Description
About the NVQ
If you’re already doing this work, this NVQ turns your on-the-job experience into formal, recognised proof of your competence — and can be used to upgrade an existing CPCS (A74) or NPORS (Piling Rig Attendant) card.
Qualification Details
- Awarding Body: ProQual
- Qualification Title: ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations (Construction) – Piling Operative
- Ofqual qualification number: 603/0045/0
- Level: 2
Who Is This NVQ For?
It’s particularly well suited to:
- Piling operatives supporting the installation of piles and specialist foundation works
- Operatives responsible for guiding piling rigs, slinging loads and carrying out site-based piling activities
- Contractors looking to demonstrate a competent, qualified piling workforce
- Construction operatives progressing from general groundwork or labouring roles into a recognised specialist trade
This NVQ formalises the skills you already use on the job into a recognised qualification, without pulling you away from work to get it.
We deliver this NVQ nationwide, on your own site, working around your existing job and workload so you don’t need to travel or take time off to complete it.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this piling operations NVQ.
All candidates complete an initial skills assessment to identify any knowledge gaps and plan the right assessment route for their role and experience.
Qualification Structure
To achieve the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations – Piling Operative, candidates must complete:
Mandatory Units
- Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
- Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace
- Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace
- Contributing to the Piling Operation in the Workplace
- Slinging and Hand Signalling the Movement of Suspended Loads in the Workplace
Optional Units (choose one)
- Guiding the piling rig for the formation of piles in the workplace
How You’re Assessed
This is a workplace-based NVQ, meaning your everyday work activities provide the evidence required to demonstrate competence.
Assessment methods may include:
- Assessor observations
- Professional discussions
- Witness testimonies
- Work products and site records
- Assignments and reports
- Oral and written questioning
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Our assessors work around your existing responsibilities, making the process flexible and straightforward while minimising disruption to your workload.
Certification
Upon successful completion, candidates will receive:
- A ProQual certificate for the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations (Construction) – Piling Operative
CITB Grant Funding
CITB-registered employers may be eligible to claim a £600 Short Qualification Grant upon successful completion of this NVQ.
We handle the grant application on your behalf, start to finish, so there’s no extra admin for you or your team. If you’re not sure whether your business qualifies, our team can check your eligibility for you — just ask.
What Card Can I Get With This NVQ?
Once you have:
- Completed this Level 2 qualification, and
- Passed the CITB Operatives Health, Safety & Environment Test (the touchscreen test required for this pathway)
…if you already hold a Red Trained Operator CPCS/NPORS card, you can upgrade it to the Blue Competent Operator card — proof of your competence within the construction industry.


Next Steps
Already working as a piling rig attendant and want formal recognition for it? Get in touch and we’ll confirm this is the right route for your role, and talk through the evidence your day-to-day work is already generating.
NVQ PDF Download
Download the full information PDF for the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations – Piling Operative.


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