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100+ Free CPCS Appointed Person Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPCS Appointed Person Exam

50 questions

CPCS A61 Technical Theory Test Length

NOCN CPCS Scheme Rules

80%

Minimum Passing Score

CPCS A61 Syllabus

20% derate

Standard BS 7121 Tandem Lift Capacity Reduction

BS 7121-1 Code of Practice

5 years

CPCS Card Validity Period

NOCN Job Cards Scheme

9m / 15m

GS6 Overhead Power Line Exclusion Zones

HSE Guidance Note GS6

CPCS A61 Appointed Person for Lifting Operations is the mandatory UK qualification for planning and managing crane lifts under BS 7121 and LOLER 1998. Candidates must demonstrate total mastery over lift classification (basic, intermediate, complex), ground bearing capacity and outrigger mat sizing (P = Load / Area), tandem lifting derating (20% capacity reduction), proximity hazards (HSE GS6 overhead power line clearances), and supervisory delegation. This 100-question practice bank provides comprehensive preparation for NOCN/CPCS A61 candidates.

Sample CPCS Appointed Person Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPCS Appointed Person exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under BS 7121-1:2016, who holds overall technical responsibility for the safe planning, organization, and execution of a lifting operation?
A.The Crane Operator
B.The Appointed Person (AP)
C.The Crane Supervisor
D.The Site General Manager
Explanation: According to BS 7121-1:2016 (Code of practice for safe use of cranes), the Appointed Person (AP) is the individual carrying overall technical duty and responsibility for planning, managing, and authorizing lifting operations, including risk assessments, crane selection, and method statement approval.
2BS 7121 categorizes lifting operations into three complexity levels. Which category applies to a standard lift using a single mobile crane over clear ground with a known load weight?
A.Basic Lift
B.Intermediate Lift
C.Complex Lift
D.Routine Industrial Lift
Explanation: A Basic Lift under BS 7121 involves an accurate, known load weight, clear ground with no proximity hazards, standard lifting tackle, and a single crane operating within easy load chart parameters.
3When an Appointed Person delegates the physical site supervision of a lifting operation to a Crane Supervisor, what legal/technical responsibility does the AP retain?
A.No responsibility; full liability transfers to the Crane Supervisor once on site.
B.Overall legal responsibility for the accuracy and safety of the Lift Plan and risk assessment.
C.Responsibility only for paying the crane hire charges.
D.Responsibility for physically attaching slings to the load.
Explanation: While an AP may delegate day-to-day site supervision to a competent Crane Supervisor, the AP retains overall legal and technical accountability for the adequacy of the Lift Plan, risk assessment, crane selection, and ground calculations under BS 7121 and LOLER 1998.
4According to BS 7121, what action MUST be taken if wind speeds on site reach the maximum operating limit specified by the crane manufacturer?
A.Lower the boom or secure the load and cease lifting operations immediately.
B.Increase counterweight mass to stabilize the boom.
C.Double the speed of the hoist to finish the lift faster.
D.Continue lifting provided the slinger holds a tag line.
Explanation: When wind speed reaches the manufacturer's maximum safe operational limit (or a lower limit set in the Lift Plan for high surface area loads), lifting operations must be suspended immediately, and the crane brought to a safe out-of-service configuration.
5Under BS 7121-3 for mobile cranes, what condition must be met regarding outrigger beams before a lift commences on outriggers?
A.Outrigger beams must be extended to the exact positions specified in the duty chart being used (typically 100% full extension).
B.Outrigger beams only need to be extended on the side facing the load.
C.Outrigger tyres must remain firmly in contact with the ground to share load.
D.Outrigger beams must be kept fully retracted to minimize ground pressure.
Explanation: BS 7121-3 mandates that outriggers must be deployed exactly as specified in the crane's duty chart. Standard duties require 100% full extension unless an approved intermediate partial-extension chart is explicitly used and programmed into the LMI.
6BS 7121-5 governs tower cranes. Which factor is critical when calculating foundation loadings for a free-standing tower crane under storm conditions?
A.In-service operational hoisting speed.
B.Out-of-service wind moment and overturning torque acting on the jib and mast.
C.The weight of the hook block alone.
D.The color of anti-corrosive paint applied to the mast sections.
Explanation: Under BS 7121-5, tower crane foundation designs must account for maximum out-of-service storm wind speeds, which generate massive overturning moments and foundation reaction forces when the jib is allowed to weather-vane freely.
7In the UK construction industry, what distinguishes a 'Contract Lift' from a standard 'CPA Crane Hire' agreement?
A.In a Contract Lift, the crane owner supplies the AP, produces the Lift Plan, and assumes full legal lifting liability.
B.In a Contract Lift, the hirer supplies their own AP and retains all lifting liability.
C.CPA Crane Hire requires two cranes, while a Contract Lift uses only one crane.
D.CPA Crane Hire is only used for tower cranes.
Explanation: Under CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association) terms adhering to BS 7121, in a Contract Lift the crane hire company plans the lift, provides the Appointed Person and lifting crew, and assumes legal liability for the lifting operation. In standard CPA Crane Hire, the customer (hirer) must provide their own AP and Lift Plan.
8Under BS 7121, what document must be compiled by the Appointed Person prior to any lifting operation taking place on site?
A.Method Statement and Lift Plan (incorporating Risk Assessment)
B.Equipment Purchase Order
C.Crane Operator Driving Licence Copy
D.Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Explanation: BS 7121 and LOLER Regulation 8 mandate that the AP must prepare a comprehensive Method Statement and Lift Plan, supported by a site-specific Risk Assessment, detailing crane configuration, ground support, load path, tackle, and personnel roles.
9What is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-lift briefing (Toolbox Talk) with the lifting team on site?
A.To review commercial crane hire rates.
B.To ensure all team members understand the Lift Plan, hazards, individual roles, and communication methods.
C.To inspect the crane's engine oil level.
D.To negotiate working hours for the week.
Explanation: The pre-lift briefing ensures that everyone involved (Crane Supervisor, Operator, Slinger/Signaller) clearly understands the Lift Plan sequence, load details, hazards, emergency procedures, and signalling signals before operations begin.
10For a long-term construction project with repetitive lifting operations, when MUST the Appointed Person re-evaluate and update the Lift Plan?
A.Only when a major accident occurs on site.
B.Whenever site conditions change, equipment is replaced, proximity hazards alter, or at regular scheduled intervals.
C.Every 5 years when the crane certificate expires.
D.Lift Plans never require updating once signed off.
Explanation: Under BS 7121, Lift Plans must be dynamic documents. The AP must re-evaluate and update the Lift Plan whenever there are changes in ground conditions, crane specification, load parameters, surrounding structures/hazards, or key personnel.

About the CPCS Appointed Person Exam

The CPCS A61 Appointed Person qualification is the premier UK credential for individuals tasked with planning, managing, and authorizing crane lifting operations on construction sites and industrial facilities. Under BS 7121 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Appointed Person holds full technical responsibility for producing risk assessments, method statements, crane selection, ground bearing capacity verification, outrigger pad sizing calculations, and team duty allocations.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour 15 minutes

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

£80 - £150 depending on test centre (NOCN Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS))

CPCS Appointed Person Exam Content Outline

13%

BS 7121 Code of Practice for Cranes

BS 7121 parts 1, 3, and 5 requirements, duties of the Appointed Person, categorisation of lifting operations, and statutory compliance.

13%

LOLER 1998 Lifting Regulations

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 8 planning, Regulation 9 thorough examination, and statutory documentation.

13%

Lift Plan Preparation & Risk Assessment

Formulating method statements, risk assessments, load dimensions, center of gravity, environmental controls, and permit to lift issuing.

13%

Crane Selection & Outrigger Loadings

Selecting mobile/crawler/tower cranes, analyzing duty charts, radius, boom length, counterweight configurations, and max outrigger loads.

13%

Outrigger Mat Sizing Calculations

Ground bearing capacity assessment, calculating outrigger pressure (P = Force / Area), required mat surface area, and mat material selection.

12%

Crane Supervisor & Slinger Roles

Supervisory duties on site, briefing lifting teams, slinger/signaller communication, standard hand signals, and stopping unsafe lifts.

12%

Tandem & Complex Lifting Plans

Multi-crane lifting procedures, capacity derating (20% load reduction factor), load distribution calculations, and equalising beams.

13%

Proximity Hazards & Derating Factors

Managing GS6 overhead power lines, underground services, excavations, wind speed limits, dynamic factors, and derating criteria.

How to Pass the CPCS Appointed Person Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Exam fee: £80 - £150 depending on test centre

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 Appointed Person Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the outrigger pressure formula P = Load / Area and practice rearranging it to solve for required area or maximum safe load
2Memorise key BS 7121 lift categories: Basic (standard crane, single load, unhindered ground), Intermediate (special tackle, near hazards), and Complex (tandem lifts, man-riding, blind lifts)
3Know LOLER 1998 Regulation 9 thorough examination frequencies: 6 months for passenger lifting equipment and accessories, 12 months for standard lifting equipment
4Understand the 45-degree angle of repose rule (1:1 line of influence) when positioning outriggers near unreinforced trenches or excavations
5Remember the GS6 exclusion zones: 9 metres for wooden pole lines, 15 metres for steel tower pylons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary legal duty of the Appointed Person under LOLER 1998 Regulation 8?

Under LOLER 1998 Regulation 8, the Appointed Person is responsible for ensuring that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a safe manner.

How is required outrigger mat area calculated for a mobile crane?

Required Mat Area (m²) = Maximum Outrigger Load (kN or tonnes) divided by the Allowable Ground Bearing Capacity (kN/m² or t/m²). For example, 300 kN outrigger load divided by 150 kN/m² ground capacity requires a minimum mat area of 2.0 m² (e.g. 1.42 m x 1.42 m mat).

What derating factor must be applied when planning a tandem lift with two mobile cranes?

According to BS 7121, a 20% capacity reduction (derating factor of 0.80) must be applied to the rated capacity of each crane involved in a tandem lift to account for load transfer, uneven sharing, and dynamic movement.

What is the minimum safe clearance distance from overhead power lines on wooden poles under HSE GS6 guidance?

Under HSE Guidance Note GS6, the minimum safe clearance distance from overhead power lines on wooden poles (up to 33kV) is 9 metres measured horizontally from the line position (or 15 metres for lines mounted on steel pylons/towers), unless isolated or protected by physical goalposts.

Can the Appointed Person delegate their duties to a Crane Supervisor?

The Appointed Person can delegate the on-site supervision of the lifting operation to a qualified Crane Supervisor, but the Appointed Person retains overall legal and technical responsibility for the Lift Plan and risk assessment.