Industrial Counterbalance Forklift

How the assessment works

This Forward Tipping Dumper 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 dumper day to day by submitting clear photos and short videos of your normal work — for example, pre-start checks, loaded travel, tipping, 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 arrange a short on-site observation to verify specific 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 procedures 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 a few sample exchanges an assessor might use in the professional-discussion for the Industrial Counterbalance Forklift Level 2 NVQ:

Assessor: When you pick up a pallet on uneven ground, how do you keep the truck stable?

Learner: I keep the mast tilted slightly back, lift only high enough to clear the surface, travel in low gear, and avoid sharp turns. If the floor feels soft or rutted, I choose a firmer route or ask for boards to spread the weight. If the truck begins to lean, I stop, lower the load and reassess the route.

Assessor: Which personal protective equipment do you wear here, and why?

Learner: High-vis vest so pedestrians see me, safety boots to protect my feet, and a seat belt to keep me inside the cab if the truck tips. If I work outdoors I add a hard hat; for dusty loads I wear a face mask; and for noisy areas I use ear defenders.

Assessor: How does sticking to the site traffic plan improve productivity?

Learner: The traffic plan sets the one-way routes, crossing points and stacking areas. By following it I avoid head-on meetings, keep pedestrians clear and reach the drop point first time, which cuts waiting time and prevents re-work or damaged loads.

What kind of evidence will I need?

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

Visual proof:

Upload clear phone photos and short videos of your daily walk-round checks, picking up and travelling with a pallet, stacking or un-stacking, cleaning down, and parking the truck at shift-end.

Site paperwork:

Add routine documents that carry your name or signature and show you follow company procedures—pre-start or weekly inspection sheets for the forklift, RAMS or method statements you have signed, daily briefings, maintenance or fuel logs, and even hazard or near-miss cards you have completed.

Witness statement:

Include a brief note from a supervisor or manager confirming they have observed you operating the forklift competently on a live site.

General safety and productivity:

Anything that proves you play an active part in site safety and smooth workflow counts: hazard or near-miss reports you have raised, toolbox-talk attendance sheets, briefings you have delivered, and radio calls or emails where you helped redirect traffic or solve a delivery issue.

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%.