Ride-on Roller – CADUK Skills Academy LTD

How the assessment works

This Ride-on Roller NVQ is completely evidence-based. Instead of sitting another test, you show how you operate the roller day to day by uploading photos or short videos of your pre-start checks, compacting passes, working on gradients, cleaning the drum and parking. Add site paperwork such as inspection sheets, RAMS and maintenance logs, plus a brief witness statement from a supervisor who has seen you work. Everything goes into our secure e-Portfolio at a time that suits you.

Your assessor reviews each upload and gives feedback. Once all evidence is accepted, you book a one-to-one video call. During this discussion the assessor asks you to talk through what you have submitted and to explain the site rules you follow. It feels more like a structured chat than an exam and is usually wrapped up in a single session.

After the call, the assessor signs off the NVQ and submits it for certification. About a week later we email an electronic copy of your certificate so you can upgrade your CPCS or NPORS card.

No classroom time, no site visits and no written tests—just clear 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 keep the roller stable when compacting on a cross-slope?

Learner: I approach straight, use the lowest appropriate gear, keep the vibration engaged only while travelling uphill, avoid sharp turns, and take narrower passes. If the slope feels too steep or soft, I stop and ask for the area to be graded or for access mats.

Assessor: Which PPE do you wear on this site, and why?

Learner: Hard hat for overhead protection near tippers, hi-vis so I’m seen when I’m off the machine, safety boots for foot protection, and my seat-belt in the cab. I add ear defenders when the vibration is running and a dust mask if I’m compacting dry material.

Assessor: How does following the compaction plan improve productivity?

Learner: The plan sets out the rolling pattern, number of passes and moisture requirements. By following it I avoid over-compaction, minimise fuel use and ensure each layer meets density first time, which prevents costly re-work.

What kind of evidence will I need?

Think of evidence as anything that shows you operating the Ride-on Roller safely and following normal site rules.

Visual proof:

Photos and short videos of your walk-round checks, rolling passes, working on gradients, cleaning the drum and parking.

Site paperwork:

Inspection sheets for the roller, signed RAMS or method statements, daily briefings, maintenance or fuel logs, hazard or near-miss cards.

Witness statement:

A short note from a supervisor confirming they have seen you operate the roller competently on a live site.

General safety and productivity:

Toolbox-talk attendance sheets, hazard reports you raised, or emails/radio logs showing you helped coordinate plant movements to keep the site running smoothly.

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.

Is there a multi category discount?

Yes. If you take more than one Level 2 Plant Operations NVQ with us at the same time, we knock £100 off each additional category.

• £745 + VAT for the first NVQ
• £645 + VAT for every extra NVQ booked together