NVQ Level 4
What is a NVQ Level 4?
The NVQ level 4 is for supervisors or assistant managers who are highly experienced and skilled in their role. This qualification will allow workers to gain a formal qualification which evidences their ability to effectively and competently manage and supervise in a working environment.
The NVQ level 4 equips individuals with the necessary skills to oversee site operations, manage teams, and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
What is the NVQ Level 4 equivalent to?
A Level 4 NVQ in Construction holds significant value, equivalent to a Higher Education Certificate or BTEC qualification. This recognition places you on par with individuals who have pursued traditional higher education paths, providing you with a competitive advantage in the industry. Employers recognise the practicality of vocational qualifications like the Level 4 NVQ, making it a credible alternative to traditional academic routes.
How is the NVQ Level 4 assessed?
Your NVQ level 4 will be assessed by an experienced construction assessor, either at your place of work or online.
The NVQ level 4 follows a practical and competency-based approach, meaning it assesses your skills and knowledge through on-site assessments and portfolio submissions. You will demonstrate your abilities in real construction site scenarios rather than traditional classroom-based learning.
How long does the NVQ Level 4 take to complete?
The duration of completing a Level 4 NVQ in Construction varies depending on the candidate’s dedication and commitment. While some individuals may complete the qualification within a few weeks, others may take longer.
At Portland Training, we provide personalised assessments and support, tailoring the pace of the program to suit each candidate’s needs. By investing your time and effort, you can expedite the completion process and accelerate your career progression. We understand that certain things can come up and you may be unable to complete your NVQ as quickly as you’d like. We’re able to accommodate this and work at your speed.
Benefits of an NVQ Level 4
Obtaining a Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision evidences your professionalism and expertise working at a high level in the construction industry. Holding the Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision, and subsequently a Gold CSCS card, will enable you to improve your career prospects, certifying your experience and expertise.
Having the relevant and necessary qualification to support your role as a construction site Supervisor can protect both yourself and your place of work from any legal repercussions. It is always beneficial to get officially qualified in the construction sector.
After completing your NVQ Level 4, you can apply for a Gold CSCS card.
Get your Gold CSCS Card with your NVQ Level 4
Upon completion of a Level 4 NVQ in Construction, you will be able to apply for your Gold Supervisor CSCS card. In order to obtain your Gold Supervisor CSCS card you will have to complete a NVQ level 3/4 and a CITB health and safety test. Its important to note that you cannot obtain your Gold CSCS card with SSSTS alone, you must complete a relevant NVQ in construction.
You can also get your gold supervisor CSCS card with a NVQ level 3, by completing a NVQ level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision. Learn more about how you can get this free of charge in our Free Courses for Jobs offering.
What is a Gold Supervisor CSCS Card
The Gold supervisor CSCS card evidences that you have the required qualifications and health and safety expertise to operate as a construction site supervisor. You must complete a NVQ level 4 or NVQ level 3 to obtain this card.
CSCS cards are provided by the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) which serves as the industry benchmark for construction certification in the United Kingdom. By obtaining your Gold Supervisor CSCS card you are able to legitimise and compliantly evidence your qualifications and capacity to work as a site supervisor.
How much is a Gold Supervisor CSCS card?
A Gold Supervisor CSCS card will cost you £36; this is the same price for all CSCS cards. However, before applying for your gold card, you will need to complete the CITB health and safety test which costs £22.50. This means that in total you will need to spend £58.50 when applying for your Gold Supervisor CSCS card.
You can learn more about this in our comprehensive guide: How much is a CSCS card?
Save money on your NVQ Level 4
Completing an NVQ level 4 may appear a costly investment at first, but it is definitely beneficial for your career development and progression. Take a look below at some of the ways you can save money on your NVQ level 4.
CITB Training Grants: Claim back money on your NVQ Level 4
The CITB have recently more than doubled the available grant claim amount for Level 4 NVQs from £600 to a staggering £1250. If the company you work/ subcontract for are CITB registered, then you’ll be able to claim £1250 back upon completion of your NVQ.
You can learn more here about CITB grants on the CITB website, or speak with your employer.
FAQs
No, you do not need a NVQ level 3 to complete a NVQ level 4. The two levels are similar in that both the NVQ level 3 and NVQ level 4 will allow you to get your gold CSCS card.
There are no official qualifications needed to complete a NVQ level 4.
No, you do not need a SSSTS qualification to apply for your gold CSCS card. Whilst SSSTS can be a valuable course for construction site supervisors, it is not required to apply for a CSCS card.
To get your gold supervisor CSCS card, you will need to complete a NVQ level 4 or 3 in construction supervision, and the CITB health and safety test.
A Gold Supervisor CSCS card will cost you £36. This must be paid directly to the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and not to any third party company.
You will also have to pay for a CITB health and safety test, which will cost you £22.50, meaning you will have to pay £58.50 in total when ordering a CSCS card.
You can learn more in our guide: How Much is a CSCS Card?
A CITB health and safety test costs £22.50 and must be paid directly to the CITB. This test is required to apply for your CSCS card.
You will need to complete the CITB health safety and environment test ( commonly known as the touchscreen test) at an approved Pearson Professional centre.
You can learn more about CITB tests on the CITB website.
Yes, some NVQ level 4 qualifications will actually allow you to apply for your black managers card. However, most supervision NVQs are for the Gold CSCS card.
You can check on the CSCS Card Finder to see what card your qualification will allow you to get.
You’ll need to search by qualification.
No, you can not apply for any CSCS card with SSSTS ( or SMSTS) alone, you must complete a relevant construction NVQ.
Got another question? Get in touch with us using the message section in the form below!
How to start your NVQ Level 4
To start your NVQ level 4, get in touch with us using the form below. Feel free to ask us any questions you might have and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
