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.)
Stonehaven, AB39 2NH - 28th or 29th April 2026 (Fully Booked)
Northwich, CW9 6DA - 19th, 20th or 21st May 2026 (21st Thorough Examination Compliance)
Glasgow, G53 7RQ - 16th, 17th or 18th June 2026 (17th Lifting Accessories / 18th Thorough Examination Compliance)
Kibworth, LE8 0RX - 23rd, 24th or 25th June 2026 (25th Lifting Accessories)
Exeter, EX5 1FG - 7th, 8th or 9th July 2026 (9th Lifting Accessories)
Bishop Auckland, DL14 9AX - 21st July 2026
Chatham, ME5 8RZ - 4th, 5th or 6th August 2026
Leeds, LS12 5JB - 18th, 19th or 20th August 2026 (20th Lifting Accessories)
Reading, RG7 1PJ - 1st, 2nd or 3rd September 2026
Training at Stephenson College
CFTS Training courses are also available via a central training provider: Stephenson College.
Held at Stephenson 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 Stephenson College dates:
Thorough Examination New Engineer
29th or 30th April 202612th or 13th May 2026
4th, 17th or 18th June 2026
14th, 15th, 28th or 29th July 2026
Thorough Examination Revalidation
28th April 202614th May 2026
16th June 2026
16th July 2026
Lift Truck Electrical Charger Connection and Isolation
30th June 2026Lift Truck Electrical Training - Part 1
No dates available currentlyLift Truck Electrical Training - Part 2
2nd June 2026Working on High Voltage Lift Trucks
3rd June 2026CFTS Training
The main CFTS courses available are:
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
Book Training NowThorough 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
Book Training NowThorough Examination Compliance
Our Thorough Examination Compliance 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
Book Training NowThorough Examination Lifting Accessories 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
Book Training Now