Compact Crane

How the assessment works

This Compact Crane NVQ is completely evidence-based. Instead of taking another test, you demonstrate how you operate the crane day to day by uploading photos and short videos of your pre-start checks, setting up outriggers, lifting and placing loads, and carrying out shut-down procedures.

You’ll also include site paperwork such as inspection records, lift plans, RAMS, maintenance logs, and daily checks. A brief witness statement from a supervisor who has observed you working is also helpful. You can upload everything to our secure online e-Portfolio whenever it suits you.

Your assessor reviews each upload, provides 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 will ask you to talk through what you’ve submitted and explain the safety procedures and working practices you follow. It feels more like a structured chat than a test and is usually wrapped up in a single session.

After the call, the assessor signs off the NVQ and submits it for certification. Around a week later, we’ll 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, practical 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 compact crane is stable and safe before beginning a lift?

Learner: I check the ground conditions and use mats or spreader plates if needed. I extend the outriggers fully and make sure the crane is level. I also run through the pre-use checks, inspect for defects, and review the lift plan. If anything’s unclear, I check with the lift supervisor before starting.

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

Learner: I wear a hard hat for head protection, a high-vis vest so I’m clearly seen, and safety boots for foot protection. I use gloves when setting up equipment or handling slings. If it’s noisy, I wear ear protection, and I’ll use a mask if I’m working in a dusty area or around fumes.

Assessor: How does following a method statement make lifting operations more productive?

Learner: The method statement tells us what to do and when—like the lift sequence, team responsibilities, and communication signals. It helps everyone stay coordinated, reduces delays or mistakes, and makes sure the job runs safely and on time without having to redo work.

What kind of evidence will I need?

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

Visual proof:

Clear phone photos and short videos of your pre-use checks, setting up outriggers and mats, lifting operations, placing loads, and safely shutting down at the end of the shift. You could also include clips showing how you use radio or hand signals to communicate with the slinger or lift supervisor.

Site paperwork:

Routine site documents that carry your name or signature and show you’re working in line with site procedures—such as pre-start inspection sheets, signed RAMS or method statements, lift plans, daily activity briefings, defect reports, or compact crane maintenance records.

Witness statement:

A short note from a supervisor, lift supervisor, or manager confirming they have seen you operating the compact crane competently on a live site.

General safety and productivity:

Anything that shows you take an active role in keeping the site safe and the lifting operation running smoothly. Good examples include hazard or near-miss reports you’ve submitted, toolbox talk attendance sheets, briefings you’ve delivered to the lifting team, or records of radio calls, hand signals, or emails where you helped coordinate a lift or respond to a site 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%.