A Construction NVQ is a nationally recognised, work-based qualification that demonstrates your competence to both current and prospective employers. Construction NVQs enable workers to progress through their career and obtain the corresponding CSCS card to their qualification. They range from level 1- Level 7 and cover a wide variety of trades and occupational areas. You can use your Construction NVQ to apply for a CSCS card and prove your qualification.
Construction NVQs and their Equivalent Levels
Construction NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) can be measured against these other UK based qualifications.
Level 1 Construction NVQ- 3 GCSEs (Grades D-G)
Level 2 Construction NVQ- 4-5 GCSEs (Grades A*-C)
Level 3 Construction NVQ- 2 A Levels
Level 4 Construction NVQ- Higher Education Certificate or BTEC
Level 5 Construction NVQ- Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Degree
Level 6 Construction NVQ- Undergraduate Degree
Level 7 Construction NVQ- Master’s Degree or PGCE
Construction NVQs and their corresponding CSCS cards
Level 1 Construction NVQ- Green ‘Labourer’ CSCS Card
Level 2 Construction NVQ- Blue ‘Skilled Worker’ CSCS Card
Level 3 Construction NVQ- Gold ‘Supervisor’ and ‘Advanced Craft’ CSCS Card
Level 4 Construction NVQ- Gold ‘Supervisor’ and Advanced Craft’ CSCS Card
Level 5 Construction NVQ- Black ‘Manager’ CSCS Card (With Management Qualification)
Level 6 Construction NVQ- Black ‘Manager’ CSCS Card
Level 7 Construction NVQ- Black ‘Manager’ CSCS Card
How to do a Construction NVQ
As a construction NVQ is a work based competency assessment, you will need to be employed in a relevant role to the qualification you’re looking to complete. For example, if you’re looking to complete a level 3 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision, you’ll need to be employed as a site supervisor or equivalent role. This is so that the assessor can gather evidence of you in your role against the specifications of the qualification.
How are Construction NVQs Assessed?
A construction NVQ does not typically require the use of classrooms and written work. As Construction NVQs are work based assessments of competency, you are not required to complete course work or learn in a classroom environment. An assessor will be allocated to you to assist you with your construction NVQ, coming to your place of work or working with you remotely to ensure that you are able to evidence the requirements of the qualification.
Before enrolment onto the construction NVQ, our team will ensure your capability to complete the qualification using a skill scanner. By answering a few short questions, we will be able to determine whether this qualification is for you, and if not, our expert team will work with you to find the qualification that is best for you.
After this, you will be assigned your assessor who will come to your place of work or meet you online and begin gathering the required evidence. Over the next few weeks and when the required evidence has been obtained, you will receive your qualification certificate.
Getting your CSCS Card with a Construction NVQ
When you have completed your construction NVQ, you’ll be able to use this to apply for your CSCS card. Check the list at the top of this page for more info on which card you can get with every level NVQ.
How much does a CSCS card cost?
A CSCS card will cost £36, however, in order to apply for the card, you will have to complete your CITB touch screen test which costs £22.50. In total, you will have to pay £58.50 to obtain your CSCS card.
Please note- a CSCS card can only be obtained through the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and not Portland Training or any other training provider. You can learn more about applying on the CSCS Website.
Save money on your Construction NVQ
If the company you work for are CITB registered, you’ll be able to claim back up to £1500 on your construction NVQ through the CITB grant scheme, allowing you to save money whilst upskilling.
Fully Funded Construction NVQs
If you’re looking to obtain a level 3 construction NVQ, we are able to offer fully funded level 3 qualifications under the free courses for jobs scheme. If you’re 24+ years old and don’t have a previous level 3 qualification you may be eligible. Learn more here.
Get Your Construction NVQ
If you’re looking to get your next construction NVQ, you can contact Portland Training today to learn more about pricing and how much you can claim back for your next construction NVQ. We’ll send you through a skill scan and get you started as soon as possible. Fill out the from below and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
