Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MPQC Contractor Safety Passport Scheme?
A: The MPQC Safety Passport is an initial two day training course with an examination at the end of each day. It is focused on the extractive and manufacturing industries and delivered via a team of industry experienced trainers. On successful completion of the course you will be issued with a passport which is valid for 3 years after this time a 1 day refresher course is required.
Q: What are the benefits of the new MPQC Contractor Safety Passport?
A: Contractors play an increasingly important role. The MPQC Contractor Safety Passport Scheme has been developed and is focused on the hazards specifically associated with working in the extractive and manufacturing industries hazards. The courses are delivered by industry experienced trainers. Passports are only issued to those Contractors who have successfully passed the end of day examinations which test to ensure that key messages have been taken on-board and fully understood.
Q: Are there any full exemptions from the MPQC Contractor Safety Passport Scheme?
A: The only exemption from the new scheme is if you hold an extractive sector-specific vocational qualification achieved within the last 3 years. If this is the case you may apply provided you can supply the supporting information/documentation to MPQC Awarding Organisation for a card. Following the expiry of this card a renewal course will be required. There is no exemption for holders of other card schemes or safety training under the revised scheme.
Q: How do I book onto a Contractor Safety Passport Course?
A: All bookings are coordinated and managed through MPQC Skills Centre, so contact 0115 964 4920 to register your interest or to book a course.
Q: How do I renew my existing Safety Passport?
A: If you already hold a current Safety Passport relating to the Quarrying Industry then you will be required to attend a one day refresher course to renew your card for a further 3 year period. Your existing safety passport must be issued prior to 30 September 2011 and not valid after 30 September 2014.
Q: Is there a period of time in which I need to renew my passport?
A: There is no longer a grace period; you therefore need to allow enough time to ensure that you can book onto a course. If your card has expired you will be required to sit the full two day course.
Q: What if I already have an industry specific vocational qualification such as an industry specific N/SVQ?
A: Providing that you have gained the vocational qualification within the last 3 years, you can apply to MPQC Awarding Organisation for an exemption and provided the evidence can be substantiated MPQC Awarding Organisation will issue you with a card which will be valid for 3 years from the date that you achieved your N/SVQ. Following this you will need to attend the one-day refresher course as a measure of industry Continued Professional Development.
Q: How much is the MPQC Contractor Safety Passport Training?
A: The 2 day course is £250 + VAT per delegate and the 1 day refresher course is £150 + VAT per delegate.
Q: How will the assessment work?
A: For the initial passport which is a 2-day course; there is an assessment at the end of Day 1and you will need to pass in order to progress onto Day 2 There is a further assessment at the end of Day 2 which you will need to pass to receive your MPQC Contractor Safety Passport Card. For those attending the refresher course you will need to pass the assessment at the end of the course in order to be awarded the MPQC Contractor Safety Passport Card.
Q: What happens if I fail the assessments?
A: For the initial course which is a 2-day course if you do not pass the assessment on Day 1, you will be given the opportunity to resit a paper on the same day. If you fail this second assessment you will not be able to attend Day 2 of the course and will need to attend the course again (at your own expense), the same applies to Day 2 of the course or the refresher course, i.e. you will have the opportunity to resit the assessment on the same day, however should you fail this assessment you will need to resit the full 2 day course again, at your own expense.
Q: I’ve lost my MPQC passport how can I get a replacement card?
A: Contact MPQC Awarding Organisation on 0115 964 4926
Q: I am already booked onto an MPQC Contractor Safety Passport course what will I need to bring with me to the course?
A: You will need to bring with you details of your National Insurance Number as well as photographic proof of ID, i.e. driving licence or passport, failure to provide valid ID will mean that you are unable to sit the course and full cancellation charges will apply.
Q: Does the MPQC Contractor Safety Passport cover logistic/haulier operations?
A: No it does not extend to logistics/haulier operations. Hauliers are covered by the MPQC Driver Skills card which covers all contractors, whose activities are primarily involved with the operation of on-highway vehicles.