High Risk Work Licence - Self-Erecting Tower Crane (CS) exam-day guide
High Risk Work Licence - Self-Erecting Tower Crane (CS) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver licence or passport) with matching name. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a digital licence is permitted.
Assessment booking confirmation and paperwork
Bring your booking confirmation, any enrolment or pre-assessment forms, and your Unique Student Identifier (USI) details if applicable. Confirm with the provider exactly which documents must be presented on the day.
Safety boots and PPE
Wear steel-capped safety boots and the high-visibility clothing and hard hat the provider requires. Confirm with the provider whether PPE is supplied or must be brought, and whether any site-specific PPE (e.g., gloves, glasses) is needed.
Clothing suitable for climbing and outdoor work
Wear close-fitting work clothing that will not snag, and dress for weather because practical assessment is usually conducted outdoors. Confirm with the provider whether wet-weather gear or a change of clothes is advisable.
Pre-assessment study and logbook review
Revise the crane's operating manual, load charts, pre-start checks, and emergency lowering procedures. If your course requires a logbook of supervised operating hours, check the required format and entries with the provider.
Physical fitness and medical readiness
Be fit to climb, work at height, and operate controls. If you have a medical condition or take medication that may affect safety, confirm with the provider what declaration or medical clearance is required.
Arrive early and know the location
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start to allow sign-in and briefing. Check the exact training site address and parking arrangements with the provider, as assessment sites are often not the office address.
Language, literacy and numeracy support
If you need an interpreter or LLN support, arrange it with the provider well before the assessment day. Confirm with the provider what support is allowed and whether it must be requested in advance.
Food, water and sun protection
Bring water, lunch and sunscreen; practical assessments can run for several hours outdoors. Confirm with the provider whether there are breaks and whether amenities are available on site.
Review the assessment conditions
Ask the provider in advance how the practical assessment is structured, what the assessor will observe, and what happens if you make an error. Confirm with the provider the pass requirements and any re-assessment policy.
Plan the day
Confirm your booking, start time, site address and what to bring with the provider. Re-read the crane operator manual and load charts, rehearse pre-start inspection steps and emergency lowering procedures, and check that your logbook or required paperwork is complete. Get adequate sleep in the nights before the assessment.
Pack your ID, booking confirmation, PPE and clothing. Check weather and travel plans, and arrange transport so you arrive early. Avoid heavy physical work or alcohol, and review the key safety checks you will perform. Confirm with the provider if you have any last-minute questions about ID or equipment.
Eat breakfast, wear the required PPE and clothing, and arrive at least 30 minutes early. Complete sign-in and any declarations honestly. Listen carefully to the pre-assessment briefing, ask clarifying questions, and confirm you understand the emergency stop and communication signals before starting.
Follow the assessor's instructions exactly. Perform pre-start checks in a logical order, communicate clearly with the spotter or dogman, and operate smoothly within the crane's limits. If you make an error, stop, make the situation safe, and continue as directed. Do not rush; demonstrate safe decision-making throughout.
Rules to check
Present valid photo identification matching your booking; candidates without acceptable ID may not be assessed. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted.
Follow all site safety rules, including wearing the required PPE at all times and obeying exclusion zones and spotter instructions.
Listen to and comply with the assessor's directions. If you do not understand an instruction, ask for clarification before acting.
Do not operate the crane outside its rated capacity or in unsafe conditions. The assessor may stop the assessment if safety is compromised.
Breaks and assessment duration are set by the provider; confirm the schedule at the briefing and ask before leaving the assessment area.
Scoring is based on the provider's assessment instrument and the national unit of competency. Confirm with the provider the specific performance criteria, pass marks and re-assessment options.
Mobile phones and recording devices should be silenced and stored unless the provider permits otherwise; confirm the provider's policy at sign-in.
Declare any medication, medical condition or impairment that could affect safe operation before the assessment begins.