ABA Workplace Transport Groupings Update 2026 – What the NPORS Category Changes Mean for Employers

We had originally planned to send our Spring newsletter later this season, however we have brought this edition forward following an important update from our awarding body, NPORS.

Technical bulletins from our awarding body often cover procedural or documentation changes that happen behind the scenes, this update is more significant. It introduces revisions to the ABA Workplace Transport Groupings which directly affect the category descriptions shown on NPORS operator cards.

As these changes may impact future training, testing and certification, we want to ensure you, our clients are fully informed.

What is the ABA Workplace Transport Group?

The Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABAWT) was established in 2012 to bring together the UK’s leading awarding bodies. Its purpose is to create a consistent, unified approach to lift truck and workplace transport training across the industry.

What’s New – NPORS Category Changes

ABA Workplace Transport Groupings Update

On 19 January 2026, the ABA Workplace Transport Groupings were officially updated. These changes affect several NPORS Workplace Transport categories and introduce revised classifications to better reflect modern equipment and operational practices.

This newsletter outlines what the changes are coming into effect from
1st March 2026.

Why has the ABA updated the groupings? 

The ABA uses Workplace Transport Groupings to classify equipment according to specific training requirements. This ensures consistency across accredited training providers and maintains instruction that is appropriate to the equipment being operated.

As new truck types entered the market, inconsistencies developed within the existing categories. The updated framework:

  • Aligns categories with modern materials handling equipment
  • Removes outdated or duplicated variations
  • Standardises height and weight references
  • Improves clarity across training, testing and certification

https://abawt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ABA-Workplace-Transport-Groupings.pdf

Important:
Existing operator certificates remain valid. However, training providers must apply the updated structure for future training and assessments.

Kentra Training delayed implementing changes until final ABA confirmation was received to ensure full accuracy. The updated NPORS paperwork will be released at the end of the month and must be implemented from the date of release.

Summary of Key NPORS Category Changes.  

N001 – Industrial Counterbalance Lift Truck

  • Category B4 (Stand on Counterbalance) has been removed.
  • B4 is now merged into B1.
  • B1 covers:
    • Counterbalance lift trucks up to 5,000 kg
    • Stand on counterbalance trucks

All weight references are now in kilograms (not tonnes).

NPORS Category Changes

N003 – Reach Trucks

  • D1 (3–8m) and D2 (over 8m) merged into a single D1 category.
  • D3 (Stand on reach truck) incorporated into D1.
  • No formal height restriction in category title.

Key Requirement:
Training records and marking sheets must clearly state the maximum height used during training and assessment.

It remains the employer’s responsibility to ensure training matches operational requirements.

NPORS Category Changes

N005 – Order Pickers

  • New category variation introduced: E0
  • Covers low-level order pickers operating up to 300 mm

Instructors must evidence competency when delivering training on the new E0 variation.

NPORS Category Changes

N010 – Telescopic Handler Variations

Under ABA Group J:

  • J2, J4 and J6 removed
  • J3, J5 and J7 remain with no height restrictions

Machines previously classed as J2 will now be recorded under J3 but must retain restricted height application where applicable.

Documentation must state:

  • Maximum height trained and tested
  • Any operational restriction (e.g. Industrial Use Only)

Example:
A JCB 540-140 used in an industrial setting would be recorded as:
N010 J3 – Restricted to Industrial Use
If trained only to 3 metres, this must also be stated.

N209J8 – Articulated Telescopic Loader with Fork Arms

  • Now processed using dedicated documentation
  • Recorded as N209J8 under N209

If fitted with:

  • Bucket → Use standard N209 paperwork
  • Alternative attachments → Classify as N209 Loading Shovel and notify additional attachment as per technical guidance

NPORS Category Changes

Additional Category Updates

N009 – Rough Terrain Lift Truck

  • Industrial Use Only variation removed
  • J1 remains
  • Industrial restriction must still be applied on operator record where relevant

N008 – Pallet / Stacker Truck

  • Now includes Group Z variations (Z1–Z4) for manual operations

N004 – Lorry Mounted Lift Truck

  • Categorised according to closest truck type
  • Industrial restriction applies where relevant

N109 – M.E.W.P. Scissor Lift

  • 1A Rider Static Vertical now includes PAV (Push Around Vertical)

Operator record must state: Restricted to PAV Only

Next steps for Employers 

  • Existing certificates remain valid
  • New categories live from 1 March 2026
  • Future booking will follow the new classification system

Some of your operator cards may look different, for a while.

Support from Kentra Training 

At Kentra Training, we are fully aligned with the updated ABA framework and NPORS category changes. We will implement all documentation changes immediately upon release.

If you would like clarification on how these changes affect your workforce, upcoming renewals or planned training, please contact our team.

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NPORS category changes

Thank you for reading our blog about the latest NPORS Category Changes, we will continue to update you further as we start to implement these changes. 

Our awarding body is National Plant Operators Registration Scheme – NPORS.com