The three BETA cards
The colour of a card tells you who holds it. The register tells you which machines they are covered for and whether the card is still valid.
2 Jun 2028
Red card
Trained operator. Valid for 2 years.
Issued to an operator who has completed a course at an approved centre and passed the theory and practical tests. It shows they have been trained and tested, and that they are still building experience.
16 Mar 2031
Blue card
Competent operator. Valid for 5 years.
Issued to an operator who has shown they are competent on the machine.
3 Feb 2031
Gold card
Competent operator, audited. Valid for 5 years.
Issued to an operator who has renewed a Blue card twice without a failed test, a suspension or a complaint upheld against them. Renewal needs an audited logbook of recent work as well as the test.
What is on the card
Scan to check this card
Opens the operator's live record on the BETA register.
The front carries the holder's name and photo, their registration number, the card type and the expiry date.
The back carries a QR code. Scanning it opens the holder's record on the register, which lists every machine they have passed on, the date of each test and the date each one runs out.
The machines are kept on the register so the list is always current. A machine added last week shows up on a card printed last year.
What a check can show
- ActiveThe card is valid. Check the photo and that the machine is listed.
- ExpiredThe card has passed its expiry date. The holder needs a refresher course and test.
- SuspendedBETA has put the card on hold while it looks into a concern.
- RevokedBETA has withdrawn the card permanently.
An expired, suspended or revoked card gives no authority to operate. Each machine on a card also has its own expiry date, so an Active card can still list a machine that has lapsed.
Renewing a card
Before a card or a machine on it runs out, the holder takes a refresher course and test at an approved centre. When BETA approves the result, the register updates and a new card is issued.
A card that has already expired shows as Expired until the holder has been re-tested.