Course Genie

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/Signaller

Accredited by ProQual

The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/Signaller is the competence qualification for a slinger/signaller, and it is the qualification you need to upgrade your CPCS Red Trained Operator card to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category. It is awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual (qualification number 600/9043/1). It sits at Level 2 on the regulated qualifications framework.

A slinger/signaller attaches and detaches loads and directs the movement of the crane, using clear signals to guide lifts safely. It is a key safety-critical role on any site that lifts loads. An NVQ is competence-based: instead of sitting written exams, you prove you can already do the job, assessed against national standards using evidence from your own work. The NVQ portfolio is built and assessed remotely, with your assessor supporting you by video call, so there is no time away from work for the qualification itself.

It is made up of a small number of mandatory units covering health, safety and welfare, productive working practices, and slinging, signalling and the movement of suspended loads.

To get the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card you complete this NVQ, hold a current pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, and pass the separate CPCS technical tests for the A40 Slinger/Signaller category. The NVQ is the competence part of that route. CPCS Blue cards are valid for five years.

CourseGenie also lists the other lifting NVQs, including Crane Supervisor (Level 4) and Appointed Person (Level 5). You can also browse the full range of construction NVQs.

There is also a Level 4 Crane Supervisor (Lifting Operations) route.

Operators can specialise further through Cranes and Specialist Lifting.

Who it's for

  • Experienced slinger/signallers who need the NVQ to upgrade to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card
  • Slinger/signallers who hold a CPCS Red Trained Operator card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category
  • Workers carrying out slinger/signaller duties who have the skills but not the formal qualification
  • Self-employed slinger/signallers wanting nationally recognised proof of competence
  • Workers whose site or employer requires a Blue Competent Operator card
  • Lifting personnel formalising experience built up on the job

Entry requirements

  • You should be carrying out slinger/signaller work with enough work to evidence your competence
  • A CPCS Red Trained Operator card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category is the normal starting point
  • Relevant hands-on lifting experience is expected
  • Access to live work throughout to gather evidence
  • You work with a qualified assessor who supports you remotely
  • For the CPCS Blue card you also need a current CITB HS&E test pass and the CPCS technical tests
  • There are no written exams within the NVQ itself

What you'll achieve

  • The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/Signaller, regulated by Ofqual (number 600/9043/1)
  • The competence qualification needed for the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card (A40 Slinger/Signaller)
  • Nationally recognised proof that you are a competent slinger/signaller
  • Recognition by contractors and clients running lifting operations
  • A portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence against national standards
  • Completed remotely, with no written exams and no time away from work for the NVQ
  • A qualification that matches the lifting work you already do
  • A foundation for progression to higher lifting roles

What's covered

1
Health, safety and welfare in construction
Working safely around lifting operations and keeping to welfare standards.
2
Productive working practices
Working to the lift plan and methods set out for the job.
3
Slinging and attaching loads
Selecting accessories and attaching and detaching loads safely.
4
Signalling and directing lifts
Directing the crane with clear, correct signals to move suspended loads safely.

How to enrol

  1. 1 Book and pay securely online using the button above. Enrolment is immediate, with no fixed start dates.
  2. 2 We send you a short skill scan form to confirm your experience and that this is the right qualification for you.
  3. 3 We register you with ProQual.
  4. 4 Your assessor gets in touch to get you started and guide you through building your portfolio remotely.

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/Signaller FAQs

It is a competence-based NVQ that proves you are a competent slinger/signaller. You evidence your competence against national standards from your own work, with no written exams in the NVQ. It is the competence qualification for the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category. The ProQual qualification number is 600/9043/1.
It is the competence qualification you need to upgrade a CPCS Red Trained Operator card to the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category. CPCS Blue cards are valid for five years.
No. The NVQ is the competence part. For the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card you also need a current CITB HS&E test pass and to have passed the separate CPCS technical tests for your category.
Normally yes. The usual route is to hold a CPCS Red Trained Operator card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category, then complete this NVQ to upgrade to the Blue Competent Operator card.
It is assessed remotely against national standards. You build an online portfolio of evidence from your day-to-day work, including photographs and videos, and you have professional discussions with your assessor by video call. There are no written exams in the NVQ.
Yes. The NVQ portfolio is built and assessed remotely, so there is no time away from work for the qualification itself. The separate CPCS technical tests are taken at a test centre.
The qualification carries a total qualification time of around 430 hours, a notional measure of all the learning it represents rather than time off the job. Because the NVQ recognises skills you already use, most people complete the portfolio remotely in a few months.
No. They are separate. The NVQ proves your lifting competence; the CITB HS&E test proves your safety knowledge. You need both, plus the CPCS technical tests, for the Blue card.
Yes. Self-employed lifting personnel are well suited to the NVQ, because you evidence your competence from your own work. You just need enough relevant work to cover the standards.
There are no formal entry qualifications for the NVQ. You do need to be carrying out slinger/signaller work with enough work to evidence your competence, and normally to hold a CPCS Red card in the A40 Slinger/Signaller category.
This NVQ is awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. The qualification number is 600/9043/1.
The cost varies by provider, and CITB-registered employers may be able to claim grant funding towards these NVQs. Compare live prices at the top of this page.
You build an online portfolio from your real work: photographs and videos of lifting operations, records of professional discussions held by video call, and witness statements from colleagues or supervisors.
You enrol and pay online, complete a short skills scan form, get registered with ProQual, and your assessor gets in touch to start building your portfolio. Enrolment is immediate, with no fixed start dates.
Yes. CPCS Blue Competent Operator cards are valid for five years and are then renewed. The NVQ qualification itself does not expire.

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