Overhead Crane

How the assessment works

This Overhead/Gantry Crane 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 crane day to day by submitting clear photos and short videos of your normal work — for example, pre-start checks, slinging and lifting loads, travel or traverse movements, and shutdown procedures.

You’ll also include genuine site paperwork such as inspection sheets, lift plans, RAMS, maintenance logs and defect reports. 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 work safely and competently. If needed, they may ask for extra evidence or arrange 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 conversation 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?

Assessor: How do you make sure the overhead or gantry crane is safe and stable before starting a lift?

Learner: I check the crane’s inspection records and carry out pre-use checks, including brakes, limit switches, hoist ropes, and emergency stops. I make sure the track or beam is clear and level, and that there are no obstructions in the crane’s path. I also check that the slinging arrangements match the lift plan and confirm communication with the slinger/signaller if needed.

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

Learner: I wear a hard hat for overhead protection, high-vis so I’m visible in the work area, and safety boots with toe protection. If I’m slinging loads or working in a noisy or dusty environment, I’ll wear gloves, ear defenders, or a dust mask depending on the site requirements.

Assessor: How does following a method statement help lifting operations run more smoothly?

Learner: The method statement sets out how the lift should be done safely—what gear to use, what route to follow, and who’s responsible for what. It helps prevent confusion, keeps everyone working to the same plan, and avoids delays or rework. It also means we’re working in line with health and safety procedures, which keeps the site compliant.

What kind of evidence will I need?

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

Visual proof:

Clear phone photos and short video clips of your daily pre-use checks, rigging and lifting operations, travelling or traversing with loads (if applicable), and shutting down the crane at the end of your shift. You could also include videos showing how you follow signalling or communication protocols with other lifting team members.

Site paperwork:

Routine documents that carry your name or signature and show you are following company procedures—such as pre-start inspection sheets, lift plans, RAMS, signed method statements, defect or maintenance logs, and daily activity briefings.

Witness statement:

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

General safety and productivity:

Anything that shows you contribute to a safe, well-run lifting operation. Useful examples include hazard or near-miss reports you’ve submitted, toolbox talk attendance sheets, briefings you’ve delivered, or communication records (radio logs, emails, lift coordination notes) showing how you helped organise or respond to lifting activity on site.

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%.