Company FAQ

Sponsor/Employer Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my Operatives?

An employer/sponsor or client can apply for a Network Operative Passport Scheme on behalf of an operative by completing the online registration or you can get your operatives to self-register by completing the operative online registration form.

Who is a Sponsor/Employer?

Sponsor/Employer: is the organisation or employer that the operative represents as working on behalf of the Service/Communications Providers network.

Who is a Client?

Client: is defined as an individual or organisation making an application to purchase from Smart Awards Ltd a NOPS Card that is affiliated to the Network Operative Passport Scheme.

Who is a Centre?

Centre: is the company, organisation or training provider who has been approved by Smart Awards to accredit or provide the necessary qualifications to be registered by Smart Awards on its NOPS.

How do I search the register?

To search the register, you will need to be a registered user and have the relevant NOPS ID number.

How do I see an operatives’ profile?

You will need to log in to the NOPS register you will need the relevant NOPS ID number. The operative will need to give you permission to view their profile.

How do I upload an operatives’ photo?

Individual operatives have the ability to add a photo.

How do I upload an operatives’ certificates?

Individual operatives have the ability to upload certificates. If you wish to do this on behalf of your employee(s), please email these

What do I do if an operative has lost their certificate(s)?

You will need to get verification from the body that issued the certificate. This can be where you apply for a replacement certificate (please note that some bodies will charge for this service) or a letter from the body that issued the certificate confirming achievement.

Smart Awards offer a validation service for your training and/or qualifications that you wish to add to your NOPS card but cannot provide your certificate(s) as evidence. Through validation, Smart Awards will check with the relevant accrediting bodies on your behalf.

What is the cost of a Card?

Card Costs £28.50 plus VAT.

What is the cost to upload an operative’s accreditations to the card?

Any accreditations submitted during the registration process with adequate evidence will be uploaded at no additional cost. Any accreditations added after a card ID number has been generated will cost £5.00+VAT per upload. (A single upload can have many accreditations on it.) Alternatively, you can choose to prepay for the next year in advance when for the cost of £10+VAT. This will meand that, for one year after you pay for this option, you can upload as many accreditations on as many occasions as you like at no extra cost.”

How do I make payment?

Payment can be made via a secure online transaction at the end of either the operative registration or accreditation upload processes. You will need a valid debit or credit card to complete this.

How long will it take for an operative card to arrive?

Under normal circumstances, your card will be sent directly to the address on your NOPS account from our printers 2-3 weeks from the date that your account was paid for. However, due to ongoing issues with the global pandemic we are asking that people allow up to one calendar month for the card to arrive (and potentially longer if the card is paid for in the weeks leading up to Christmas. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOUR CARD IS NOT GOING TO ARRIVE OR HAS BEEN MISDELIVERED PLEASE CONTACT US AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. If there is a significant delay between the due date of your card arriving and non-delivery being reported to us we have to assume that the card has been delivered and lost through other means. In this case, a replacement will usually be charged for

How long are operatives’ accreditations valid for?

Accreditations can expire between 1 and 5 years from the date or issue. Please refer to the issuing or awarding organisation if clarity is needed

When would the card need to be renewed?

This process is currently under review. Please look out for exciting NOPS developments in 2022. If more information is needed in the meantime please contact us.

How do I renew an operative’s card?

To renew a NOPS card, you will need to email us

What do I do if an operative’s card has been lost, stolen or needs replacing?

Please contact us. If you need a replacement of your existing card you will be charged on a sliding scale of £5.00+VAT for every full year remaining on your current card. If you need a new card ID, your original number will be blocked and a new card issued at a cost of £25.00+VAT. If you want to replace your existing card but there is less than 12 months until the card renewal date, a new card ID number will be issued and a charge of £25.00+VAT will be applied

Are you an operative?

Please see the Operative FAQ for help with your query.

Unable to find an answer?

Please use the Contact Us page and we will respond with an answer to your query.