Site Vehicle Competence Assessment
SVCA
(Off-Road)

WHAT

The SVCA (Off-Road) is a vocational assessment designed for operators of heavy plant machinery such as dumpers, loaders, excavators, and lift trucks, primarily deployed in quarries and mineral extraction sites. It assesses operational competence in off-road environments, focusing on safety and equipment handling. While it isn't a regulated qualification, it is a NOS (National Occupational Standards) based assessment that exceeds traditional schemes like the CPCS.

HOW

It is delivered through practical assessments in real worksite environments, such as quarries and mineral extraction sites, where operators must demonstrate their abilities using heavy machinery. The assessment is based on NOS, ensuring that all critical aspects of safe and effective machinery operation are tested regularly, providing an ongoing improvement in competency over time.

WHY

This assessment was developed to address gaps in the traditional CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) by providing a more robust, NOS-aligned qualification. The SVCA (Off-Road) offers a structured, competency-based approach that ensures ongoing professional development through regular retesting. It elevates safety standards and operational excellence on sites where heavy plant is in use, ensuring operators maintain a high level of skill.

WHERE

Assessments typically take place in quarries, construction sites, and mineral extraction locations where these types of heavy plant equipment are used. It’s a site-based assessment allowing operators to be tested in their actual work environments, ensuring the skills evaluated are directly relevant to the demands of the job.

WHEN

The SVCA (Off-Road) can be delivered at any time of the year, with regular assessments and retesting to ensure continuous competence. It is structured to allow flexibility for employers and operators, providing an opportunity for operators to keep their skills current, unlike one-off assessments in traditional schemes.

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WHO

The SVCA (Off-Road) is targeted at operators of heavy plant machinery in the quarrying and mineral extraction industries. This includes dumpers, loaders, excavators, and lift trucks. It’s designed for both new operators seeking to build foundational skills and experienced operators looking for an advanced, NOS-based assessment that ensures long-term competence through regular retesting.