Pedestrian-Operated Tower Crane

How the assessment works

This Pedestrian-Operated Tower 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-use checks, lift setup, load handling using remote controls, and shutdown procedures.

You’ll also include genuine site paperwork such as lift plans, inspection records, 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 decide to carry out 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 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 pedestrian-operated tower crane is safe before carrying out a lift?

Learner: I start by checking the lift plan and RAMS, then carry out my pre-use checks on the crane and remote. I look at things like hoist ropes, brakes, limit switches, emergency stop functions, and make sure the battery or power source is fully charged. I also inspect the area around the crane to make sure it's clear and level, with no obstacles in the slewing or load path.

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

Learner: I wear a hard hat for protection from overhead risks, a high-vis vest so I’m visible, and safety boots for foot protection. I wear gloves if I’m handling slings or equipment, and if I’m working in a noisy or dusty area, I’ll wear ear defenders or a face mask as required.

Assessor: How does following a method statement help keep lifting operations productive?

Learner: The method statement tells us exactly how the lift should be done—what equipment to use, how the load should be moved, and who’s responsible for each part. It helps avoid confusion or delays, keeps everyone working to the same plan, and reduces the risk of mistakes. It also means we can lift safely while staying on programme.

What kind of evidence will I need?

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

Visual proof:

Clear phone photos and short videos of your pre-use checks, remote control setup, lifting operations, slewing, and load placement. You could also include clips showing how you use hand signals or radios to coordinate with slingers or lift supervisors. Evidence of safe shut-down procedures is also useful.

Site paperwork:

Routine documents that include your name or signature and demonstrate that you’re following company procedures—such as pre-start inspection records, RAMS, signed method statements, lift plans, daily briefings, maintenance logs, and defect reports.

Witness statement:

A short note from a supervisor, lift supervisor, or manager confirming they have seen you operate the pedestrian-operated tower crane competently on a live site.

General safety and productivity:

Anything that shows you actively contribute to a safe and efficient lifting operation. Examples include hazard or near-miss reports you've raised, toolbox talk attendance sheets, briefings you’ve delivered to the lifting team, or communication records (radio logs, coordination emails) showing your role in organising lifts or resolving site issues..

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%.