NPORS Cable Avoidance Tool training (category N304), also known as CAT and Genny training, is the recognised route to certification for anyone required to scan for and locate buried services before excavation on UK construction, civil engineering, utilities, telecoms and groundworks sites. At Target Zero Training, we deliver the NPORS N304 CAT and Genny course for complete novices, operators refreshing their qualification, and experienced workers who qualify for the 1-day Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA).
Courses run at our training venues and on your site nationwide. To book or discuss your requirements, call us on 01245 379496, use the enquiry form on this page, or email sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk.
What is the NPORS N304 CAT and Genny Course?
The NPORS N304 Cable Avoidance Tool course is an accredited training and assessment programme covering the correct use of cable avoidance tools (CAT) and signal generators (Genny) to locate buried electricity cables, metallic pipes, telecoms cables and other underground services before excavation begins.
Delivered by experienced NPORS-registered instructors, the course combines classroom theory with hands-on practical assessment in the field. Successful candidates receive an NPORS operator card, either as a Traditional card (valid 5 years) or a Red Trained Operator card with the CSCS logo (valid 2 years, upgrading to a 5-year Blue Competent Operator card once the relevant NVQ is completed).
Striking an underground service can cause fatal injuries, serious burns, wider supply disruption and significant prosecution risk. Formal CAT and Genny training is required to comply with HSG47 (Avoiding danger from underground services), the Health and Safety at Work Act and the utility sector’s New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) requirements. Most principal contractors, utility clients and local authority framework contracts now require proof of CAT and Genny competence before excavation work begins.
Who Should Attend?
The NPORS CAT and Genny N304 course is suitable for anyone involved in excavation, service location or supervising groundworks. This includes:
- Groundworkers and civil engineering operatives
- Utilities operatives (water, gas, electricity, telecoms)
- NRSWA-qualified street works operatives and supervisors
- Telecoms and fibre installation teams
- Site engineers and surveyors
- Plant operators breaking ground or excavating near services
- Site supervisors responsible for safe digging practices
- Experienced CAT and Genny users needing recognised NPORS certification
- Workers changing employers who require card-scheme compliance
All attendees must be at least 18 years old, in good physical health, and have a good understanding of spoken and written English. For the Red CSCS-logo card route, a valid CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) touch screen test passed within the last two years is also required.
NPORS CAT and Genny Training Routes
We offer three distinct attendance routes depending on your experience level.
Novice Course
Designed for candidates with no prior CAT and Genny experience. The course typically runs 1 to 2 days depending on your starting ability. An initial assessment at the start of the course confirms the training delivery required before the final theory and practical assessment.
Refresher Course
A shorter 1-day programme for operators who already hold or have previously held a CAT and Genny qualification and need updated training to current NPORS standards. Includes both refresher content and formal assessment.
Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA)
A 1-day test-only route for operators with either 18 months of verifiable CAT and Genny experience or 6 months of consistent daily use. No formal training is delivered beforehand. The day covers the NPORS theory test and practical assessment only.
What Does CAT and Genny Stand For?
CAT and Genny refers to the two main pieces of equipment used to locate buried services:
- CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool): a hand-held receiver that detects signals emitted by buried metallic services. CAT devices operate in three modes: Power mode (detecting live power cables), Radio mode (detecting metallic services carrying re-radiated radio signals) and Generator mode (detecting signals applied by a Genny).
- Genny (Signal Generator): a transmitter that applies a traceable signal to a specific pipe or cable, either by direct connection, induction clamp or general broadcast, enabling the CAT to locate services that wouldn’t otherwise carry a detectable signal.
Common brand names encountered on site include the Radiodetection CAT4 and Genny4 range, and the Cable Avoidance Tool products from C.Scope and Vivax-Metrotech. The NPORS N304 course is device-neutral and covers principles and technique applicable to any compliant CAT and Genny equipment.
What Does the Course Cover?
The NPORS CAT and Genny N304 syllabus meets the National Occupational Standards for underground service location and is fully aligned with HSG47. By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Explain the hazards of striking buried services and the legal duties under HSG47 and PUWER
- Interpret service drawings, statutory undertaker plans and utility records before work begins
- Describe the types of services commonly buried and their typical depths
- Operate a CAT correctly in Power, Radio and Generator modes
- Interpret signal readings and understand signal distortion and bleed-off
- Use a Genny in direct connection, induction and clamp applications
- Sweep a defined work area systematically and mark located services
- Apply safe digging practice, including trial holes and hand digging near services
- Recognise and respond to the limitations of CAT and Genny equipment
- Carry out pre-use function checks and battery management
- Understand reporting requirements for suspected strikes or damaged services
- Integrate CAT and Genny practice into the permit-to-dig and dig process
Assessment Structure
All NPORS CAT and Genny courses include two formal assessments:
- Theory test: An open and multiple-choice written paper covering legislation, HSG47, equipment principles, and safe digging practice. Candidates must achieve the required pass mark to proceed to the practical.
- Practical test: A field-based assessment on a test grid or representative work area. Candidates must demonstrate pre-use checks on the CAT and Genny, correct use of all three CAT modes, appropriate use of the Genny (including induction and direct connection), a systematic sweep of the area, accurate marking of located services, and correct handover to the digging team.
Candidates who pass both elements receive their NPORS N304 CAT and Genny operator card. Cards are issued in the weeks following the assessment and posted directly to the candidate or their employer.
NPORS CAT and Genny Card Types Explained
There are three card outcomes available from the NPORS N304 course, depending on the route chosen and the candidate’s status.
Traditional NPORS Operator Card
Valid for 5 years. Issued after successful NPORS training and assessment. Does not carry the CSCS logo and is widely accepted on utilities contracts, telecoms projects and many industrial sites. No CITB HS&E test required. No NVQ requirement. This is the most common route for utility sector operatives.
Red Trained Operator Card (CSCS Logo)
Valid for 2 years. Issued after passing NPORS training and assessment plus a valid CITB HS&E touch screen test. During the 2-year period, the operator must complete a relevant Plant Operations NVQ to progress to the Blue Competent Operator card.
Blue Competent Operator Card (CSCS Logo)
Valid for 5 years. Awarded once the operator holds both a passed NPORS N304 assessment and the relevant NVQ. The Blue Card is the standard required by most principal contractors on Build UK sites.
On-Site NPORS CAT and Genny Training
Target Zero Training delivers NPORS CAT and Genny courses at your workplace across the UK. Our assessors come to your site and train using representative ground conditions and, where available, the equipment your operators use day to day. This removes travel time and is the most cost-effective option for employers certifying two or more operators at once.
On-site delivery requires a suitable area for practical exercises (ideally with known or simulated buried services), CAT and Genny equipment in good working order, and a quiet area for classroom sessions. We can also bring equipment where needed. Call 01245 379496 to discuss on-site requirements and get a quote.
HSG47 and the Legal Framework for Safe Digging
HSE guidance document HSG47 (Avoiding danger from underground services) sets out the recognised standard for excavation work around buried services in the UK. The three core principles of HSG47 are:
- Plan: obtain and interpret service drawings, permits and utility records before any excavation
- Locate: use cable avoidance tools, signal generators and trial holes to confirm the location and depth of services on the ground
- Dig: apply safe digging techniques, including hand digging and careful mechanical excavation in exclusion zones
The NPORS N304 CAT and Genny course directly addresses the Locate stage of HSG47 and is the most widely recognised evidence of competence for scanning before digging. It is routinely required on utility framework contracts, highways schemes, major infrastructure projects and any groundworks where underground services may be present.
NPORS vs EUSR SLG: Which Should You Choose?
For underground service location, operators often compare the NPORS N304 CAT and Genny card with the EUSR Safe Locate Guidance (SLG) qualification. Both are recognised across the utility and construction sectors, but there are practical differences:
- NPORS N304: Widely accepted across construction, civil engineering and utilities. Carries the CSCS logo on Red and Blue cards for CSCS-compliant construction sites. Covers practical CAT and Genny use to a National Occupational Standard.
- EUSR SLG: Highly recognised in the water, power and telecoms utility sectors. Aligned with utility client-side procedures.
For operators working primarily on construction sites or mixed construction and utility work, NPORS N304 is typically the more flexible choice. For operators working exclusively in the water or power sector, EUSR may be required by the client. We deliver both schemes and can advise on the right route. See our EUSR Locating Underground Services course for the EUSR route.
CITB Grant Funding
The NPORS CAT and Genny N304 course is CITB grant claimable for CITB-registered employers, meaning a significant portion of your training cost may be recoverable. Grant values are set by CITB and are subject to change. We can help with eligibility questions and point you to the right claim process. For more information, visit our page on CITB grants and funding or call 01245 379496.
Pricing and Payment Options
NPORS CAT and Genny course prices vary by route (novice, refresher or EWA), location and group size. Pricing for open-course bookings at our venues starts from competitive market rates, with further savings available for on-site group bookings of two or more operators. To get an accurate quote for your requirements, call 01245 379496 or use the enquiry form on this page.
Interest-free payment options are available through Klarna, allowing you to spread the cost over three instalments. Credit accounts are available for businesses booking regularly.
What to Bring on the Day
Candidates attending an NPORS CAT and Genny course must bring:
- Full PPE: safety boots, hi-vis vest, hard hat, safety gloves and eye protection
- Photographic ID (passport or driving licence)
- A valid CITB HS&E touch screen test certificate (for Red CSCS card candidates only)
- A pen and notepad for classroom sessions
- Any existing NPORS, CSCS or NRSWA cards or training records
Career Prospects After NPORS CAT and Genny Training
CAT and Genny competence is now a baseline requirement for utility, telecoms and groundworks roles across the UK. Typical roles include utility operative, groundworker, civil engineering operative, telecoms fibre installer and service location technician. Operators working on utility framework contracts and highways schemes are typically expected to hold NPORS N304 or an equivalent qualification as a minimum.
Many operators combine CAT and Genny with related qualifications such as NRSWA Streetworks, EUSR Water Hygiene, and plant operator categories such as 360 Excavator (N202). For workers progressing into supervisory and management roles, further training through SSSTS and SMSTS supports career progression.
Why Choose Target Zero Training?
Target Zero Training is an established UK training provider with over a decade of experience delivering construction health and safety, plant operator and utility sector training. We are rated 4.9 out of 5.0 on both Trustpilot and Reviews.io, with more than 10,000 reviews across both platforms combined.
Our NPORS CAT and Genny instructors are experienced, NPORS-registered assessors who have worked on live utility, highways and construction projects and understand the practical demands of service location on busy sites. We offer flexible booking, nationwide coverage, on-site delivery, combined bookings with NRSWA and EUSR courses, and a dedicated account management team. Credit accounts, Klarna instalments and group discounts are all available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the NPORS CAT and Genny course take?
Course length depends on your experience. The Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) takes 1 day. The refresher course takes 1 day. The novice course typically runs 1 to 2 days, with the exact duration confirmed after an initial assessment at the start of training.
Do I need any experience to take the NPORS CAT and Genny N304 course?
No. The novice route has no prerequisites and is designed for complete beginners. We carry out an initial assessment to confirm how many days of training you need before your test day. If you have 18 months of verifiable experience or 6 months of consistent daily use, you can attend as an experienced worker and take the 1-day EWA route.
What does CAT and Genny stand for?
CAT stands for Cable Avoidance Tool, a hand-held receiver that detects signals from buried metallic services. Genny stands for signal Generator, a transmitter that applies a traceable signal to a specific pipe or cable so the CAT can locate it. Together they form the standard equipment for locating underground services before excavation.
Is CAT and Genny training a legal requirement in the UK?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and PUWER 1998 require employers to ensure anyone carrying out service location is competent. HSE guidance document HSG47 sets the recognised standard for Avoiding danger from underground services, covering the Plan, Locate and Dig principles. NPORS N304 certification is the most widely recognised evidence of competence for the Locate stage of HSG47.
Does the NPORS N304 card cover all service types?
The NPORS N304 category covers the correct use of cable avoidance tools and signal generators for locating buried services. The card does not replace the need for statutory undertaker plans, permits to dig, or safe digging practice. Operators should always follow the full Plan, Locate, Dig approach under HSG47.
What is the difference between the Red and Blue NPORS CAT and Genny card?
The Red Trained Operator card is issued after passing the N304 assessment and CITB HS&E test. It is valid for 2 years, during which you must complete the relevant Plant Operations NVQ to upgrade to the Blue Competent Operator card. The Blue Card is valid for 5 years and is the card most commonly required by principal contractors on large UK construction sites. For utility sector operatives, the Traditional card is often the appropriate route.
Do I need the CITB health and safety test for an NPORS CAT and Genny card?
Only if you are going for the CSCS-logo card (Red or Blue). The CITB HS&E touch screen test must have been passed within the previous 2 years. If you are taking the Traditional NPORS card route without the CSCS logo, the HS&E test is not required.
What is the difference between NPORS N304 and EUSR SLG?
NPORS N304 is widely accepted across construction, civil engineering and utilities, and carries the CSCS logo on Red and Blue cards for CSCS-compliant construction sites. EUSR Safe Locate Guidance (SLG) is particularly recognised in the water, power and telecoms utility sectors, aligned with utility client-side procedures. For operators working across both construction and utility sites, NPORS is typically more flexible. We deliver both.
Can NPORS CAT and Genny training be delivered at our site?
Yes. We deliver NPORS CAT and Genny courses on employer sites across the UK, provided a suitable practical area and CAT and Genny equipment are available. On-site delivery is the most cost-effective option for two or more operators. Call 01245 379496 to discuss on-site requirements.
Is NPORS CAT and Genny training eligible for CITB grant?
Yes. The NPORS N304 CAT and Genny course is CITB grant claimable for CITB-registered employers. Contact us or your CITB grants team for current grant values and claim process. See our CITB grants and funding page for more detail.
How long is the NPORS CAT and Genny card valid for?
The Traditional NPORS card is valid for 5 years. The Red Trained Operator card is valid for 2 years, during which the relevant NVQ must be completed to progress to the Blue card. The Blue Competent Operator card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed through refresher training and assessment.
How do I book an NPORS CAT and Genny course with Target Zero Training?
You can enquire using the form on this page, call us directly on 01245 379496, email sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk, or use live chat. Our team will confirm availability, advise on the right route for your experience, and arrange your booking. Klarna interest-free instalments and business credit accounts are available.
Book Your NPORS CAT and Genny Training
Ready to get certified on the CAT and Genny? Call our team on 01245 379496, email sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk, or use the enquiry form on this page for a fast response and a quote tailored to your route, location and group size.
For other NPORS categories we deliver, including 360 Excavator, Telehandler, Forward Tipping Dumper, Counterbalance Forklift, Slinger Signaller, Road Roller, and Plant Marshal, see our main NPORS Training Courses page.
