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Regardless of whether you’ve already considered taking a construction NVQ or you’ve only just heard of this type of qualification, rest assured, we can help you to fully explore your options.

At SB Skills Solutions, our team of assessors has guided countless NVQ course applicants through this process and helped them to achieve their chosen nationally recognised qualification.

To help you determine whether a construction NVQ is the right route for you and your career, our experts explain some of the construction industry NVQs currently available and how to choose the right type and level of NVQ to meet your needs.

We’ll also answer some of the frequently-asked questions surrounding construction NVQs such as how long they take to complete, how much they cost, and which course will help you to obtain the highest level of construction NVQ.

What is an NVQ in construction?

A construction NVQ is a type of work-based qualification that demonstrates your skills, experience, and competence in a particular area of the construction industry.

A construction NVQ (alongside passing the Health and Safety Awareness test) is essential for individuals hoping to secure a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or a Skilled

Worker Card.

With a CSCS Card or Skilled Worker Card, you’ll be instantly more employable as contractors can be confident you have the relevant health and safety knowledge to work effectively on a construction site.

As a result, a construction NVQ can make a massive difference to your job prospects and earning potential. 

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of obtaining a construction NVQ, don’t hesitate to contact the SB Skills Solutions team today.

How are construction NVQs assessed?

A type of work-based qualification, construction NVQs are assessed over a significant period (typically 6-12 months) while the learner builds up evidence of their work.

During this time, the candidate will complete relevant practical assignments in their workplace while being observed and questioned by a qualified assessor to test their competency and understanding.

To take a construction NVQ, the applicant must therefore already be working in a construction role. 

Full-time employees as well as school and college students working part-time or on a placement can take an NVQ to broaden their skills, experience, and competence in a particular construction role.

This type of assessment is known as On-Site Assessment Training (OSAT) and can be useful for individuals that want to receive national recognition for their skills, experience, and competence in a certain construction role.

How much do construction NVQs cost?

The exact cost of obtaining a construction NVQ depends on several factors. 

Not only will the price vary depending on your chosen course, NVQ level, and training assessor, but it will also be impacted by whether you choose the fast-track route or your qualification is being funded by your workplace.

While many factors can affect the price of obtaining a construction NVQ, these assessments tend to cost anywhere from just below £1,000 up to a few thousand pounds in the UK.

However, it’s also worth noting that some NVQ qualifications are CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) grant claimable. 

Put simply, thanks to the Short Period Qualification Grants scheme, this means companies that are CITB-registered can claim back £1,500 upon completed of the qualification (subject to CITB approval).

How long does it take to achieve a construction NVQ?

One of the biggest benefits to taking a construction NVQ is that there’s no set deadline for when all the work needs to be completed. 

This is because the course is designed to be taken at the individual’s pace (within reason) and suit their specific needs. 

Construction NVQs are taken while you work at your workplace in the form of OSAT. 

During this time, you’ll complete a variety of practical assignments that will be observed by a qualified assessor, helping you to build up a portfolio of evidence of your work.

The assessor will also question you while you complete this work to help test the level of your knowledge and understanding.

In many cases, however, obtaining an NVQ takes between 6-12 months to achieve, but it’s not uncommon for a learner to finish this course earlier. 

Fast-track assessments can also speed up this process if you’re keen to achieve your construction NVQ as soon as possible.

At SB Skills Solutions, for example, our fast-track option can help learners to achieve the qualification for their chosen course in as little as four weeks! However, this is dependent on the candidate having the required availability to complete the necessary units in a timely manner.

Ultimately, due to the nature of how construction NVQs are assessed and the optional fast-track route, the exact timeline for achieving a construction NVQ varies from learner to learner.

Furthermore, participating in construction skills bootcamps can provide the intensive foundational knowledge needed to transition quickly into these qualification pathways.

What construction NVQs are available?

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an entry-level or more advanced qualification, there are plenty of construction NVQs available to suit a variety of candidates.  

At SB Skills Solutions, we have a wide range of construction NVQs that learners can take between levels 2-7. 

Below, we list the NVQ construction courses currently available, but you can also explore some of these construction NVQs in more detail by taking a look at our NVQ course list.

• Certificate in Interior Systems NVQ Level 2
• Warehousing and Storage NVQ Level 2
• Cladding Occupations NVQ Level 2
• Controlling Lifting Operations – Slinger/Signaller NVQ Level 2
• Curtain Wall Installation NVQ Level 2
• Steel Erecting NVQ Level 2
• Steel Fixing Occupations NVQ Level 2
• Waterproof Membrane Roofing Systems NVQ Level 2
• Wood Occupations NVQ Level 2
• Plant Operations NVQ Level 2
• Cladding Occupations NVQ Level 3
• Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 3
• Steel Erecting NVQ Level 3
• Occupational Work and Supervision NVQ Level 3
• Roofing Occupations NVQ Level 3
• Controlling Lifting Operations – Supervising Lifts – NVQ Level 4
• Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts – NVQ Level 5
• Occupational Health and Safety Practice NVQ Level 6
• Construction Site Management NVQ Level 6
• Construction Senior Management NVQ Level 7

What’s the highest level of construction NVQ?

Currently, the highest level of construction NVQ you can achieve is the Construction Senior Management NVQ Level 7. 

Aimed at senior managers in the construction industry, this Level 7 qualification covers the higher responsibilities that senior managers working in a wide range of job roles should possess.

Obtaining this qualification will also make you eligible to apply for your Black CSCS Card – a card that demonstrates your occupational competence and ability to safely hold a management position on a construction site. 

As a result, it can help broaden your employment opportunities and boost your earning potential. 

Which construction NVQ level is right for me?

Unsure where to start when it comes to choosing the right construction NVQ level for you? 

Construction NVQs can be anywhere between level 2 to level 7, so understanding which one you should apply for can feel complicated.

Generally, the higher the NVQ level, the harder the qualification is to complete in terms of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and competence.

It’s also worth noting that some construction NVQs can be taken based on the level appropriate to your current job role and experience. 

As a result, it may not be necessary for you to complete a level 2 NVQ qualification before you can take your level 3.

In other cases, passing the lower-level qualification may be a prerequisite before you can move onto the higher-level construction NVQ. 

To help you make the right level decision to suit your requirements, we list the different construction NVQ levels, a general overview of what’s covered at each level, and their equivalent (or nearest comparable) academic level.

Level 2

To take a level 2 construction NVQ, you must have some knowledge or experience in the topic that you want to be assessed on. It will concentrate on ensuring you have the fundamental skills and understanding.

Academically equivalent to achieving GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) grades 9 – 4 standard pass or BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) first certificate, this is a common starting point for those who have just started working in the construction industry.

Level 3

A level 3 construction NVQ will cover a wide range of duties and more complex work in your chosen role than level 2, but it will also have a focus on developing your supervisory skills, including autonomy and responsibility.

So, how does it compare to other qualifications in the UK? It’s academically equivalent to two A-Level qualifications, a BTEC National, and an Ordinary National Certificate (ONC).

Level 4

If you’re considering taking a level 4 construction NVQ, then it’s likely that you’ll have obtained some degree of management experience.

This NVQ level 4 qualification is often taken after an individual has achieved A-levels, an Access to Higher Education programme, or a similar Level 3 course. It’s equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree, a Licentiateship (LCGI), and a higher apprenticeship.

Level 5

A level 5 construction NVQ is similar to level 4 in that it has a focus on management and the training of others. You’ll need to demonstrate significant experience and a deeper understanding of your chosen role in the construction industry, including how to respond to more complex situations.

Broadly comparable to academic qualifications such as a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), a Foundation Degree, and an IVQ (International Vocational Qualification) Advanced Technician

Diploma, a level 5 NVQ can help candidates to pursue a career in a variety of construction disciplines.

It’s also equivalent to the second the year of a bachelor’s degree.

Level 6

Designed for senior managers, a level 6 construction NVQ is designed for individuals that are either currently working as a construction site manager or a role at the same level. Often, this level of NVQ is taken by individuals that oversee larger construction projects and sites.

It’s also equivalent to a degree apprenticeship, degree with honours, Graduateship (Graduateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute or GCGI), and Associateship (Associateship of The City and Guilds of London Institute or ACGI).

Level 7

Similar to the level 6 qualification, the level 7 construction NVQ is also aimed at senior managers and is the highest construction NVQ you can achieve. Applicants for this qualification should have substantial experience with both leading and controlling construction projects, covering topics like design and procurement.

Unsure what this high-level NVQ qualification is equivalent to academically? A level 7 construction NVQ is broadly comparable to working at a postgraduate level, achieving Membership (Membership of the City and Guilds of London Institute – MCGI), or a Master of Professional Studies (MPS).

How SB Skills Solutions can help with construction NVQs

At SB Skills Solutions, we have a professional team of experienced instructors that can help you to achieve a wide range of NVQ qualifications. 

Offering a selection of courses between levels 2-7, you can work your way all the way up to a Construction Senior Management NVQ Level 7 qualification.

By achieving an NVQ related to a particular industry or sector, you’ll have a recognised qualification that can be invaluable for demonstrating your competence, skills, and experience in this area.

Regardless of whether you want to expand your career in the construction industry, increase your earning potential, or achieve a nationally recognised qualification to confirm the skillset you’ve acquired, our knowledgeable NVQ assessors can help!

Unsure whether we’re the right choice for you? We have a wide range of clients including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), blue-chip companies, and even individuals looking to improve their skills and obtain sought-after recognition.

All our NVQ courses are supervised by fully qualified trainers and testers with extensive experience in the construction industry as well as a wealth of knowledge. Maintaining a high level of professionalism and support at all times, we can help you to gain your desired NVQ at your own pace.

To learn more about the variety of NVQ courses available at SB Skills Solutions or to book a course today, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team of qualified assessors.

If you’d like to discuss your specific construction industry training requirements in more detail, simply give us a call on 01695 558420. Alternatively, you can also get in touch via email by sending your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.

No matter how you choose to reach out, we look forward to learning more about your NVQ training and assessment requirements soon.

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Whether you’re just starting your career in construction or have many years of experience working in the industry, gaining a recognised qualification in your trade or profession can be very beneficial.

A construction NVQ is a qualification that acts as recognition and proof of your skills and knowledge within a particular role or skill within the construction industry.

Having one or more NVQs under your belt can help you to gain credibility and trust within the industry, opening doors to further opportunities to progress your career.

What is an NVQ?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification, a work-based qualification that tests an individual’s practical skills.

An NVQ demonstrates that you have the practical skills and knowledge you require to carry out a particular trade or profession.

There are five levels of NVQ (not including entry level), allowing people of all different levels of experience to benefit from taking one. NVQs are practical, work-based qualifications, meaning you can learn and be assessed whilst on the job.

How can an NVQ benefit me?

An NVQ gives official recognition of your skills and knowledge within your trade or profession, this can help you to:

• Kickstart your career.
• Improve your employability.
• Prove your capability to customers/clients.
• Obtain a CSCS card.
• Gain access to other qualifications.
• Brush up your knowledge of important industry standards and best practice.

Read more about the benefits of construction NVQs

How to get an NVQ

No matter which path your construction career is taking, you will find that gaining a relevant NVQ can help to expand your knowledge, develop your skills, and progress your career.

You can gain an NVQ in a wide range of competencies in the construction industry, including occupational health and safety practice, steel erecting, plant operations, and construction site management.

Anyone can take an NVQ, you don’t require any other formal qualifications. You can also continue to earn whilst you learn as NVQs are completed on the job by answering written questions relating to your job and being observed at work. You will also need to put together a portfolio containing evidence of your ability to complete particular tasks or duties relating to the NVQ.

Take a construction NVQ with SB Skills

Here at SB Skills, we offer a wide range of construction NVQs from level 2 courses all the way through to level 7.

Our professional and affordable NVQ courses are trusted by some of the UK’s leading construction companies due to the exceptional expertise and industry experience that our qualified assessor possesses.

View our full range of construction NVQs online or give our friendly team a call at 01695 558420 for more information.

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Achieving a Construction NVQ qualification can give your career the right kind of start, acting as a springboard to your progression through the construction industry.

You can take an NVQ for many roles, such as plastering, dry lining, operating forklift trucks, supervision, cranes and specialist lifting, and many more.

What is a Construction NVQ?

NVQs in construction cover a range of different types of work within the construction industry and they are available at various levels, depending on your skills and experience.

These NVQs cover construction related roles and tasks such as:

• Plant operations
• Slinger signaller operations
• Controlling lifting operations
• Roofing and Cladding
• Steel erecting
• Steel fixing
• Work supervision
• Waterproof membrane roofing
• Warehousing
• Site Management

You take a construction NVQ at work, performing the real-life tasks that your role requires.

You get solid, practical experience, and a qualification that confirms the skills you’ve trained in, and gives employers evidence of them.

What are the Benefits of Getting an NVQ?

NVQs in construction offer you plenty of choice, and at SB Skills you’ll find relevant NVQs for a huge variety of construction roles.

You can map out your own career, making sure the qualifications you want to gain match up with the work you’re doing.

And because construction NVQs come in a range of levels, you can find the right one that will work for your level of experience.

NVQs work by testing your abilities in real-world situations, carrying out specific tasks that relate to the work you’re doing.

Do I Need an NVQ for a CSCS Card?

NVQs are available at a range of levels (NVQ Level 1 to 7), and each aims at a different level of experience in the construction industry, from lower to higher.

If you complete a Level 2 NVQ that is construction-related, you can apply for a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card.

Employers in construction have a legal duty to ensure that the people they employ are safe and competent for the roles they carry out.

In effect, this means that if you want to get work as a skilled operator in construction, you need the right qualifications and proof of your skills.

A construction NVQ is the only route for getting a CSCS card.

As well as the Blue Skilled Worker card there are other various types of CSCS cards that you can apply for, depending on the level of NVQ you achieve. For more details, please ask us about our range of NVQs.

How Do I Get a Construction NVQ?

You’ll work through the modules on your NVQ at your workplace, and there’ll be an on-site assessment, and someone officially observing you at work.

NVQs are ideal if you’re looking to gain a recognised construction qualification while you’re working.

Register for Your Construction NVQ Today

To get more information about the wide range of Construction Related NVQ qualifications that we offer here at SB Skills Solutions, take a look at our NVQs training courses page here.

Contact us today on 01695 558420 to register for a construction NVQ or if you have any further questions, and we’ll be happy to help.

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The Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card proves your competency in a given trade within the construction industry.

You may be familiar with the Blue CSCS Card, but you may be wondering about the best route to achieve your card.

Do you need a Blue CSCS Card?

As you may have seen from our “CSCS Card Types” article or the “How to Get a Green CSCS Card” article, you don’t need to have a CSCS card to work on-site at all. This is because CSCS is not a legal requirement. However, CSCS cards are mandatory on most construction sites. This is because holding a CSCS card is a way for employers to ensure that construction workers are competent in health and safety.

Health and Safety being so key in construction, is a major selling point for an employer who is hiring a new employee. With CSCS accreditation, the employer can be sure that you are able to conduct yourself properly on a construction site with many dangers.

Why get a Blue CSCS Card over a Green Card?

You may be wondering why you need a Blue Skilled Worker card rather than a Green CSCS Card. The Blue CSCS card certifies that you are competent and able to work safely like the green card. However, it also certifies that you are competent in the trade that you work in

What trades can you get a card for?

There are many trades that you may find you need this card for. If you are operating in a role that is trade-specific, the chances are that you will need a card. Below you will a few of the roles that you can get a card for:

• Steel Fixing
• Steel Erecting
• Roofing
• Bricklaying
• Carpentry and Joinery

You can find a full list of trades on the CSCS website when applying for your card. The chances are, if you have a specific job role on site, there is an NVQ and CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card to match it.

What qualifications do you need?

To get any card within the CSCS card scheme, you will need to meet some requirements which vary between cards. The Skilled Worker Card is attained with a trade-specific Level 2 NVQ and a Health, Safety and Environment test for operatives. By sending these qualifications off to CSCS, you will be eligible to receive your Blue Skilled Worker card. If you don’t have a Level 2 NVQ, you can use your Level 2 Apprenticeship to apply if it is eligible with CSCS.

So which Level 2 NVQs are eligible?

The list isn’t shown on the CSCS website as there are hundreds of different qualifications that you can use.

The NVQs that SB Skills can offer to allow you to get your Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card are:

• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations
• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Cladding Occupations
• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Waterproof Membrane Roofing Systems
• NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Interior Systems
• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Erecting
• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Curtain Wall Installation

And many more.

The best part about achieving your NVQ is that it never expires. This means that you won’t need to renew your NVQ with a refresher course at any point.

How much does this all cost?

There is no industry standard of pricing as it all depends on the NVQ you undertake and the company you choose. To find out about the price of NVQs with SB Skills, give us a call on 01695 558 420.

The Health, Safety and Environment test for operatives will cost you £21 through Pearson Vue and the card application is £36.

How do you renew the Blue CSCS Card?

Renewing is fairly straight forward. As we mentioned before, NVQs are for life and never expire, this makes renewing very simple.

To renew your Blue CSCS card, all you will need is the Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives and a copy of your NVQ.

You’ll need to then fill out your certificate details and upload a picture or a scan. Then upon paying the £36 card fee, you will be able to track the progress of your application up to being posted out to your address.

Benefits of the Blue CSCS Card

The Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card is a great step in your construction career as it allows you to carry out skilled labour such as bricklaying, steel erecting, carpentry and many more roles. This can help you to progress through your career into a supervisory role if that is your career choice or become a specialist in your field with a Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card.

The Pay

Having a Blue CSCS Card can increase your salary potential greatly. Having a Green CSCS Card can allow you onto the site but the difference in having a Blue Card is the responsibility. Taking on greater responsibilities that require skill to provide quality to customers will always be a way to increase your salary. This is because you will be a more qualified member of staff, do you think that Bricklayers and Labourers earn the same?

Safety

If you are working on-site or managing a team of skilled workers, you will be concerned with the safety of yourself and others. It is the duty of the employer to ensure that all staff working on-site have the right qualifications and training to perform their roles. Therefore, if you are carrying out skilled trade work with a Green CSCS card, you will not be covered by the card for any damage or injuries that occur while performing the role. With the Blue CSCS card, you will be backed by CSCS to prove that you are competent in the trade listed on the back of the card. This will ensure that your employees are safe and knowledgeable in performing their role, leading to fewer injuries and accidents on-site.

Employability

With this card, you will be seen as a lot more employable by companies that are looking to hire new staff. Because you are more qualified, fewer people will be competing for the job role as it is more specialised.

You will also be seen as more employable with the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card for a skilled worker role as employers like to know that you are not a safety liability.

Further Progression

The Blue CSCS Card will open up so many more options for you in your construction career. This card allows you to prove your value to a company by providing a trade on-site.

If you’re looking to become a supervisor and take the management route in construction, then the Blue Skilled Worker card will give you the chance to show your employer how knowledgeable you are in your trade. Your employer may decide to give you more responsibility and eventually allow you to run a gang on-site. With this repsonsiblity, you could undertake your NVQ Level 3 and achieve a Gold Supervisor CSCS Card.

Alternatively, if becoming an expert in your trade is the route you want to take, an Advanced Craft Gold CSCS Card may be the route for you. This shows employers that you are not only competent in your trade, but you have years of experience and expert insight. Supervisors may consult with you if they are looking for more effective work methods and you will be responsible for more skilled tasks.

Contact the team at SB Skills Solutions if you need more information on the Blue Skilled Worker Card.

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