Crane Supervisor – CADUK Skills Academy LTD

How the assessment works

This Crane Supervisor NVQ is completely evidence based. Instead of taking another test, you show how you control lifting operations day to day by uploading photos or short videos of you checking lift plans, briefing the slinger team, giving signals, monitoring the lift and signing it off, together with site paperwork such as approved lift plans, RAMS, daily briefing sheets and accessory inspection logs. A brief witness statement from an Appointed Person or site manager who has seen you supervise live lifts is also helpful. You can add everything to our secure online e-Portfolio whenever it suits you.

Your assessor reviews each upload, gives feedback and lets you know if anything else is needed. Once all the evidence has been 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 will email you 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 a few examples of the kinds of questions an assessor may ask during the professional-discussion for the Level 4 Crane/Lifting Operations Supervisor NVQ:

Assessor: How do you make sure a lift can go ahead safely when ground conditions change after heavy rain?

Learner: I pause the operation, re-check the outrigger or track loadings against the lift plan, inspect the set-up area for soft spots, and confirm bearing pressure with the Appointed Person. If necessary I have the area re-sheeted or the crane repositioned before giving the team a revised briefing.

Assessor: Which personal protective equipment must the lifting team wear, and why?

Learner: Hard hats with chin straps for overhead loads, high-vis so the crane operator can pick out hand signals, safety boots for foot protection, and cut-resistant gloves when handling wire rope. We also use radios with earpieces so instructions are clear over plant noise.

Assessor: How does following the lift plan improve productivity as well as safety?

Learner: The plan sets the sequence of lifts, load weights, landing zones and communication signals. Sticking to it avoids re-rigging or moving the crane unnecessarily, keeps haul routes clear for deliveries, and lets the crane work continuously without unplanned stoppages—so lifts happen first time and the programme stays on schedule.

What kind of evidence will I need?

Think of evidence as anything that proves you are planning and supervising lifts safely and following normal site rules.

Visual proof

Clear photos or short video clips of you:

checking and signing the lift plan and RAMS
briefing the crane operator, slinger / signaller and banksman
giving or monitoring signals during the lift
recording the completed lift and securing accessories at the end of the shift

Site paperwork

Routine documents that carry your name or signature and show you follow company procedures—approved lift plans, risk assessments, daily briefing or toolbox-talk sheets, lifting-accessory inspection logs, permits-to-work and near-miss or hazard cards you have completed.

Witness statement

A brief note from the Appointed Person, site manager or lift supervisor confirming they have observed you supervising lifts competently on a live site.

General safety and productivity

Anything that shows you help keep the site safe and the job running smoothly—for example, hazard or near-miss reports you raised, induction or briefing records you delivered, and emails or radio logs where you re-sequenced lifts or cleared routes to avoid 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.