Machine categories
A BETA card covers only the machines its holder has been tested on. A pass on a counterbalance forklift does not cover a reach truck, and a pass on a scissor lift does not cover a boom.
Machines covered at launch
Material handling
- Counterbalance forklift
- Reach truck
- Very narrow aisle truck
- Powered pallet and stacker trucks
Plant and earthmoving
- 360 excavator, tracked, below 10 tonnes
- 360 excavator, tracked, above 10 tonnes
- Forward tipping dumper, wheeled
- Telehandler, industrial
- Telehandler, up to 9 metres
- Telehandler, all sizes excluding 360 slew
Access equipment
- Scissor lift
- Mobile boom (cherry picker)
Lifting and site roles
- Slinger and signaller
- Plant and vehicle marshaller
Some machines are split further by size or type, and each split is tested separately. The register shows exactly which one a card covers.
Four routes to a test
- Novice
- For someone who has not operated the machine before. This is the full course, followed by the theory and practical tests.
- Experienced worker
- For someone who already operates the machine but holds no card for it. The centre checks their experience first, then gives a shorter course before the same tests.
- Refresher
- For a card holder whose machine is close to its expiry date. A short course and a re-test keep it on the card.
- Conversion
- For a card holder moving to a closely related machine. The course covers what is different and ends in a test on the new machine.
Whatever the route, the tests are the same and so is the pass mark. Each route has a written standard that sets the shortest the course may be and the most trainees one instructor may teach.
A machine that is not listed
More categories will be added. If you train or employ operators on a machine that is not here, tell us which one.