Lifting Operations
NVQs
Lifting Operations NVQs for construction lifting professionals — from Slinger Signaller and crane operators through to Lift Supervisor and Appointed Person. Workplace-based evidence, no exams, no time off work. Upgrade your CPCS or NPORS Red card to Blue Competent Operator.
Lifting Operations NVQ Qualifications
Lifting Operations NVQs demonstrate your competence to plan, supervise or carry out lifting operations safely on site. From Slinger Signaller and individual crane categories through to Supervising and Planning Lifts, assessment is workplace-based — no exams, no classroom. On successful completion, you can upgrade your CPCS or NPORS Red Trained Operator Card to a Blue Competent Operator Card, evidencing your competence under LOLER 1998 and BS 7121.
Lifting roles
Three core qualifications cover the lifting hierarchy on site — from the operative making the lift, through the supervisor running it, to the Appointed Person planning it. All three play a defined role in LOLER 1998 compliance.
Level 2 Slinger Signaller NVQ
Proves practical competence in attaching loads, signalling crane operators and ensuring each lift is carried out safely. Ideal for experienced slingers and banksmen ready to formalise their role with a recognised, workplace-assessed qualification — the natural upgrade route after the CPCS A40 Slinger Signaller technical test.
Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Supervising Lifts
For experienced supervisors who oversee live lifts on site, ensuring each lift is carried out in line with the lift plan. Also known as Crane Supervisor and mapped to the CPCS A62 Crane Supervisor route. Demonstrates competence in supervising slingers, signallers and crane operators under LOLER 1998 and BS 7121.
Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Planning Lifts
For senior staff planning and authorising lifts as the named Appointed Person on a project. Covers lift planning, risk assessment, equipment selection and the competent supervision of complex lifts. Mapped to the CPCS A61 Appointed Person route and required for full LOLER 1998 compliance on high-risk sites.
Crane operator NVQs
Level 2 Crawler Crane NVQ
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Cranes and Specialist Lifting)
Upgrade your red CPCS or NPORS Crawler Crane card to a blue competent operator card with this Level 2 NVQ, assessed on-site in your real work environment.
Level 2 Mobile Crane NVQ
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Cranes and Specialist Lifting)
Upgrade your red CPCS or NPORS Mobile Crane card to a blue competent operator card with this Level 2 NVQ, assessed in your real work environment.
Level 2 Tower Crane NVQ
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Cranes and Specialist Lifting)
Upgrade your red CPCS or NPORS Tower Crane card to a blue competent operator card with this Level 2 NVQ, assessed through real-world site-based evidence.
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations - Lorry Loader
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations (Cranes and Specialist Lifting)
Upgrade your red CPCS or NPORS Lorry Loader card to a blue competent operator card with this Level 2 NVQ, assessed in your real work environment.
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Compact Crane
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations (Cranes and Specialist Lifting)
Upgrade your red CPCS or NPORS Compact Crane card to a blue competent operator card with this Level 2 NVQ, assessed on-site through real work activities.
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations - Overhead Crane
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations (Cranes and Specialist Lifting)
Upgrade your red CPCS or NPORS Overhead Crane card to a blue competent operator card with this Level 2 NVQ, assessed in your normal working environment.
Card and test services
We can apply for your card and book the right health and safety test for you, so you can get on site sooner.
Red trained operator card expiring before you finish your NVQ? We can check whether you qualify for a 12-month CPCS or NPORS extension and handle your application. Eligibility and expiry rules depend on your scheme.
Key Benefits of Lifting Operations NVQs
Our Lifting Operations NVQs are delivered by industry specialists who understand the unique demands of Slinger Signaller duties, crane operation, appointed person roles and LOLER compliance. We work around your schedule — on-site, at your pace.
Expert Lifting Assessors
Our NVQ assessors are experienced Appointed Persons, Lift Supervisors and crane operators — they understand LOLER 1998, BS 7121 and what competence looks like on live sites.
CPCS & NPORS Recognised
Nationally accredited NVQs recognised by both CPCS and NPORS card schemes — leading to your Blue Competent Operator Card and evidencing competence under LOLER 1998.
Flexible On-Site Assessment
Assessment fits around your work commitments — on-site observation as and when it suits you, with no classroom attendance required.
Full NVQ Journey Support
From awarding body registration and evidence gathering through to final certification and CPCS or NPORS card upgrade admin — one dedicated assessor, direct contact, no reassignment.
Assessed on Site — Around Your Work
Our Lifting Operations NVQ assessors are specialists in crane operation, LOLER 1998 compliance and lift supervision. They come to your site, observe your real work and gather evidence through the four methods below — no exams, no disruption to your operations.
Observed Lifting Operations
Your assessor watches you carry out real lifts on site — craning, slinging, signalling or planning — confirming practical competence against LOLER requirements and safe systems of work.
Lift Plans & Risk Assessments
Lift plans, method statements, LOLER inspection records and risk assessments form part of your evidence portfolio.
Supervisor & Colleague Testimony
Statements from site managers and colleagues confirm your day-to-day competence and reliability in lifting operations.
Professional Discussion
A structured conversation with your assessor to confirm your understanding of LOLER regulations, load calculations and safe systems of work.
NVQ Reviews from Lifting Professionals
"With the help of Aidan at All Star Safety I have just completed my NVQ for Crawler Cranes over 10 tons. I have worked with Aidan before and would not hesitate in recommending All Star Safety to anyone in need of help and guidance through the CPCS NVQ process. All Star Safety use a very intuitive online platform which shows, amongst other things, Knowledge Tasks, Resources and Assessments — all of which help to progress the NVQ in a structured manner. Knowledgeable and very professional. Recommended.
Darren Littlewood
"I recently completed my NVQ in Appointed Persons for Controlling Lifting Operations with Aidan at All Star Safety. Aidan was extremely accommodating and his communication and guidance throughout the whole NVQ process was nothing short of superb. I would highly recommend and will be using All Star Safety again for my NVQ Level 6 in Construction Management in the not too distant future. Thanks again.
Andy J.
"Thanks very much to Simon Diggory. I thoroughly enjoyed the assessment and would recommend Simon to new and upcoming slingers and crane supervisors. Once again thank you.
Simon Bousfield
Lifting Operations NVQ FAQs
Everything slingers, crane operators, lift supervisors and appointed persons ask before starting a workplace-assessed NVQ. Still unsure? Our team is happy to talk it through.
Which lifting NVQ do I need?
Do I need to be working in a lifting role?
Do I need to sit exams or attend a classroom?
Which card can I get after my lifting NVQ?
- Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts
CPCS: A61 Appointed Person – Lifting Operations
NPORS: N401 Appointed Person - Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Supervising Lifts
CPCS: A62 Crane/Lifting Operations Supervisor
NPORS: N405 Crane / Lift Supervisor - Level 2 Slinger Signaller NVQ
CPCS: A40 Slinger/Signaller
NPORS: N402 Slinger / Signaller (C402 CITB grant-funded version) - Level 2 Mobile Crane NVQ
CPCS: A60 Mobile Crane
NPORS: N101 Mobile Crane - Level 2 Crawler Crane NVQ
CPCS: A02 Crawler Crane over 10 tonnes
NPORS: N103 Crawler Crane - Level 2 Tower Crane NVQ
CPCS: A04 Tower Crane
NPORS: N102 Tower Crane - Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Lorry Loader
CPCS: A36 Lorry Loader
NPORS: N107 Lorry Loader - Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Overhead Crane
CPCS: A64 Overhead Travelling Crane
NPORS: N104 Overhead Crane - Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations – Compact Crane
CPCS: A66 Compact Crane
NPORS: N140 Compact Crane
What evidence will I need to provide?
How long does a lifting NVQ take?
Can I do an NVQ while working full-time?
Official sources: CPCS Red to Blue card upgrade · CPCS Blue Competent Operator card · NPORS card information · CITB HS&E test
Ready to Start Your
Lifting NVQ?
Speak to our team about the right Lifting NVQ for your role, experience and target CPCS or NPORS card upgrade. Enquire today: call 01473 561402 or email info@allstarsafety.co.uk.
44 Felaw Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8SJ