NRSWA Operative Course (5 Days)
The complete NRSWA Operative qualification covering all nine units required for operatives carrying out excavation, reinstatement and traffic management on the public highway. Gain your SWQR-registered Streetworks card in five days.
What is the NRSWA Operative Course?
The NRSWA Operative course is the industry-standard qualification for anyone who physically carries out works on the public highway. It is a legal requirement under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 — any operative involved in excavation, reinstatement, backfilling or traffic management must hold the appropriate units before commencing work.
This five-day programme covers all nine operative units, giving you a comprehensive qualification that applies across the full range of street works activities. Whether you are working for a utilities company, a civil engineering contractor or a specialist reinstatement team, this course provides the knowledge and assessed competence required by law.
On successful completion, your units are registered on the Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR) and you will receive a Streetworks card valid for five years. This qualification is recognised nationally and is required by all highway authorities across England and Wales.
Related Courses
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Not sure which course is right for your role? Contact us and we will help you identify the correct qualification.
Get in TouchWho Should Attend?
This course is designed for operatives who will be physically involved in street works activities. If your role involves digging, reinstating, laying materials or setting up traffic management on a public road, this is the qualification you need.
It is equally suited to new entrants with no previous street works experience and to experienced operatives who have not yet obtained the formal qualification.
This course is for:
- Operatives carrying out excavation or reinstatement on the public highway
- Utilities contractors working for gas, water, electric or telecoms providers
- Civils and reinstatement teams involved in highway maintenance
- Groundworkers entering the street works sector for the first time
- Anyone requiring a first-time NRSWA Streetworks qualification
Units Covered
The full NRSWA Operative qualification consists of the following nine units. All are covered during this five-day programme.
Location & Avoidance of Underground Apparatus
Identifying the presence of underground services and applying safe techniques to avoid damage during excavation works.
Signing, Lighting & Guarding
Setting up and maintaining temporary traffic management systems to protect the workforce and public during highway works.
Excavation in the Highway
Safe excavation techniques, trench support requirements and compliance with specification standards for highway excavation.
Reinstatement & Compaction of Backfill Materials
Correct selection, placement and compaction of backfill materials in accordance with the SROH specification.
Reinstatement of Sub-base & Non-bituminous Materials
Preparing and placing sub-base layers using approved non-bituminous materials to the required standard.
Reinstatement of Cold-lay Bituminous Materials
Application of cold-lay bituminous materials for interim and permanent surface reinstatements.
Reinstatement of Hot-lay Bituminous Materials
Working with hot-lay bituminous materials including proper laying temperatures, compaction and joint formation.
Reinstatement of Concrete Slabs
Reinstating concrete slab surfaces to the required specification, including formwork, pouring and finishing.
Reinstatement of Modular Surfaces & Concrete Footways
Reinstating block paving, flags, setts and concrete footway surfaces to match existing surrounds.
Availability of certain units may depend on programme requirements. Contact us if you need a specific combination of units.
How the Course is Delivered
The NRSWA Operative course is delivered over five consecutive days, combining classroom-based learning with practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises. Our instructors draw on their own street works backgrounds to ensure the training is relevant, realistic and directly applicable to the work you will carry out on site.
Each day covers specific units, building progressively from location and avoidance of underground apparatus through to the various reinstatement materials and techniques. Real-world scenarios are used throughout to reinforce understanding and prepare you for the assessment elements.
Assessments are completed during the programme, so there is no need to attend separately for examination. By the end of the five days, you will have completed all required assessments and be ready for SWQR registration.
Classroom Learning
Structured instruction covering legislation, specifications and procedures for each unit.
Practical Demonstrations
Hands-on elements including excavation techniques, material identification and reinstatement methods.
Integrated Assessments
Knowledge checks and practical assessments completed during the programme — no separate exam day required.
SWQR Registration
On successful completion, your units are submitted for registration on the Street Works Qualification Register.
Assessment & Certification
Each of the nine units includes its own assessment. These consist of a combination of knowledge-based checks — including online multiple-choice elements — and practical assessment components where you demonstrate competence in the relevant tasks.
Assessments are built into the five-day programme, so you will complete them as you progress through the units. There is no separate assessment day.
On Successful Completion
- All achieved units registered on the Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR)
- Streetworks card issued — valid for five years
- Nationally recognised qualification accepted by all highway authorities
- Full compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
What You Will Learn
Beyond the formal units and assessments, this course provides a solid foundation of practical knowledge that you will apply every day on site. Delegates leave with a clear understanding of their legal responsibilities and the technical standards expected of them.
Why Train with Apollo Quality & Assessment?
We deliver NRSWA training from our dedicated centre in Ripley, Derbyshire, serving contractors across Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and the wider Midlands. Our instructors bring real street works experience to every session — training is practical, clear and focused on getting you qualified efficiently.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The full NRSWA Operative course runs over five consecutive days. This covers all operative units from LA through to O8, including both classroom learning and practical assessment.
Once you successfully complete the course and your units are registered on the SWQR, your qualification is valid for five years. After that, you will need to complete a reassessment to maintain your card.
Yes. Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, anyone carrying out works on the public highway must hold the appropriate NRSWA qualification for their role. Working without it is a legal offence and can result in enforcement action.
If you do not pass a particular unit assessment, you will have the opportunity to resit that unit. Our instructors will provide guidance on areas to review before your resit. You do not need to retake the entire course.
No prior street works experience is required. The operative course is designed for both new entrants to the sector and those who need to formalise their qualifications for the first time.
You should bring standard construction PPE including safety boots, a high-visibility vest or jacket, and appropriate workwear. We will advise on any additional requirements when you book.
You will need to complete an NRSWA Reassessment before your card expires. This is a shorter course that confirms your continued competence. We recommend booking your reassessment at least two months before your expiry date.
No. The Operative course covers units related to physically carrying out works on the highway — excavation, reinstatement, and traffic management. The Supervisor course covers monitoring and overseeing those activities. The correct course depends on your job role.
Yes. We regularly deliver training for groups and can offer competitive rates for multiple bookings. Contact us to discuss availability and pricing for your team.
Training is delivered at our centre in Ripley, Derbyshire. We also offer on-site delivery for organisations that require it. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Book Your NRSWA Operative Course
Get qualified in five days with a nationally recognised NRSWA Operative qualification. Delivered from our training centre in Ripley, Derbyshire.
For dates, pricing or advice on the correct course for your role, get in touch.