The Level 6 NVQ is widely recognized in the construction industry, enhancing your professional standing and career prospects.
NVQ Level 6
What is a NVQ Level 6 in Construction?
A NVQ Level 6 in construction is a National Vocational Qualification that proves that you are working at a very high level in the construction industry. The NVQ level 6 is for senior managers or those in senior project management positions. This qualification is reserved for those with significant and relevant experience in their chosen sector.
There are 7 main construction NVQs, with the NVQ level 6 being the second highest attainable qualification:
NVQ Level 1
NVQ Level 2
NVQ Level 3
NVQ Level 4
NVQ Level 6
NVQ Level 7
Get Your Black CSCS Card With Your NVQ Level 6
Completing an NVQ level 6 in construction will allow you to obtain your black CSCS card. The black CSCS card can only be obtained through the CSCS directly subject to passing the CITB health and safety test. Whilst qualifications like SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) are valuable for construction site managers, it is not enough to apply for your black CSCS card. You must complete an NVQ level 6 to obtain your black CSCS card.
You may have a black CSCS card which has been industry accredited, these are commonly known as grandfather rights cards or IA cards. These Industry Accredited CSCS cards expired on the 31st of December 2024 and can only be renewed if you hold a NVQ level 6 in construction.
What is a Black CSCS Card?
A Black CSCS card is the highest attainable CSCS card available. Experienced professionals will only be able to obtain this card through completion of a level 6 or 7 NVQ in construction.
A CSCS card is provided by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), it is a physical card that evidences you have the required skills and health and safety knowledge for your role. By holding a black CSCS card, you are able to evidence that you are a qualified and experienced site manager.
How Much is a Black CSCS Card?
A black CSCS card costs £36 and must only be ordered through the CSCS directly.
Before applying for your black CSCS card you must have completed a NVQ level 6 (or 7) and have completed the relevant CITB health and safety test. The CITB health and safety test, commonly known as the touchscreen test, will cost you £22.50. All together, it will cost you £58.50 to obtain your black CSCS card.
NVQ Level 6 Qualifications
There are two NVQ level 6 qualifications in construction; Site Management and Construction Contracting Operations (CCO). Obtaining either one of these qualifications will allow you to apply for your black manager’s CSCS card.
NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management
The NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management is a qualification intended for experienced site managers working at a high level in the construction industry. If you are working in a management position in a construction environment, you are likely qualified to complete an NVQ level 6 in construction site management.
If you are a senior site manager or director, you may be capable of completing the NVQ level 7 in construction senior site management. This qualification is for those who have a wealth of experience in the industry over many years. If you are interested in an NVQ level 7 you can learn more on our NVQ level 7 page.
NVQ Level 6 in Construction Contracting Operations
The NVQ Level 6 in Construction Contracting Operations (Management) is designed for construction contracts managers employed at a high level in the industry. As a contracts manager, your work may involve preparing and presenting documents for tender, drafting plans and estimates for construction work, budgeting and timekeeping.
This Level 6 qualification is designed for experienced contracts managers. If you are a junior contracts manager or have less experience, you may be interested in completing the NVQ level 3 in Construction Contracting Operations. If you’re currently 19+ and don’t have a previous level 3 qualification, you may be eligible to obtain this level 3 for free under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.
What is the NVQ Level 6 Equivalent to?
The NVQ level 6 is equivalent to a degree with honours, For example, (BA) hons, Bachelor of Science (BSc) hons. There are 8 levels recognised in the UK, with level 8 being a PhD. Holding an NVQ level 6 is a prestigious and widely renowned qualification to possess, held by only those working at a very high level in the construction industry.
How is the NVQ Level 6 Assessed?
Your NVQ level 6 will be assessed by an experienced construction assessor, either at your place of work or online.
NVQs are work based assessments; our assessors use a competency-based method, where they will gather necessary evidence of you in your role against the specifications of the qualification.
Our assessors will always work with you to get your qualification, allowing you to get on with your day to day tasks whilst obtaining your NVQ level 6. As the NVQ level 6 is assessed online (via video call) or at your place of work, there will be no classrooms, no written work and no time away from work.
What are the benefits of Having a Level 6 Construction NVQ?
Professional Recognition
Enhanced Skills
Career Advancement
Compliance
Personal Satisfaction
Professional Recognition
Enhanced Skills
Through the assessment process, you will develop a deeper understanding of construction site management practices, enabling you to excel in your role.
Career Advancement
The NVQ demonstrates your competence as a construction site manager, opening doors to higher-level job opportunities and increased responsibilities.
Compliance
The qualification ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations, contractual obligations, and environmental considerations.
Personal Satisfaction
Successfully completing the NVQ provides a sense of personal achievement and validates your expertise in construction site management.
How to Save Money on Your NVQ Level 6
Paying upfront for a level 6 NVQ may seem to be a large financial commitment, however the value of this qualification for yourself and your employer can not be understated. Here are some ways you can save on your NVQ Level 6 in construction.
CITB Grants: Claim back Money on your NVQ Level 6
You can claim back £1500 on Level 6 NVQs through the CITB training grant (Short Course). Your employer must be CITB registered and pay into the CITB levy.
You can learn more here about CITB grants on the CITB website, or speak with your employer.
Pay for your NVQ level 6 in Flexible Monthly Instalments
If you’re looking to get hold of your black card as soon as possible, you may choose to use our flexible financing option, where you can get qualified now and pay later. At Portland Training, we’re able to offer the option to pay through flexible monthly instalments. You can even put down a chosen initial amount to mitigate your monthly payments.
What is a NVQ Level 6 in Construction?
A NVQ Level 6 in construction is a National Vocational Qualification that proves that you are working at a very high level in the construction industry. The NVQ level 6 is for senior managers or those in senior project management positions. This qualification is reserved for those with significant and relevant experience in their chosen sector.
There are 7 main construction NVQs, with the NVQ level 6 being the second highest attainable qualification:
NVQ Level 1
NVQ Level 2
NVQ Level 3
NVQ Level 4
NVQ Level 6
NVQ Level 7
Get Your Black CSCS Card With Your NVQ Level 6
Completing an NVQ level 6 in construction will allow you to obtain your black CSCS card. The black CSCS card can only be obtained through the CSCS directly subject to passing the CITB health and safety test. Whilst qualifications like SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) are valuable for construction site managers, it is not enough to apply for your black CSCS card. You must complete an NVQ level 6 to obtain your black CSCS card.
You may have a black CSCS card which has been industry accredited, these are commonly known as grandfather rights cards or IA cards. These Industry Accredited CSCS cards expired on the 31st of December 2024 and can only be renewed if you hold a NVQ level 6 in construction.
What is a Black CSCS Card?
A Black CSCS card is the highest attainable CSCS card available. Experienced professionals will only be able to obtain this card through completion of a level 6 or 7 NVQ in construction.
A CSCS card is provided by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), it is a physical card that evidences you have the required skills and health and safety knowledge for your role. By holding a black CSCS card, you are able to evidence that you are a qualified and experienced site manager.
How Much is a Black CSCS Card?
A black CSCS card costs £36 and must only be ordered through the CSCS directly.
Before applying for your black CSCS card you must have completed a NVQ level 6 (or 7) and have completed the relevant CITB health and safety test. The CITB health and safety test, commonly known as the touchscreen test, will cost you £22.50. All together, it will cost you £58.50 to obtain your black CSCS card.
NVQ Level 6 Qualifications
There are two NVQ level 6 qualifications in construction; Site Management and Construction Contracting Operations (CCO). Obtaining either one of these qualifications will allow you to apply for your black manager’s CSCS card.
NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management
The NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management is a qualification intended for experienced site managers working at a high level in the construction industry. If you are working in a management position in a construction environment, you are likely qualified to complete an NVQ level 6 in construction site management.
If you are a senior site manager or director, you may be capable of completing the NVQ level 7 in construction senior site management. This qualification is for those who have a wealth of experience in the industry over many years. If you are interested in an NVQ level 7 you can learn more on our NVQ level 7 page.
NVQ Level 6 in Construction Contracting Operations
The NVQ Level 6 in Construction Contracting Operations (Management) is designed for construction contracts managers employed at a high level in the industry. As a contracts manager, your work may involve preparing and presenting documents for tender, drafting plans and estimates for construction work, budgeting and timekeeping.
This Level 6 qualification is designed for experienced contracts managers. If you are a junior contracts manager or have less experience, you may be interested in completing the NVQ level 3 in Construction Contracting Operations. If you’re currently 19+ and don’t have a previous level 3 qualification, you may be eligible to obtain this level 3 for free under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.
What is the NVQ Level 6 Equivalent to?
The NVQ level 6 is equivalent to a degree with honours, For example, (BA) hons, Bachelor of Science (BSc) hons. There are 8 levels recognised in the UK, with level 8 being a PhD. Holding an NVQ level 6 is a prestigious and widely renowned qualification to possess, held by only those working at a very high level in the construction industry.
How is the NVQ Level 6 Assessed?
Your NVQ level 6 will be assessed by an experienced construction assessor, either at your place of work or online.
NVQs are work based assessments; our assessors use a competency-based method, where they will gather necessary evidence of you in your role against the specifications of the qualification.
Our assessors will always work with you to get your qualification, allowing you to get on with your day to day tasks whilst obtaining your NVQ level 6. As the NVQ level 6 is assessed online (via video call) or at your place of work, there will be no classrooms, no written work and no time away from work.
What are the Benefits of Having a Level 6 Construction NVQ?
Professional Recognition: The Level 6 NVQ is widely recognized in the construction industry, enhancing your professional standing and career prospects.
Enhanced Skills: Through the assessment process, you will develop a deeper understanding of construction site management practices, enabling you to excel in your role.
Career Advancement: The NVQ demonstrates your competence as a construction site manager, opening doors to higher-level job opportunities and increased responsibilities.
Compliance: The qualification ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations, contractual obligations, and environmental considerations.
Personal Satisfaction: Successfully completing the NVQ provides a sense of personal achievement and validates your expertise in construction site management.
How to Save Money on Your NVQ Level 6
Paying upfront for a level 6 NVQ may seem to be a large financial commitment, however the value of this qualification for yourself and your employer can not be understated. Here are some ways you can save on your NVQ Level 6 in construction.
CITB Grants: Claim back Money on your NVQ Level 6
You can claim back £1500 on Level 6 NVQs through the CITB training grant (Short Course). Your employer must be CITB registered and pay into the CITB levy.
You can learn more here about CITB grants on the CITB website, or speak with your employer.
Pay for your NVQ level 6 in Flexible Monthly Instalments
If you’re looking to get hold of your black card as soon as possible, you may choose to use our flexible financing option, where you can get qualified now and pay later. At Portland Training, we’re able to offer the option to pay through flexible monthly instalments. You can even put down a chosen initial amount to mitigate your monthly payments.
FAQs
You can complete your NVQ level 6 in 6-8 weeks. The assessor will work with you to gather all the required evidence, allowing you to work at your own pace.
No, there are no official qualifications needed to complete an NVQ level 6.
However, it is expected that you have undertaken previous NVQs before hand due to your experience in the industry. The NVQ level 6 is for highly experienced managers who are currently employed and have a wealth of experience.
If you are employed as a site manager, you could also complete a SMSTS ( Site Management Safety Training Scheme) which can be very beneficial to your career. However, this is not a requirements and you do not have to complete it to get your black CSCS card.
No, you do not need a SMSTS qualification to apply for the CSCS black card.
To apply for your black CSCS card you must complete:
- NVQ level 6 in construction
- CITB health and safety test
A black CSCS card costs £36 and this must be paid directly to the CSCS.
You can learn more about applying for your black CSCS card on the CSCS website.
The manager CITB test costs £22.50 and must be paid directly to the CITB.
You can book this test online on the CITB website, but must be completed at an official Pearson Professional test centre.
You will need to book the Managers and Professionals (HS&E MAP) test.
No, you can not apply for your black CSCS card with SMSTS alone. You must complete a NVQ level 6 in construction.
Got another question? Get in touch with us using the message section in the form below!
How to Start Your NVQ Level 6
If you’re interested in completing a NVQ level 6 and obtaining your black CSCS card, you can get started with us today. If you have any questions or want to book your NVQ level 6, get in touch using the form below.
