NRSWA stands for the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

It is a UK law that sets out the rules for anyone who opens, works on, or reinstates the highway — including utilities companies, contractors, and local authorities.

What NRSWA does

  • Ensures street-works are carried out safely for workers and the public.
  • Protects underground services (gas, electric, water, telecoms, etc.).
  • Requires proper signing, lighting and guarding around works.
  • Sets standards for excavation and reinstatement of the road surface.
  • Requires workers and supervisors to hold specific NRSWA qualifications and appear on the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR).

Why it matters

NRSWA makes sure that any work in the highway is controlled, safe, compliant with national standards, and does not cause unnecessary disruption.

NRSWA Training Courses

NRWSA FAQs

Which Street Works course do I need?

Below are the five most commonly booked Street Works courses:

If you’re unsure which course you need, we recommend checking with your employer or your local council.

  • If you are a tree surgeon working near roads, you will need Unit O1 for Signing, Lighting & Guarding. You must also have a supervisor on site who holds Unit S1.
  • If your work involves excavation, such as taking up trees or root systems, you must complete Unit LA plus Units O1–O5, and your supervisor must hold the equivalent supervisor units.

Yes. NRSWA Unit S1 (Unit 10) covers the supervision of signing, lighting and guarding for works on UK highways and roads (excluding motorways and dual carriageways with a 50mph+ limit).

However, this is different from Lantra NHSS Traffic Management qualifications, which cover motorway and high-speed dual carriageway environments.

No. Supervisors cannot carry out physical works.
You must have an operative on site qualified in Unit O1 (Signing, Lighting & Guarding) to perform the physical tasks.

Drop kerb work involves excavation and reinstatement, so you will need the full 5-day NRSWA Operative Course.

Yes, you can carry out all physical works that fall under the units you hold.

However, every site must also have a Street Works Supervisor assigned who holds the corresponding supervisor units.

Yes. Unit LA (formerly Unit 1) is required by both operatives and supervisors, and there is no separate supervisor version of the unit.

There are no “beginner” units — each one covers a different aspect of Street Works.
If you have no previous experience, you may find it helpful to:

  • Read introductory materials beforehand
  • Gain some hands-on experience with a company if possible

If you aim to become a supervisor, completing the operative units first can help you understand the physical work you will later be supervising (although it is not compulsory).

Yes. All prices include your certification and your SWQR Street Works card.

SWQR is the Street Works Qualifications Register – It is the official UK register that records and verifies the qualifications of Street Works operatives and supervisors. When you complete an NRSWA course (such as Unit LA, O1, S1, or a full 5-day course), your qualification is added to the SWQR, and you are issued an SWQR ID card.

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