National Practical Certificate

The foundation level for the Institute of Groundsmanship’s qualifications, with this one usually being referred to as the NPC.

This was in existence until about the early 2000s, with a revised, much less in-depth (essentially a lite version), format being offered until about 2013, when it was no longer offered in the revised format. If the qualification was on the RQF then it would equate to a Level 1.

The qualification was typically offered as an evening class in college starting in September, for an academic year. The course syllabus covered the following:

• The maintenance of amenity grass areas.
• Preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces (natural turf and artificial).
• Preparation of seed beds, seeding and turfing.
• Pests and diseases of turf.
• Weeds of turf.
• Planting of trees, shrubs and hedges.
• Operation and basic maintenance of mowing equipment.
• Principles of distributor and sprayer operation.
• Basic principles of drainage systems.
• Health and safety on sports grounds.

This qualification was assessed, over 3½-hours, by means of one multiple choice question (MCQ) paper (30 questions) and 6 practical tests. To pass the course a candidate needed a minimum of 60% in the MCQ paper and pass at least 4 of the 6 practical tests.