NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts

Advance your career with a workplace-based qualification for professionals responsible for planning lifting operations using cranes and lifting equipment. Demonstrate your competence while continuing to work and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

Course Highlights

• Supports CPCS A61 Appointed Person applications
• Workplace-based assessment
• No classroom attendance required
• No written examinations
• Flexible online portfolio
• Dedicated assessor support
• Nationally recognised Level 5 qualification

Suitable For

• Appointed Persons
• Lift Planners
• Crane Coordinators
• Lifting Operations Managers
• Construction Managers
• Site Managers
• Project Engineers
• Heavy Lifting Specialists

Level 5 Lifting Operations Planning NVQ is designed for experienced professionals responsible for planning and coordinating lifting operations within construction and engineering projects. This workplace-based qualification enables learners to demonstrate their competence in planning safe lifting activities, preparing sites, allocating plant and equipment, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with current health and safety legislation while supporting applications for the CPCS A61 Appointed Person Card.

Throughout the qualification, candidates develop advanced knowledge of lift planning, crane selection, risk assessments, method statements, site preparation, resource management, and evaluating work methods. Learners also strengthen their understanding of legal responsibilities, environmental considerations, effective communication, and project planning to ensure lifting operations are completed safely and efficiently.

Because assessment takes place entirely within the workplace, candidates can continue working while building a portfolio of evidence based on real lifting operations. This flexible approach allows experienced professionals to gain a nationally recognised qualification without attending classroom sessions or completing traditional written examinations.

Who Is This Course For?

This qualification is designed for experienced professionals who are responsible for planning, organising, and controlling lifting operations within the construction and engineering industries. It is ideal for those looking to gain a nationally recognised qualification while supporting applications for the CPCS A61 Appointed Person Card.

It is suitable for:

• Appointed Persons
• Lift Planners
• Crane Coordinators
• Crane Supervisors
• Site Managers
• Construction Managers
• Project Managers
• Contracts Managers
• Civil Engineering Supervisors
• Heavy Lifting Specialists

Whether you are responsible for planning routine lifting activities or complex lifting operations involving multiple cranes and specialist equipment, this qualification enables you to demonstrate your competence through workplace assessment while remaining in full-time employment.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Planning Safe Lifting Operations

Producing Lift Plans and Method Statements

Selecting Suitable Cranes and Lifting Equipment

Preparing Risk Assessments for Lifting Operations

Managing Resources for Planned Lifts

Coordinating Personnel During Lifting Operations

Interpreting Technical Drawings and Site Information

Applying Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation

Communicating with Site Teams and Contractors

Monitoring Lifting Operations for Compliance

Managing Complex Construction Lifting Activities

Industry Best Practice for Appointed Persons

Course Delivery

This qualification is delivered entirely through workplace assessment, allowing you to remain in full-time employment while gaining a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification.

Once enrolled, you’ll be assigned a dedicated assessor who will guide you throughout the assessment process. Evidence is collected from your day-to-day responsibilities, including lift plans, risk assessments, method statements, workplace observations, professional discussions, and supporting documentation.

There are no classroom sessions and no traditional written examinations. Instead, your competence is assessed using real workplace evidence that reflects your role as an Appointed Person responsible for planning lifting operations.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this qualification.

However, candidates should:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Already work within construction or engineering
• Be responsible for planning lifting operations
• Have access to live lifting projects
• Be able to provide workplace evidence
• Have experience producing lift plans and risk assessments

This qualification is intended for experienced professionals who can demonstrate competence through real workplace responsibilities.

Assessment Process

Assessment is completed entirely in the workplace and measures your competence against nationally recognised occupational standards.

Evidence may include:

• Lift plans
• Risk assessments
• Method statements
• Workplace observations
• Professional discussions
• Site documentation
• Planning records
• Photographs
• Portfolio evidence

Your assessor will provide continuous guidance throughout the qualification, ensuring your portfolio demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and practical competence required to successfully achieve the qualification.

CPCS A61 Appointed Person Benefits

Successfully completing this qualification supports applications for the CPCS A61 Appointed Person Card, subject to meeting the current CPCS application requirements.

Level 5 Lifting Operations Planning NVQ helps you:

• Support applications for the CPCS A61 Appointed Person Card
• Demonstrate recognised occupational competence
• Improve career progression opportunities
• Increase professional credibility
• Meet recognised industry standards
• Develop advanced lift planning knowledge
• Enhance long-term earning potential

Achieving this qualification demonstrates that you have the knowledge, planning ability, and practical competence expected of professionals responsible for controlling lifting operations within the construction industry.

Career Benefits

Successfully completing this qualification can help you progress into senior planning and management roles within the lifting operations and construction sectors.

Career opportunities include:

• Appointed Person
• Lift Planner
• Crane Coordinator
• Crane Supervisor
• Site Manager
• Construction Manager
• Contracts Manager
• Project Manager
• Civil Engineering Manager
• Lifting Operations Manager

This qualification also supports progression into higher-level construction management and operational leadership roles.