How to get NRSWA Street Works accreditation

If your work involves any digging on a public road or pavement, or even just placing temporary traffic lights and cones, you must have a New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) accreditation. To get qualified, you need to find an approved training centre, complete a course covering the specific tasks you'll be doing, and pass both written and practical assessments. This qualification is a legal requirement and councils will not issue you a permit to work without it.

What is NRSWA and why do I need it?

The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) is a piece of legislation designed to ensure safety and best practice when work is carried out on public highways. Its goal is to protect both the workers and the general public, and to minimise disruption.

You will need this accreditation if your work involves any of the following on a public highway (which includes roads, pavements, and verges):

• Excavating or digging
• Placing, maintaining, or removing equipment (like a mini-digger or stone cutter)
• Setting up temporary traffic lights, signs, cones, and barriers

For example, if you are a landscaper building a new driveway entrance that crosses a public pavement, or a builder needing to temporarily place materials on the road, you are legally required to have the right NRSWA card.

Understanding the 'Street Works Card' and Units

The qualification is often referred to as a 'Street Works Card' or 'SWQR Card'. It's a physical photo ID card that lists the specific tasks—known as 'units'—you are qualified to perform. The cards are issued by the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR).

There are two main categories of accreditation:

• Operative: This is for the person physically carrying out the work. For example, the person digging the trench or setting out the cones.
• Supervisor: This is for the person responsible for managing and overseeing the work to ensure it meets the required standards. A supervisor must hold this qualification to monitor a street works site.

A single person can be qualified as both an operative and a supervisor, but they cannot supervise the same site they are working on as an operative at the same time.

How to Get Your Accreditation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to gain your NRSWA qualification.

1. Identify the Units You Need: First, determine which specific units of competence you need for your job. A training provider can help, but the most common combination for an operative covers everything from setting up signs to excavating and reinstating the surface. A typical course for an operative might cover Units 1-6 & 9.
2. Find an Accredited Training Provider: You must use an approved training centre. You can find these through the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) website or by searching online for "NRSWA training courses" in your area.
3. Book and Attend the Course: NRSWA courses involve a mix of classroom learning and hands-on practical assessments. A full course for an operative typically lasts between 2 and 5 days, depending on the units you are taking.
4. Pass the Assessments: For each unit, you will need to pass a multiple-choice question paper and a practical observation where an assessor watches you perform the task correctly and safely.
5. Receive Your SWQR Card: Once you have successfully passed, the training centre will register you with the SWQR. You will then be issued with your card, which is valid for five years.

Important Things to Know

• Cost: The cost can vary depending on the provider and the number of units you take, but you should budget between £600 and £1,200 for a full operative course.
• Renewal: Your card is only valid for five years. Before it expires, you will need to take a shorter two-day reassessment course to renew your qualifications for another five years.
• Check with the Council: Before starting any project, always check the specific permit requirements of the local council you'll be working in. They will require proof of your accreditation before they grant a licence to carry out the work.