Construction NVQ FAQs
How workplace assessment, evidence, timelines and CSCS card applications work.
NVQs through SiteCourses
Our construction NVQ routes are for people already working in a relevant role. An experienced assessor supports your workplace evidence and professional assessment through an online portfolio, with minimal disruption to your work. Companies can also enquire about developing existing supervisors and managers.
Qualifications are awarded only when the required standards are met. We confirm the exact qualification, awarding arrangements, assessor availability and fees before enrolment.
Gold Supervisor NVQ route · Blue Skilled Worker Level 2 route · Black Manager Level 6 · Black Manager Level 7 · Book a CITB HS&E test · CITB grants
Frequently asked questions
What is a construction NVQ?
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.
Do I need to renew my NVQ?
No. The NVQ qualification does not expire. A CSCS card does expire and has its own renewal requirements.
Who is this programme suitable for?
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.
How does assessment work?
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.
What evidence can I use?
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.
How long does an NVQ take?
Indicative times based on previous candidates are Level 2 portfolio route a minimum of four weeks of portfolio work, Level 3 around 2–4 months, and Levels 6 and 7 around 4–6 months. These are estimates, not guarantees; progress depends on the qualification, available evidence and your time and effort.
Is there a guaranteed pass or a final test?
There is no single final NVQ test and completion is not guaranteed. Your assessor must verify that all required standards are met. An initial completion period of up to six months may apply; extensions may be available for an additional fee. Confirm the applicable terms before enrolment.
Does an NVQ automatically give me a CSCS card?
No. The relevant qualification supports a card application when it matches your occupation. CSCS separately checks eligibility, the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment test or accepted alternative, and its application requirements. Apply to CSCS for the card.
Which CSCS card could my qualification support?
A relevant Level 2 occupational NVQ may support a Blue Skilled Worker card; an eligible Level 3 supervisory NVQ may support a Gold Supervisor card; and eligible Level 6 or Level 7 management NVQs may support a Black Manager card. The exact qualification and your occupation determine the right route.
Are the CSCS test, card and certificate included?
The NVQ certificate is issued on successful completion through the awarding arrangements confirmed at enrolment. The CITB test and CSCS card application are separate steps and may carry separate fees. Ask us for a written breakdown of what your NVQ fee includes.
Can I change employer during assessment?
Usually yes, provided you continue working in a suitable role and can supply the required evidence. Tell your assessor promptly. If your employer funds your NVQ, discuss the change with them as well.
Are grants available?
Eligible construction employers may be able to access CITB grants for qualifying NVQs. Eligibility and amounts depend on current CITB rules; check directly with CITB before relying on funding.
What support do I receive?
The programme is designed around your work, with an online portfolio and one-to-one assessor support. Evening or weekend contact may be possible by arrangement. Assessment standards and evidence requirements still apply.
Can I pay in instalments?
A 50% upfront and 50% on completion option may be available. Please ask us to confirm the payment terms for your selected NVQ before enrolment.
How do I enrol?
Complete the appropriate online NVQ candidate profile, or contact SiteCourses for assistance. After you return it, we arrange a pre-screening discussion, confirm your route and assign an assessor. Registration and a Unique Learner Number, where needed, are then arranged; allow approximately 10 days for registration before assessment begins.
Ready to discuss your NVQ?
Tell us your current role and the card or qualification you need. We can provide the appropriate profile form and explain the next steps.
Enquire about an NVQLevel 2 trade NVQ and Blue Card FAQs
Who is the Level 2 construction NVQ for?
People already working competently in their trade who can provide real workplace evidence. It assesses skills you use at work rather than teaching a trade from scratch. An assessor verifies the right qualification for your actual role before registration.
What are the prices?
The portfolio route is £695 (£834 including VAT). The 1-to-1 video discussion route is £895 (£1,074 including VAT), £200 (£240 including VAT) more. Any card application, CITB test and associated fee arrangements are confirmed before registration.
How does the video discussion route work?
Subject to assessor approval for your selected qualification, two two-hour one-to-one video calls allow the assessor to record your verbal knowledge answers instead of requiring typed or handwritten workbook answers. You still need workplace evidence and must meet every assessment requirement; further evidence or assessment may be needed.
Does the video route remove the portfolio requirement?
No. Your evidence still needs to demonstrate occupational competence. Recorded discussions can form part of the evidence portfolio alongside observations, photos or videos, witness statements and workplace documents, as appropriate to the qualification.
How long does the portfolio route take?
Allow a minimum of four weeks of portfolio work for this SiteCourses route. Completion depends on suitable evidence, access to work, assessor feedback and quality assurance. Four weeks is not a guaranteed certificate date.
What candidate details do I provide?
Each learner provides name, email, telephone, current job role, construction trade, employer or business name, and length of experience in the construction industry. These details can be provided at checkout or through the candidate enquiry form.
What happens after I book?
We contact you to arrange an assessor meeting, check your experience and trade, and confirm the correct qualification before registration. After induction you receive portal access, gather and upload evidence, receive assessor review and feedback, and complete when all required standards have been met.
Will a Level 2 NVQ automatically give me a Blue CSCS card?
No. For many recognised construction trades, the relevant Level 2 occupational NVQ supports the Blue Skilled Worker card route. You normally also need the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment test passed within the last two years, and a separate card application. The Blue card is normally valid for five years.
Are plant operations and slinger/signaller included?
You can select these trades for suitability screening. Plant and lifting roles may need an occupation-specific card scheme such as a CSCS Alliance scheme rather than a standard CSCS Blue card. Your assessor confirms the relevant NVQ, test and card route; selecting a trade does not guarantee card eligibility.
Do I need an exam?
The NVQ is normally assessed through workplace competence and knowledge evidence rather than a classroom examination. The separate CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for a card application is a test and should not be confused with the NVQ assessment.
Which awarding body and qualification will I be registered with?
The assessor confirms the exact occupational qualification, units, awarding organisation and registration arrangements after reviewing your trade and role. The trade names on this page are screening categories, not a single qualification covering every listed occupation.