CSCS Black Manager Card NVQ Routes

The Black Manager Card route requires an appropriate construction management or technical qualification that matches the applicant’s occupation, together with the other current CSCS requirements.

The correct level depends on the candidate’s occupation, responsibilities and the qualification accepted for that role. Level 7 can apply to certain senior management occupations, while Level 6 is used for a range of management and technical roles.

No. It is a competency-based assessment route. Candidates demonstrate occupational competence using workplace evidence and assessor-led assessment activities.

The assessment support offered through SiteCourses is remote online. Candidates still need access to appropriate workplace evidence.

No. CSCS card eligibility depends on the applicant’s occupation, accepted qualification and current card-scheme requirements, including the relevant Health, Safety and Environment test where required.

A construction NVQ is a nationally recognised, workplace-based qualification that assesses competence against occupational standards. It is a lifetime qualification; the related CSCS card has separate validity and renewal rules.

No. The NVQ qualification does not expire. A CSCS card does expire and has its own renewal requirements.

Candidates should already work in the relevant construction role and have access to evidence of their actual duties. We confirm the qualification and occupational fit before enrolment.

An assessor supports you one to one, usually through online meetings, reviews your portfolio and gathers evidence against the required units. Workplace observation or other assessment methods may also be needed. There is no single end-of-programme NVQ exam.

Your online portfolio can be accessed at any time. Evidence may include workplace observations, questions and professional discussions, previous learning, relevant work documents such as risk assessments and method statements, witness testimony and other evidence accepted by the assessor. Your assessor confirms what is suitable.