLER obligations and pre-lift checks for lifting operations
Complete safe shutdown, parking and end-of-shift isolation procedures
Apply environmental best practices including emissions and spillage management
Telehandler NPORS assessment on construction site Suffolk
How It Works

We Come to You — Assessment at Your Site

We assess operators on their own telehandler, at their own site. No travel to a training centre, no machine they've never used before, and no disruption to your programme. Our assessors cover Suffolk, East Anglia and surrounding areas.

01
Book Your Assessment

Call or enquire online. We'll confirm availability, agree a date and discuss any specific machine or site requirements before attending.

02
Theory Assessment

Written test covering the NPORS N119 syllabus — load charts, stability principles, attachments, legislation and site hazards. Completed on-site before the practical.

03
Practical Assessment

Our assessor observes the operator working with the telehandler — pre-use checks, travel, load handling, boom extension, stacking and hazard management. On the operator's own machine.

04
Certification

On successful completion the operator receives their NPORS Blue Operator Card. We handle all paperwork and submission to NPORS on your behalf.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the telehandler assessment take?+
A single candidate typically takes half a day — covering the written theory test and the practical observation. Multiple operators can be assessed in a single visit, which reduces cost per head and minimises disruption to your programme.
Do I need formal training before the assessment?+
Not if you already have sufficient practical experience operating a telehandler in a real working environment. If you need to brush up on specific areas — particularly load chart reading or attachment use — we can advise on suitable preparation. The requirement is demonstrable competence, not a prior training certificate.
Is the NPORS telehandler card accepted on major projects?+
Yes. The NPORS Blue Operator Card is nationally recognised and accepted by the vast majority of principal contractors across the UK, including on major civil engineering and nuclear construction projects. It can also be used as competence evidence when applying for a CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card (A17) via CITB.
Can I be assessed on a rotating telehandler?+
The NPORS N119 assessment covers the standard telescopic handler. Rotating telehandlers (360°) are a separate NPORS category (N006). If you operate a rotating telehandler, let us know when enquiring and we'll confirm the appropriate assessment route.
Can I book group assessments for multiple operators?+
Yes — group assessments are welcome and more cost-effective. We can assess multiple operators during a single site visit. Contact us to discuss group pricing and scheduling.
Is CITB grant funding available for telehandler assessments?+
Employers registered with the CITB levy may be eligible for grant funding. We can advise on eligibility when you enquire. Your employer's CITB levy registration number will be needed if you wish to claim funding toward the assessment cost.
Ready to Book?

Contact us today to check availability. Same-day response guaranteed.

Book Your Assessment 01473 561 402
NPORS N119 · Telehandler

Ready to Book Your
Telehandler Assessment?

We'll come to your site, assess on your own equipment and get your operator card sorted with minimal disruption. Contact us today for availability and pricing.

Call Us
Monday – Friday, 09:00–17:00
Email Us
We aim to respond same working day
Visit Us
Unit 3.03, Felaw Maltings
44 Felaw Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8SJ