What is QCF?

The qualification and Credit Framework, or QCF, is a new educational framework designed to make vocational qualifications easier to understand. The qualifications have been developed to work more closely with employers and ensure that training and qualifications are more relevant to the actual work undertaken by candidates. Each candidate will have a ULN (Unique Learner Number) and will have access to their key information via a central computer system.

Do I need to get one?

The CPCS Red trained Operator Card is valid for 2 years. During the 2-year life of the Red Card you must achieve a QCF Diploma or Certificate in Plant and Machinery Operations. This will allow you to apply for the CPCS Blue Competent Card. The Red Card is non-renewable and if you do not achieve the QCF you loose your card.

What is the difference between a Certificate and a Diploma?

The simple way of understanding the difference between a Certificate and a Diploma is as follows. To become competent in the more complicated machines like an excavator, which require longer training courses and more operating hours, you would need to attain a Diploma. To become competent in the less complicated machines, like dumpers, you would be awarded a certificate. You may require a certificate on one category and a Diploma on another.

How do I start the QCF/NVQ?

• If you have gained the CPCS Red card after novice training, get 6 to 8 months experience on site then contact an NVQ/QCF Centre to arrange an NVQ/QCF induction and NVQ/QCF registration. We are an accredited NVQ/QCF centre and will be happy to assist you in gaining your Qualification. If you are an experienced operator, then you can register straight away and begin to work towards completing your NVQ. Certificate/Diploma.
• Attend an NVQ/QCF Induction and Registration session where the process will be explained to you in detail. A Pre-registration assessment will be completed to assist us in selecting the most appropriate route of entry for you based on your experience, knowledge, current operating ability and the available qualifications.
• You will be asked to provide proof of identity at the induction.

What are my Routes of Entry?

Routes of entry are the way you register or set about completing your qualification and are as follows.

• EWPAR- (Experienced Worker Practical Assessed Route). You need to have good experience and operating ability for this route of entry. Upon registration and induction you will be required to get a set of witness testimonies completed by your employer. You will attend the centre on a given day and take a EWPAR assessment (practical Test) and complete a Professional Discussion (a recorded detailed interview about your experience and knowledge of safe operation of the plant and general site safety).
• OSAT (On Site Assessment and Training) to achieve the OSAT NVQ/QCF you need to collect evidence of your ability to operate safely and this evidence is built into a portfolio. You need to collect diverse evidence and have sufficient evidence to meet all the performance criteria.

What evidence do I need?

There is a wide variety of evidence you can collect and below are some examples.

• A reference from your employer confirming your job role, ability, safety record, how well you get on with other people and how you interact with clients.
  
  Please note that these should be individual references rather than general ones.
  
  
• A reference from the Site Agent confirming your ability, safety record and the quality of your completed work. This reference needs to include the location of job and date. As with an employer reference this also needs to be individual.
• Daily or weekly inspection sheets of plant. You record daily or weekly inspections of the plant e.g. F91(now discontinued) or the LOLER Register.
  
  You will need a copy of one page with 2-3 months entries covering the relevant plant.
  
  
• Risk assessments, method statements and permits to dig. These are classed as good evidence but must have your name and job role to be valid (i.e. John Smith - excavator driver).
• Induction handouts, site plans and toolbox talks. These must include your name to show you have attended and took part.
• Photographs of work done. In the case of photos you will need to include a description of the work done, location, time and date and details of somebody who can verify that it is your own work.
• Logbook ,work sheets, time sheets. Photocopies of entries in your logbooks if signed by foreman or supervisor, timesheets if you are down as operator or other job records.
• Observation. The assessor will carry out at least 2-3 site visits depending on the category of plant and the number of categories you hold. Once on site they will observe you operating the plant, carrying out you normal site based activities (with site permission these observations will be video recorded and form part of your evidence in the NVQ portfolio) At the end of each site visit the assessor will sit down with you and discuss your performance and how it meets the required standard and what if any further evidence is required to complete the NVQ.
• Professional Discussion. This is an interview about your work experience and the job you are currently on. This is used to provide supporting evidence and fill any gaps allowing you to complete the NVQ.
• Knowledge Evidence. Each unit contains a set of questions which allows the assessor to assess and determine your level of knowledge.
• Your Portfolio is produced by the centre and contains all the relevant standards and units that you need to complete. The portfolio is worked on at each visit and contains a section for your evidence and a section for the assessor observations.

What is the QCF/NVQ Process?

Stage 1

You and your assessor will discuss which units you are going to work towards.

Stage 2

The units will be explained in detail.

Stage 3

Your experience and any evidence that you may have are discussed.

Stage 4

The evidence requirements are explained, your knowledge is assessed both orally and written and you will discuss any Particular Assessment Requirement (PAR) that you many have.

Stage 5

You will produce evidence in the following way:

• Observation in the workplace through assessment.
• Being questioned by your assessor.
• Having a reference system in your logbook/portfolio showing location or copies of time sheets, job cards, photographs, plans, work schedules.

Stage 6

After each assessment you will be given feedback by your assessor on the following:

• If you are competent in the required standard. This will be recorded
• If you are not competent and require more training. Training can be arranged through your company or by yourself and does not have to be carried out by CISTC. If, as a result of an operator assessment, training needs have been identified then they must be address before you will be able to progress with the qualification.

Stage 7

You will regularly discuss your progress with your Assessor.

Who will be involved in my QCF/NVQ?

Assessment of your QCF/NVQ can be carried out in the workplace, college or training center, or a combination of these. The people involved in the assessment are listed below.

• You the Candidate. Follow the advice and guidance of your assessor and collect the required evidence. Ask questions if in doubt and get involved in the process.
• The Assessor. This person will have experience in your area of work and is responsible for assessments and planning. The Assessor is also responsible for judging when you are competent and will help you plan and organize your evidence.
• The Internal Verifier. This person maintains the quality of assessments within the centre.
• The External Verifier/QA. This person is employed by CAA to ensure that the centre meets all the National Standards. They also ensure that the assessment process and outcomes are valid, authentic, current and sufficient.

What happens once I complete the QCF/NVQ?

Upon completion of your NVQ/QCF you will not automatically receive your Blue CPCS Card and must apply to CPCS for the Blue Card on an upgrade form: CPCS F1/2 which is available from CISTC if the NVQ/QCF is completed by us. Ensure you have a valid CSCS Health and Safety Test i.e. taken in the last 2 years. Please note that this is not the expiry date on your CSCS card it is the actual Touch screen test that must be within two years.

What do I do now?

Click here to contact CISTC and make an appointment for your induction and profile session.