Qualifications Offered

Pesticides

Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Pesticides

This is a legally required qualification by the Control of Pesticide Regulations for anyone applying pesticides on a commercial basis. It is divided into 13 units. Unit PA1 is the foundation unit covering legislation through the approved code of practice. It is a computer based multiple choice assessments. Candidates must successfully complete the PA1 foundation unit before the can take an application unit.

PA1 Foundation unit
PA2 Ground Crop Sprayer – mounted or trailed
PA3 Broadcast or variable geometry boom sprayer – mounted or trailed
PA4 Pesticide granular application – mounted or trailed
PA5 Boated mounted applicators
PA6 Handheld applicator
PA7 Aerial applicator – pilot
PA8 Mixer loader
PA9 Fogging, misting and smokes
PA10 Batch dipping
PA11 Seed treating equipment
PA12 Application of pesticides to material as a continuous process via conveyer, roller tables and other moving equipment
PA13 Sub-surface liquid applicator

Chainsaws

Certificate of Competence in Chainsaws and Related Operations

This qualification is designed specifically to meet the needs of the Forestry, Arboriculture and Allied Industries, and the relevant legislation. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1998) is the legal requirement for employees and the self-employed to be competent in chainsaw operation relevant to the work they undertake.

The core unit is CS30 which covers maintenance of the saw, recognition of the safety features, chain sharpening, engine care and basic crosscutting of material.

The subsequent units build up in complexity and demand.
CS31 Fell and Process Small Trees 200mm-380mm
CS32 Fell and Process Medium Trees 380mm-760mm
CS34 Process Individual Windblown Trees
CS35 Process Multiple Windblown Trees
CS39 Use of Chain Saw from Rope and Harness
CS37 Breakdown of medium sized broadleaved crowns
CS40 Carry out Pruning Operations
CS41 Carry out Dismantling Operations
CS42 Carry out Stump Protection
CS43 Fell Utility Poles
CS44 Fell Standing Stems
CS45 Arboricultural Groundworker
CS47 Use of a Chain Saw from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)
CS48 Powered Pole Pruners
Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue (CS38)

Bruschcutters

Manually Fed Woodchipper Operations

A practical assessment in the use of Manually Fed Woodchippers includes pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments and operating the machine to chip material appropriate to the capacity of machine.

Brushcutting Operations

A practical assessment of the operation of a trimmer, brushcutter and or clearing saw includes pre-use checks and maintenance, identifications of controls and instruments. Certificates are endorsed according to the type of machine used.

Stump Grinding Operations

A practical assessment of the use of stump grinders includes pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments and operating the machine to remove a tree stump

Machinery

Tractor Driving and Related Operations

The assessment covers the safe driving of a tractor, pre-use maintenance and safety checks and recognition of controls and instruments. It also covers trailer hitching and attaching 3-point linkage and PTO-driven attachments. There is an optional unit that covers the use of a tractor fitted with a front end loader. (This is not a driving licence)

Land-Based Machine Maintenance

The assessment covers a range of tasks including engine maintenance, hydraulic systems, tyre safety, battery maintenance, transmission, belt and chain maintenance, cutting mechanisms and tine maintenance. The qualification is assessed in the context of either Agricultural Machinery or Horticultural Machinery.

Horticultural Machinery

Safe Use of Hedgetrimmers

A practical assessment of Hedgetrimmer operations includes pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments, operating the machine to trim a hedge – length side and top, or verge (including around obstacles).
The test is taken in the context of a handheld hedge trimmer, tractor mounted hedge trimmer or a tractor mounted implement used as a verge mower only.
There is also an additional unit called “Hedgerow Maintenance Principles” which can be taken on its own and is a theory assessment of the laws and environmental best practices for hedgerow maintenance.

Safe Use of Pedestrian Controlled Two Wheeled Tractors

These are machines that have interchangeable attachments for different tasks (eg cultivator, scythe mower, seed drill etc). The assessment includes pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments, operating the machine and changing attachments. Certificates are endorsed as Pedestrian Controlled Power Driven Cultivator or Pedestrian Controlled Machine with Working Attachments.

Safe Use of Turf Maintenance Equipment

A practical assessment of the operation of various types of turf maintenance equipment (scarifiers, aerators, slitters etc). Certificates are endorsed in the context of either pedestrian controlled or tractor mounted turf maintenance equipment.

Safe Use of Mowers

Candidates demonstrate that they can manoeuvre the mower skilfully and safely. The test includes pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments and operating the machine. Assessment is conducted and the certificate endorsed in the context of the type of mower used, either pedestrian controlled, tractor mounted or self-propelled ride-on, and the type of cutting mechanism (rotary, cylinder, flail or reciprocating knife).

Livestock

All NPTC Livestock qualifications assess the candidate’s ability to operate according to the Animal Welfare codes and requirements including the “5 freedoms” which all animals must be given.

Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

Support for this qualification is given by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

This is a practical assessment of the skills needed to administer different types of veterinary medicines to animals – oral, topical and subcutaneous treatments. It includes storing and transporting medicines, disposing of unwanted supplies, recognising signs of ill health and the relevant records that are kept. Certificates are endorsed according to the species of animal for which the candidate is assessed, including farm and domestic animals.

Planning and Supervising the Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

Building on the above qualification this involves the preparation and implementation of an animal health management plan, covering the planning and control and risk assessment of the tasks undertaken. Certificates are endorsed according to the species of animal on which the candidate is assessed.

Safe Use of Sheep Dips

As required by law under the Medicines (Exemptions for Merchants in Veterinary Drugs) Order 1998 for the purchase of sheep dip products. Basic mandatory parts are an initial practical (oral) assessment in the vicinity of a sheep dip bath and a written paper* covering aspects of safe practice and legislation relating to administering, preparing the dip bath, required dimensions of bath and disposal of used dip.

*There is also an optional practical unit which assesses the actual sheep dipping operation.

Transport of Animals by Road

A Certificate of Competence is required for all drivers or attendants responsible for transporting farmed animals, horses or poultry over 65 km.
There are two qualifications:-

Certificate of Competence in the Transport of Animals by Road – for those transporting animals on short journeys over 65 km and under 8 hours.

NPTC Certificate of Competence in the Long Distance Transport of Animals – for those transporting animals on journeys over 8 hours or outside the UK.

Basic Stockmanship and Welfare
A practical assessment covering routine stockmanship duties relevant to all livestock. The certificate acts as a pre-requisite to other livestock husbandry qualifications:-

Milking and Dairy Hygiene

Livestock Husbandry

Pig Husbandry Skills

Pig Unit Supervision and Operation

Health & Safety

Safe Manual Handling – Operator

A practical assessment of basic manual handling tasks includes assessing the load, planning the route, marking hazards, moving loads, mechanical assistance and different types of load, e.g. bagged, sheets, loose material etc.

Manual Handling – Risk Assessment

This adds to the Safe Manual Handling qualification taking into account the responsibilities of a supervisor. Any manual handling task would be risk assessed and the supervisor would address any appropriate additional requirements before appointing someone to undertake the task.

Copies of the schedules explaining the assessment criteria for all the NPTC qualifications can be downloaded from the NPTC website at : www.nptc.org.uk/assessment-schedules/

If you cannot see the qualification you wish to do, please telephone the office for further information.

Capel Manor College Assessment Centre
Price list

* Prices are given as a guideline and are based on 4-6 assessments taking place.