Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS)

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Smart Awards NOPS Scheme

Smart Awards is proud to offer the NOPS Scheme (Network Operative Passport Scheme) — a robust industry-recognised framework that supports competence, safety, and compliance for operatives working across the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors.

What is the NOPS Scheme?

The National Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS) is a competence-based recognition system designed for field engineers and operatives in the telecoms sector. It provides a consistent and portable way of verifying that individuals have been trained and assessed to nationally recognised standards relevant to their roles.

The NOPS card serves as a digital and physical record of an operative’s:

• Technical training
• Safety awareness
• Industry-specific qualifications
• Employer-specific or client-required competencies

Why the NOPS Scheme Matters

The rapid expansion of telecoms infrastructure, including fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), 5G rollout, and digital network upgrades, requires a workforce that is not only skilled but also demonstrably competent. NOPS supports this need by:

• Promoting industry-wide recognition of competence
• Supporting legal and regulatory compliance
• Reducing duplication of training across sites and employers
• Helping clients and contractors verify the credentials of their workforce in real time
• Enhancing safety, efficiency, and quality across telecoms projects

How It Works

• Training & Certification: Operatives complete Smart Awards-recognised training courses relevant to their job roles (e.g., fibre installation, street works, health and safety).
• Registration: Once verified, operatives are registered onto the NOPS system and issued a unique NOPS card.
• Passport System: The NOPS card (smart card or digital version) allows employers and site managers to instantly check an operative’s credentials.
• Ongoing Validation: The NOPS database is regularly updated to ensure current training, renewals, and qualifications are maintained.

Who is NOPS For?

The NOPS Scheme is ideal for:

• Field engineers and operatives
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Network builders and maintenance teams
• Site supervisors and managers
• Telecoms employers and principal contractors

Benefits of the NOPS Scheme

• Portability: The card is accepted across the telecoms sector, reducing the need for repetitive training.
• Accountability: Ensures workers on-site meet required competence standards.
• Time & Cost Efficiency: Streamlines workforce onboarding and site access.
• Digital Verification: Instant, real-time validation of skills and qualifications.

Get Started with NOPS

Smart Awards makes it easy for individuals and organisations to access and benefit from the NOPS Scheme. Whether you’re an operative looking to prove your skills or an employer seeking a consistent approach to workforce validation, NOPS is your solution.

For more information, or to register for the NOPS Scheme, please contact us on admin@smartpassport.co.uk  or 02476 421125 or visit the Network Operative Passport Scheme website:www.smartpassport.co.uk