Skid Steer Loader

How the assessment works

This Skid Steer Loader NVQ is entirely evidence-based and focused on proving your real workplace competence. Instead of taking another test, you’ll demonstrate how you operate the skid steer loader day to day by submitting clear photos and short videos of your normal work — for example, pre-start checks, digging, loading, travelling and shutdown procedures.

You’ll also include genuine site paperwork such as inspection sheets, RAMS and maintenance logs. Every NVQ also includes a short expert witness statement from a supervisor or manager who has observed you operating safely and competently on live jobs. All of this can be uploaded to our secure online ePortfolio whenever it suits you.

Your assessor reviews each upload carefully, providing feedback and confirming that the evidence is authentic, complete and clearly demonstrates your ability to operate safely and efficiently. If needed, they may ask for extra evidence or decide to carry out a short on-site observation to verify particular elements.

Once your evidence is ready, you’ll have a one-to-one discussion with your assessor — usually over a video call — where you’ll talk through your work, the safety measures you follow and the decisions you make while operating. It’s not a test; it’s a structured, recorded discussion based on your real site experience.

After the discussion, your assessor completes a detailed Observation Report and verifies your evidence before signing off the NVQ for certification. Around a week later, you’ll receive your electronic certificate so you can upgrade your CPCS or NPORS card.

No classrooms, no written exams — just clear, verified proof of the work you already do.

What sort of questions will I be asked?

Below are some examples of the kinds of questions an assessor may ask during the professional-discussion part of this Level 2 NVQ:

Assessor: How do you make sure the skid steer stays stable when you’re working on uneven or soft ground?

Learner: I keep the bucket low while travelling, avoid sudden turns, and use low gear. If it’s soft underfoot I test it first, and if needed I use a different route or ask for ground protection like track mats. I also make sure I’m not overloading the machine.

Assessor: Which personal protective equipment do you wear on this site and why?

Learner: I wear a hard hat and high-vis vest so I’m protected and visible. Safety boots protect my feet and I use gloves when handling attachments or refuelling. If there’s dust or noise, I’ll also use a face mask and ear defenders.

Assessor: How does following a method statement help you work more efficiently?

Learner: It tells me exactly how the task should be done—where to load from, where to tip, and what attachments to use. It helps avoid confusion, stops me from doing things twice, and makes it safer to work near other trades because everyone knows the plan.

What kind of evidence will I need?

Think of evidence as anything that shows you operating the skid steer loader safely and following normal site rules.

Visual proof:

Clear phone photos and short videos of your daily walk-round checks, travelling with a full bucket, tipping or levelling, attaching/detaching tools, cleaning down, and parking at the end of the shift.

Site paperwork:

Routine site documents that carry your name or signature and show you are following company procedures—pre-start or weekly inspection sheets for the loader, relevant RAMS or method statements you have signed, daily activity briefings, maintenance or fuel logs, and even hazard reports or near-miss cards you’ve completed.

Witness statement:

A short note from a supervisor or manager confirming they’ve seen you operate the skid steer loader safely and competently on a live site.

General safety and productivity:

Anything that shows you take an active role in keeping the site safe and running efficiently. This could include hazard or near-miss reports you’ve raised, toolbox-talk attendance sheets you’ve signed, briefings you’ve delivered, or records of messages (radio, email or WhatsApp) where you’ve helped manage plant movements or avoid site delays.

How long does it take?

The timing is largely up to you. Your assessor can only start reviewing your portfolio once you’ve uploaded your evidence, so the sooner everything is in the e-Portfolio, the sooner the process moves forward.

Some learners upload all their photos, videos and paperwork in a couple of days, schedule their discussion straight away and finish in less than one week. Others spread it out over several weeks because of shifts or site access.

In short, the pace is in your hands—submit your evidence promptly, respond to feedback quickly, and you can complete the NVQ just as fast.

What happens when I apply?

Click the “Book your NVQ” button and you’ll be taken to our short online profiling form. The form collects the details we need to register you and asks you to attach a clear photo of the front and back of your CPCS or NPORS card.

When the form arrives, one of our assessors phones you for a brief chat. The call confirms that the NVQ is a good fit—that you have the right skills, site access, machine availability and can gather the required evidence.

If the assessor is happy, we email an invoice. The profiling call is free and there is no obligation: if you decide not to go ahead, simply ignore the invoice. If you do want to proceed, pay the invoice and we will enrol you and pass your details to the assessor the same day, so you can start collecting evidence straight away.

Can I claim the CITB grant for this NVQ?

Yes, if you are a CITB-registered employer. This NVQ is eligible for the short-qualification grant of £600 (claimable on completion by the employer).

Only the company (not the individual learner) can make the claim, and the application must be submitted to CITB within 52 weeks of the achievement date.

If you are a sole trader or limited company already on the CITB register, you can still claim; private individuals who are not levy-registered cannot.

To confirm eligibility, call the CITB Levy & Grants team on 0344 994 4455 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–18:00) or email levy.grant@citb.co.uk to confirm your registration and grant status.

Do you offer discounts for multiple tickets?

Yes. Each category (ticket) requires a separate NVQ, but if you complete more than one at the same time, we’ll reduce the overall cost:

1 category – £745 + VAT
2 categories – 25% off (£1,118 + VAT)
3 categories – 35% off (£1,451 + VAT)
4 categories – 40% off (£1,788 + VAT)

The more categories you complete together, the bigger the saving — and you’ll still have up to 12 months to finish them all. Book multiple categories and save up to 40%.