UK CPCS Telehandler Theory Exam study plan
UK CPCS Telehandler Theory Exam · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Stability, load charts, safe working loads and load-handling principles
Define stability triangle, centre of gravity and combined centre of gravity in your own words
Interpret a representative load chart to find safe working load at three different boom extensions and radii
Calculate reduction in capacity when using a non-integrated attachment by applying the derating rule you have learned
List five load-handling principles that govern safe lifting with a telehandler
Your checkpoint
Handwritten one-page load chart worksheet with 10 worked SWL calculations, each annotated with the chart line used
Stability, load charts, safe working loads and load-handling principles & Telehandler components, machine configuration and attachments
Match each major telehandler component (boom, levelling system, outriggers, axles, steering modes) to its function
Explain how machine configuration (boom extension, frame levelling, tyre condition, ballast) alters stability
Identify five attachment types and state the capacity and inspection implications of each
Describe the pre-operational checks specific to quick-hitch attachment fitment
Your checkpoint
Annotated component-and-attachment diagram with capacity notes for each item
Pre-use checks, routine maintenance and defect reporting
Produce a complete pre-use check sequence in correct order for a telehandler
Distinguish operator-level routine maintenance tasks from those requiring a competent person
Describe how to record and report a defect, including what makes a defect 'dangerous'
List the checks required on lifting accessories before use
Your checkpoint
Completed mock daily inspection checklist with three deliberately planted defects correctly identified and categorised
Health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to telehandler operations
Summarise the duties placed on employers and operators under health and safety legislation
Explain the role of the lift plan, safe system of work and permit-to-work in telehandler operations
State the reporting requirements for accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses
Identify environmental controls relevant to fuel, oil and hydraulic spillage on site
Your checkpoint
One-page legislation and reporting summary sheet written from memory, checked against notes
Site transport, manoeuvring, travelling and working on inclines and uneven ground
Describe travelling procedure on site roads, including speed, visibility and pedestrian separation
Explain the rules for travelling on inclines with and without a load
State the precautions for working on uneven or soft ground and the role of ground bearing capacity
Describe the three steering modes and when each is appropriate
Your checkpoint
Written scenario answers to five incline/uneven-ground situations, each with a justified course of action
Lifting, placing, loading and unloading operations & Hazards, overhead lines, exclusion zones and safe systems of work
Sequence a safe lift from planning through to placing and lowering the load
Explain how to establish and maintain an exclusion zone around the machine and the load path
Identify overhead line hazards and state the safe approach distances and actions on contact
Describe safe procedures for loading and unloading a vehicle or trailer
Your checkpoint
Drawn lift plan for a representative load move, including exclusion zones, overhead line check and a step-by-step sequence
Emergency procedures, incident reporting and environmental controls & Health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to telehandler operations
Describe the actions to take in the event of a tip-over, hydraulic failure, fire or load drop
State the incident and near-miss reporting chain and what information must be captured
Summarise environmental controls for spill containment and waste segregation on site
Recall the key legal duties that underpin emergency and reporting procedures
Your checkpoint
Written emergency response card covering four incident types with the reporting steps for each
Stability, load charts, safe working loads and load-handling principles & Pre-use checks, routine maintenance and defect reporting & Site transport, manoeuvring, travelling and working on inclines and uneven ground & Lifting, placing, loading and unloading operations & Hazards, overhead lines, exclusion zones and safe systems of work & Emergency procedures, incident reporting and environmental controls & Telehandler components, machine configuration and attachments & Health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to telehandler operations
Complete a full timed mock exam and score it against the answer key
Re-teach every missed question from the mock back to a study partner or out loud
Revisit the two weakest domains identified by the mock and drill 20 questions each
Recite the pre-use check sequence, load chart method and emergency actions from memory
Your checkpoint
Scored mock exam with a written remediation log for every incorrect answer
Milestones
Week 4: Score at least 80% on a 20-question set drawn from domains 1, 2, 3 and 4, with all load chart calculations correct
Week 6: Produce a complete lift plan unaided, correctly identifying exclusion zones and overhead line hazards
Week 8: Score at least 85% on a full timed mock exam, with no domain below 70%