Training

Thorough Examinations can only be undertaken by a Competent Person. In order to offer customers the best quality equipment inspections, Competent Persons must be trained to the highest standard. These engineer courses are designed to meet the needs of the industry.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of UKMHA (UK Material Handling Association), CFTS provides accreditation to demonstrate competence. CFTS Thorough Examination training has been specially designed by UKMHA to ensure professional standards are maintained and to offer MHE operators complete peace of mind.

Regional training courses

To book a place on one of these courses please log in to the CFTS Members’ Area here and visit the Member Hub.

For more information please email training@thoroughexamination.org or call 01344 623 800

Please Note: To comply with the CFTS Quality Assurance Procedural Code, only named personnel on the CFTS national database are authorised to carry out thorough examination under the CFTS scheme, and they must have a minimum of five years of experience as a service engineer in a relevant sector. This can include appropriate apprentice training. (Some experience from related trades may be acceptable, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.)

On-Site Training Dates 2024
Aldridge, WS9 8ER - 21^st, 22^nd or 23^rd January 2025
Exeter, EX5 1FG - 28^th, 29^th or 30^th January 2025
Chatham, ME5 8RZ - 11^th, 12^th or 13^th February 2025
Hereford, HR2 6LA - 18^th, 19^th or 20^th February 2025
Leeds, LS12 5JB - 18^th, 19^th or 20^th February 2025
Basingstoke, RG24 8PD - 11^th, 12^th or 13^th March 2025 (13^th March - Managers Course)
Northampton, NN4 7BQ - 18^th, 19^th or 20^th March 2025
Glasgow, G53 7RQ - 15^th, 16^th or 17^th April 2025
Bishop Auckland, DL14 9AX - 13^th, 14^th or 15^th May 2025
Aldridge, WS9 8ER - 19^th, 20^th or 21^st May 2025

Training at SMB College

CFTS Training courses are also available via a central training provider: SMB College.

Held at SMB College, Stephenson Campus, Coalville, the courses are delivered by highly trained professionals and offer opportunities to work with a wide range of materials handling equipment. These engineer courses are designed to meet the needs of the industry.

To book please visit the UKMHA website.

Please contact the CFTS office to receive your discount code before booking.

Upcoming SMB College dates:

Thorough Examination New Engineer

21^st January 2025
22^nd January 2025
26^th February 2025
27^th February 2025
11^th March 2025
25^th March 2025
27^th March 2025

Thorough Examination Revalidation

23^rd January 2025
25^th February 2025
26^th March 2025

Three main CFTS courses are available:

Thorough Examination New Engineer

This highly practical course for experienced* engineers concentrates on the inspection of chains and forks, current legislation, documentation and the responsibilities of a competent person.

Subjects covered include:

The engineer's role
Inspection criteria for lift chains and fork arms
Organisation of Thorough Examinations and the examiner's role
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
Guidance on how to conduct Thorough Examinations

Upon completion, candidates are recorded on a central CFTS national database.

Valid for five years.

*The course is only open to engineers who can demonstrate their ability to inspect the automotive, electrical and hydraulic components of work equipment.

Duration: One day

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Thorough Examination Revalidation

Exclusively for engineers who have previously completed our Thorough Examination course, this training brings engineers up to date with current legislation and practices and reaffirms their inspection skills.

Successful candidates will be registered for a further five years.

Duration: One day

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Thorough Examination Manager

Our Thorough Examination Manager course is essential for those seeking accreditation to CFTS, so they may carry out Thorough Examinations which comply with both LOLER 98 and PUWER 98.

Delegates will be given a detailed understanding of the CFTS Quality Assurance Procedural Code. Importantly, this course conforms to the CFTS accreditation rules and meets the specific needs of Thorough Examination managers and their deputies. In addition, it will enhance the understanding of those managers overseeing CFTS activities.

Duration: One day

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Thorough Examination Lifting Accessory Course

Delegates will be able to understand the legislation relating to lifting accessories
Terminology understanding
Marking of SWL, Mode factors, Slinging Angles & Load estimations
Safe use, pre-use and post-use inspections
Rules for safe lifting
Inspect lifting accessories for defects and condition
Create a lifting plan and load considerations
Estimate and calculate object weights to ensure safe lifting
Written and practical assessment

Upon completion, candidates are recorded on a central CFTS national database.

Valid for three years.

*Only engineers with an up-to-date thorough examination certificate are eligible to attend.

Duration: One day

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