Qualifications to become a site manager in construction.
If you’ve been wondering ‘what qualifications do I need to be a site manager’ or ‘do I need a site manager Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card’ to manage a construction site, then you’ve come to the right place.
Highly experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to the training required to work in the construction industry, the SB Skills Solutions team knows exactly what it takes to become a construction site manager.
To help you understand which qualifications are worth exploring and obtaining for this role, we explain the different site manager training routes and which one you should consider taking based on your prior workplace experience and skills.
What is the difference between a site manager and site supervisor?
While a site manager and a site supervisor may seem like interchangeable terms and roles, they actually have differing responsibilities. While a site supervisor position is generally an entry-level role, a site manager position requires either more relevant experience in the industry or a higher qualification.
Site managers tend to have the additional responsibility of managing several construction sites at once, whereas site supervisors typically concentrate on just one location.
What qualifications do you need to become a site manager?
Unlike some of the other positions on a construction site, site managers have a large amount of responsibility. As a result, they need to have the right site manager qualifications, skills, and experience to ensure the site is operating both efficiently and safely.
However, there’s not just one qualification every construction site manager possesses.
Site manager qualifications include:
- SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)
- National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 6 in Construction Site Management
- Level 6 Civil Engineering Site Management Degree
- Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction or related disciplines
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management or related disciplines
- Foundation Degree in Construction Management
- Degree in Construction Management
- Apprenticeship in Construction Site Manager
- Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Site Manager
You may also need:
- High-Risk First Aid
- Confined Spaces (If it applies to the site)
- Qualifications in the work being carried out
Put simply, this means you can take a variety of routes and qualifications to become a construction site manager. Whether you want to become an apprentice, take an undergraduate degree, or apply for a work-based NVQ, there’s no end of options to explore.
It’s important to bear in mind, however, that each route will have different applicant requirements.
For example, to be considered for an apprenticeship in construction site management, you will need to have a grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
What site manager NVQs do you need?
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management is a sought-after
qualification that can take anywhere from just four weeks up to 12 months to complete.
The course can be fast tracked, if desired, but the duration of the course depends mainly on the motivation and availability of the applicant. The ultimate NVQ course is designed to assess the competency of the applicant and is one of the highest qualifications you can achieve in the construction industry.
After obtaining this qualification, you will be one step closer to being able to apply for your site manager CSCS card (commonly known as a black card) which can help you to secure employment as a construction site manager.
What HS&E Test certificate do you need?
Before you can apply for a CSCS card, however, you will first need to pass the required level of CITB
(Construction Industry Training Board) Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test within the past two years.
To apply for a manager CSCS card, you will need to apply for and pass the CITB Managers and Professionals HS&E test or an approved alternative. You can use CSCS’s card finder to discover which CSCS card you are eligible to apply for based on either your occupation or qualification.
Alternatively, if you know which HS&E test certificate you require to obtain your desired position in the construction industry, then you can book your HS&E test here.
How do you get a Black CSCS Card?
Keen to obtain your black card from CSCS? If so, you will need both the relevant NVQ qualification as well as a completed CITB Managers and Professionals HS&E test. If you’ve taken an SMSTS course, then this can be put towards achieving your NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management.
If you’re not sure how your current qualifications can help you to become a construction site manager or want more information regarding the site manager CSCS card, then contact the experts at SB Skills Solutions.
We can provide you with professional guidance and advice, and direct you towards relevant site manager training courses.
Find out more about becoming a construction site manager
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a construction site manager, obtaining your black CSCS managers card, or you require more information regarding the site manager qualifications you can obtain at SB Skills Solutions, please feel free to get in touch with our team today.
Our Construction Site Management NVQ Level 6 qualification is ideal for individuals that are already working in the construction industry and are eager to increase their earning potential.
This course is designed to help the participants build their construction competence, skills, experience, and knowledge.
Every NVQ assessor at SB Skills Solutions has at least ten years of relevant experience and possesses either the Level 6 Construction Site manager NVQ, PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), or Assessor Award, so you can rest assured that you’re in highly knowledgeable hands.
The site management course paired with our qualified assessors can ensure you have everything you need to begin a career as a construction site manager. To find out more about this Level 6 qualification, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today.
To speak directly to a member of our team, simply give us a call on 01695 558420. Alternatively, you can also get in touch by sending your enquiry via email to info@sbskills.co.uk.
