100+ Free NRSWA Operative Practice Questions

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NRSWA Street Works Supervisor Units (City & Guilds 6167 / SWQR)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NRSWA Operative Exam

80%

Pass Mark

City & Guilds 6167

5 years

Card Validity

SWQR

GBP 700

Average Course Fee

Approved Training Centres

Prepare for the NRSWA Street Works Operative SWQR card with 100 free practice questions covering CAT & Genny cable avoidance, Chapter 8 Red Book barrier and taper dimensions, trench excavation safety, SROH backfill compaction pass counts, hot and cold asphalt layer thicknesses, and block paving laying techniques. Local practice MCQs are an English-language study adaptation and do not replace mandatory practical site performance.

Sample NRSWA Operative Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NRSWA Operative exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to HSE guidance HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services), how should utility plant records and plans be used on an excavation site?

A.As an absolute, legally binding measurement of exact pipe depth and horizontal alignment

B.Only for financial billing purposes without requiring on-site verification before excavating

C.As a general indication of the presence and approximate route of underground services, but not as an exact statement of depth or location

D.As a replacement for Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) locator sweeps prior to mechanical digging

Explanation: HSG47 explicitly states that utility plans and drawings give only an indication of the presence and approximate route of underground apparatus. They cannot be relied upon to show exact positions, alignments, or depths because ground levels change over time and services may have been diverted or installed non-linearly.

2Under UK national utility colour coding standards, which colour sheath identifies underground electricity power cables?

A.Red

B.Blue

C.Yellow

D.Grey

Explanation: Under the UK National Utility Colour Code, red ducting and cable sheathing designate electricity power cables (both high-voltage and low-voltage). Black sheath is also found on older buried electrical infrastructure.

3According to HSG47 guidelines, within what proximity of a known or indicated underground service must power tools be avoided and safe hand digging methods used?

A.1.5 metres (1500 mm)

B.2.5 metres (2500 mm)

C.0.1 metres (100 mm)

D.0.5 metres (500 mm)

Explanation: HSG47 recommends a close approach zone of 0.5 metres (500 mm) around any buried service where power tools (such as excavator buckets or pneumatic breakers) must not be used. Safe hand digging techniques must be employed within this safety buffer.

4What type of electromagnetic signal does a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) detect when operated in Power (P) mode?

A.Very low frequency (VLF) radio transmissions reflected by metallic gas pipes

B.50 Hz alternating current signals re-radiated by loaded, energised electrical power cables

C.High-frequency 131 kHz signals generated directly by an internal battery oscillator

D.Acoustic vibration frequencies generated by pressurised water mains

Explanation: Power (P) mode on a CAT detects the 50 Hz electromagnetic field surrounding loaded and energised alternating current (AC) power cables. It does not require a signal generator, but will not detect unloaded or unenergised cables.

5When a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) is set to Radio (R) mode, what frequency range is it designed to detect?

A.Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio signals between 15 kHz and 30 kHz re-radiated by long metallic conductors

B.50 Hz power distribution frequencies emitted by high-voltage transformers

C.Microwave frequencies above 2.4 GHz emitted by wireless telecommunication towers

D.Direct current (DC) magnetic fields from cathodic protection systems

Explanation: Radio (R) mode detects VLF radio signals (typically 15 kHz to 30 kHz) originating from distant radio transmitters that travel through the ground and re-radiate along long, continuous metallic pipes and cables.

6Why is direct connection of a signal generator (Genny) to a metal valve or cable sheath preferred over induction mode when tracing buried plant?

A.Direct connection eliminates the need for an earth stake or ground connection

B.Direct connection allows the operator to trace plastic non-metallic water pipes without tracer wires

C.Direct connection applies a targeted, high-strength signal specifically to the target utility while minimising signal spillover onto adjacent services

D.Direct connection enables the CAT to operate in passive Power mode automatically

Explanation: Direct connection (clipping the Genny lead to a valve, street light column, or dead cable sheath) energises the target conductor directly. This provides a clear, strong signal and prevents unwanted signal coupling onto adjacent buried utilities, which often occurs in induction mode.

7When operating a signal generator (Genny) in induction mode to trace a suspected underground pipe, how must the Genny be oriented relative to the line of the pipe?

A.Held vertically at shoulder height 10 metres away from the excavation face

B.Placed flat on the ground directly above and aligned parallel with the suspected line of the buried pipe

C.Placed perpendicular to the line of the pipe directly over the trench excavation

D.Buried 300 mm deep into the soil directly adjacent to the earth stake

Explanation: In induction mode, the Genny's internal induction coil emits a magnetic field downwards into the ground. For maximum coupling, the Genny must be placed flat on the ground directly over and parallel to the line of the target utility.

8Under the UK National Utility Colour Code, which colour identifies potable water mains and service pipes?

A.Yellow

B.Red

C.Purple

D.Blue

Explanation: Blue is the standardized colour for potable (drinking) water mains, plastic MDPE supply pipes, and water utility ducting across the UK.

9Which colour is universally used across UK road works to identify underground gas distribution pipes and service lines?

A.Blue

B.Green

C.Yellow

D.Orange

Explanation: Yellow polyethylene pipes and yellow sheathing are the mandatory UK standard for underground gas distribution mains and domestic service lines.

10Under UK street works standards, which colours denote underground telecommunications and cable television ducting?

A.Grey or Green

B.Red or Orange

C.Blue or Yellow

D.Black or Brown

Explanation: Grey (traditionally Openreach / BT) and Green (Virgin Media and altnet fibre providers) are the standard colours for telecommunications and broadband cable ducting in UK highways.

About the NRSWA Operative Exam

The NRSWA Street Works Operative qualification certifies highway and utility workers to carry out excavation, barrier setup, and road reinstatement on public highways in the UK under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. The qualification covers Cable Avoidance (LA), Signing, Lighting and Guarding (O1), Excavation (O2), Backfill Compaction (O3), Sub-base Reinstatement (O4), Bituminous Reinstatement (O5/O6), and Concrete/Modular Paving (O7/O8). Candidates earn an SWQR ID card valid for 5 years upon passing. This 100-question practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to build theory and code-of-practice recall.

Questions

20 scored questions

Time Limit

45 minutes per unit exam

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

GBP 700 (includes 5-day course + SWQR card registration) (Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) / City & Guilds / CABWI)

NRSWA Operative Exam Content Outline

15%

Location & Avoidance of Underground Apparatus (Unit LA)

Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Signal Generator (Genny) operating modes, plant plans, risk assessment, and HSG47 safe digging practices.

25%

Signing, Lighting & Guarding (Unit O1)

Safety at Street Works and Road Works A Code of Practice (Red Book), Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8, lead-in taper lengths, shuttle working, and pedestrian footway diversions.

15%

Excavation in the Highway (Unit O2)

Excavation dimensions, trench shoring and support systems, trench box installation, soil classification, and trench inspection before entry.

15%

Reinstatement & Compaction of Backfill Materials (Unit O3)

Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH), backfill material selection (GSB Class 803, IA, II), layer thickness limits, and vibro-tamper compaction passes.

10%

Reinstatement of Sub-base & Roadbase (Unit O4)

Non-bituminous sub-base and roadbase materials, Type 1 granular material compaction, moisture content, and CBGM/CBM cement-bound layer thickness.

10%

Bituminous Reinstatement (Units O5 & O6)

Cold-lay (Deferred Set) and hot-lay asphalt/macadam, AC 20 dense binder course, AC 10 close surf, tack coat application, delivery temperatures, and edge sealing.

10%

Concrete Slabs & Modular Surfaces (Units O7 & O8)

Class C28/35 pavement concrete, air entrainment, dowel bars, BS 7533 block paving laying course sand, bed thickness, jointing sand, and flag laying.

How to Pass the NRSWA Operative Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80%
Exam length: 20 questions
Time limit: 45 minutes per unit exam
Exam fee: GBP 700 (includes 5-day course + SWQR card registration)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NRSWA Operative Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the Red Book taper lengths: for 30 mph roads, the minimum lead-in taper is 15 m; for 40 mph, it is 30 m; for dual carriageways, 60 m.

2Understand CAT & Genny modes: Power (50 Hz mains), Radio (VLF radio signals), and Generator (direct connection or induction at 33 kHz or 131 kHz).

3Learn SROH compaction pass tables: e.g., a minimum 4 passes of a 50 kg vibro-tamper per 100 mm layer of Class 803 granular backfill material.

4Know footway safety rules: minimum width of 1.2 m for pedestrian passage (1.0 m absolute minimum for short distances with risk assessment).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NRSWA Street Works Operative card and how long is it valid?

The SWQR (Street Works Qualifications Register) card certifies that an operative is qualified under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to carry out work on UK public highways. The card is valid for 5 years, after which a reassessment exam must be passed.

What are the mandatory core units for an NRSWA Operative?

All qualified operatives must hold Unit LA (Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus) and Unit O1 (Signing, Lighting and Guarding), plus at least one excavation or reinstatement unit (O2–O8).

Does this practice question bank replace the practical assessment?

No. Official SWQR certification requires practical hands-on assessment at an accredited training centre. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study aid designed to help candidates prepare for theory and reassessment exams.