PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Practice Questions

Pass your CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored (NOCN/CPCS, UK) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More UK CPCS Plant Operator Theory

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

UK CPCS Dumper Theory Exam

Practice Questions

UK CPCS Forklift Theory Exam

Practice Questions

UK CPCS Telehandler Theory Exam

Practice Questions

CPCS A04 Crane/Lifting Operations — Tower Crane (NOCN/CPCS, UK)

Practice Questions

CPCS A21 Wheeled Loading Shovel (NOCN/CPCS, UK)

Practice Questions

CPCS A31 Ride-On Roller (NOCN/CPCS, UK)

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Exam

100 MCQ

Study Adaptation Questions

OpenExamPrep Practice Bank

75 Mins

Recommended Practice Duration

NOCN CPCS Theory Assessment Standard

80%

Pass Benchmark

NOCN CPCS Standard Criteria

FPS WPC

Mandatory Platform Sign-Off

Federation of Piling Specialists

HSG47

Underground Service Guidance

UK Health & Safety Executive

PUWER & LOLER

Statutory Safety Regulations

UK Statutory Instruments 1998

This is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for the official assessment; it does not replace required practical, oral, written, or hands-on performance. The CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig Bored exam tests essential operator knowledge covering Kelly bar systems, CFA boring, FPS working platform certificates, pre-start checks, underground utility risks, and PUWER/LOLER statutory compliance.

Sample CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary function of a telescopic Kelly bar on a rotary bored piling rig?
A.To transfer torque and downward crowd force from the rotary drive to the drilling tool at variable depths
B.To pump high-pressure concrete continuously into the borehole from the bottom up
C.To vibrate temporary casings into soft ground formations without using rotary torque
D.To act as the main counterweight for stabilizing the mast during heavy lifting operations
Explanation: A telescopic Kelly bar consists of nested tubular sections with drive keys that extend to reach deep piling depths while transmitting rotary torque and hydraulic crowd force from the rotary head to the auger or drilling bucket.
2How does a mechanical locking Kelly bar differ from a friction Kelly bar during drilling operations?
A.Mechanical locking Kelly bars feature drive pocket locks to transfer maximum crowd force in hard rock, whereas friction Kelly bars rely on friction between sections
B.Friction Kelly bars can only be used for drilling in hard granite, while mechanical locking Kelly bars are limited to soft clay
C.Mechanical locking Kelly bars do not retract telescopically and must be removed in one piece
D.Friction Kelly bars automatically clean the auger flights during extraction without operator input
Explanation: Mechanical locking Kelly bars have drive keys and locking pockets at specific intervals along each telescopic section, allowing full hydraulic crowd force to be applied in hard rock or dense ground. Friction Kelly bars transfer force via continuous friction keys, suitable for softer soils.
3What component on a piling rig mast guides and supports the upper end of a telescopic Kelly bar?
A.Swivel and upper Kelly guide (cathead assembly)
B.Casing oscillator torque arm
C.Crowd cylinder piston rod end
D.Concrete flow meter manifold
Explanation: The upper Kelly guide and swivel assembly (often integrated with the mast head or cathead) supports the main hoist rope connection and maintains vertical alignment of the Kelly bar as it rotates and telescopes.
4In Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling, what is the purpose of the hollow stem inside the auger flight?
A.To allow concrete to be pumped down to the tip of the auger while it is being extracted
B.To collect soil samples automatically during drilling for geotechnical testing
C.To circulate cooling water to prevent the drill teeth from overheating in rock
D.To house the main auxiliary winch cable for lifting reinforcement cages
Explanation: In CFA piling, the auger features a central hollow stem fitted with a bottom cap or plug. Once design depth is reached, concrete is pumped through the hollow stem under pressure to construct the pile shaft as the auger is extracted.
5Why must the bottom cap (bung or flap) of a CFA auger open cleanly when concrete pumping commences?
A.To allow pressurized concrete to flow out of the stem and seal the base of the bore against soil collapse
B.To allow ground water to enter the auger stem and dilute the concrete mix
C.To lock the auger flights against the surrounding soil during rotation
D.To release hydraulic oil from the Kelly bar into the bore hole
Explanation: The sacrificial cap or hinged flap prevents soil ingress during drilling. When concrete pumping begins, fluid pressure forces the cap open, establishing a continuous column of concrete at the base of the borehole before auger extraction starts.
6What is the primary document required under Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) rules before a piling rig enters a site working area?
A.Working Platform Certificate (WPC) signed by the Principal Contractor
B.LOLER Thorough Examination Certificate for the excavator bucket
C.UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) tax disc
D.Bentonite Slurry Quality Compliance Form
Explanation: The FPS Working Platform Certificate (WPC) must be signed by the Principal Contractor and handed to the piling contractor before rig arrival. It confirms the platform has been designed, installed, and maintained to support rig ground bearing pressures.
7Under FPS guidance, who holds primary responsibility for inspecting and maintaining the piling working platform in safe condition throughout the project?
A.The Principal Contractor
B.The piling rig manufacturer
C.The concrete truck delivery driver
D.The local authority building inspector
Explanation: Under the FPS Working Platform initiative, the Principal Contractor is responsible for constructing, inspecting, maintaining, and re-certifying the working platform whenever site conditions change.
8What pre-start check must be performed on the piling rig tracks before tracking across a working platform?
A.Check track tension, shoe condition, drive sprockets, and verify tracks are fully extended
B.Check that tracks are painted with non-slip yellow safety paint
C.Check that track shoes are lubricated with heavy grease to decrease ground friction
D.Check that tracks are narrow-retracted to maximize ground bearing pressure
Explanation: Operators must check track tension, shoe/link damage, drive sprockets, rollers, and ensure side frames are fully extended to broaden the base of support and minimize ground bearing pressure.
9Why is mast verticality alignment critical prior to commencing drilling of a bored pile?
A.To ensure the pile is drilled within specified vertical tolerances and prevent eccentric loading on structural foundations
B.To ensure hydraulic fluid flows faster from the main pump to the rotary head
C.To prevent the concrete supply hose from touching the ground during extraction
D.To bypass the rig inclination alarm system during operations
Explanation: Out-of-plumb piles create eccentric structural loads that can cause foundation failure. Aligning the mast verticality using onboard inclinometers ensures the borehole meets strict structural engineering tolerances.
10According to UK Health and Safety Executive guidance HSG47, what tool should be used first to locate buried electric cables before boring?
A.Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) used in conjunction with a Signal Generator (Genny)
B.Rotary auger drilling bit operated at slow speed
C.Hydraulic casing oscillator driven into the surface soil
D.Metal tape measure swept across the ground surface
Explanation: HSG47 mandates using plans, CAT and Genny locating instruments, and hand-excavated trial holes to accurately pinpoint underground electrical cables and utilities before mechanical excavation or boring.

About the CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Exam

This is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for the official assessment; it does not replace required practical, oral, written, or hands-on performance. The UK CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig Bored Theory Test assesses knowledge required for safe operation of rotary and Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) bored piling rigs under UK construction site rules.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

75 minutes

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

£280 - £450 (NOCN Job Cards / Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS))

CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Exam Content Outline

15%

Piling Rig Components and Kelly Bars

Telescopic Kelly bar locking mechanisms, rotary drives, auger cleaners, mast elevation, winch drums, and hydraulic interlocks.

20%

Bored Piling Techniques (CFA & Rotary)

Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) boring, flight auger extraction, concrete pumping, rotary drilling, support fluids (bentonite/polymer), and casing installation.

15%

Working Platforms (FPS Guidance)

Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Working Platform Certificate (WPC), ground bearing capacity, track ground pressure, and platform maintenance.

15%

Pre-Start Checks and Stability

Daily pre-use inspections, track tension, counterweight configuration, mast verticality/inclination, centre of gravity, and slope travel.

10%

Underground Services and Ground Conditions

HSG47 underground service avoidance, CAT and Genny detection, trial holes, soft ground hazards, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and soil collapse risks.

10%

Concrete Placing and Casing Handling

Tremie pipe concrete placement, over-supply pressure monitoring, casing oscillator/twister operation, temporary vs permanent casings, and reinforcement cage insertion.

8%

Winching and Rig Erection Safety

Auxiliary winch operation, rope spooling, mast rigging/derigging procedures, overhead obstruction clearances, and exclusion zones.

7%

Plant Safety and LOLER / PUWER Regulations

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), Thorough Examinations, and operator legal duties.

How to Pass the CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 75 minutes
  • Exam fee: £280 - £450

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CPCS A47/A48 Piling Rig — Bored Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Kelly bar mechanics: understand the differences between friction Kelly bars (used in soft soils) and mechanical locking Kelly bars (used in hard rock/dense soil to transfer crowd force).
2Remember FPS Working Platform rules: never track or operate a piling rig onto an uncertified, soft, or damaged platform; report soft spots or rutting immediately to the site supervisor.
3Understand CFA concrete pumping dynamics: concrete pump pressure must be maintained during auger extraction to prevent necking or soil ingress in the pile shaft.
4Know winching safety: auxiliary winches used for lifting casings or reinforcement cages fall under LOLER 98 and require rated capacity indicators, safety latches, and daily rope inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CPCS A47 and A48 Piling Rig categories?

CPCS A47 covers Piling Rig Bored above 20 tonnes or general bored piling rigs, while A48 covers Piling Rig Driven / smaller categories depending on capacity; both share core bored piling operational and safety principles under NOCN CPCS standards.

What is a Working Platform Certificate (WPC) and why is it mandatory for piling operations?

The FPS Working Platform Certificate (WPC) is a written declaration signed by the Principal Contractor confirming that the piling working platform has been designed, constructed, and maintained to support the heavy track ground bearing pressures of piling rigs and auxiliary equipment without risk of collapse.

How does Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling differ from standard rotary bored piling?

CFA piling drills a hollow-stem auger to design depth in a single continuous process and pumps concrete through the hollow stem under pressure as the auger is extracted, followed by placing reinforcement. Rotary piling uses telescopic Kelly bars and interchangeable tools (buckets/augers), often requiring temporary casings or support fluids like bentonite to keep the borehole open before placing concrete via tremie pipe.

What are the key legal duties of a piling rig operator under PUWER 98 and LOLER 98?

Under PUWER 98, operators must conduct daily pre-use safety checks, operate equipment safely, and report defects immediately. Under LOLER 98, any lifting operation (e.g., handling casings, augers, reinforcement cages, or tremie pipes with auxiliary winches) must be properly planned, supervised, carried out safely using certified equipment with valid Thorough Examination certificates.

What steps must be taken if underground services are suspected near the piling location?

Operators and site teams must reference utility drawings, conduct cable avoidance tool (CAT and Genny) scans, dig hand-dug trial holes to expose utilities, maintain safe clearance distances according to HSG47, and obtain written authorization before boring.