Construction NVQs for Your CSCS Card
Which NVQ matches which CSCS card?
All qualifications are assessed in the workplace. Most skilled, supervisory and management CSCS cards are built on a relevant NVQ or SVQ. Use the table to find your route, then choose your qualification below.
| CSCS card | Usually for | Qualification route |
|---|---|---|
| Green Labourer | People working as labourers or general operatives on site | Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment |
| Blue Skilled Worker | Qualified, skilled tradespeople working in their trade | A relevant NVQ or SVQ Level 2 |
| Gold Advanced Craft | Highly skilled craft workers with advanced qualifications | An NVQ or SVQ Level 3 in your craft |
| Gold Supervisor | People who supervise others on site | A construction-related supervisory NVQ or SVQ at Level 3 or Level 4 |
| Black Manager | Site managers, contracts managers and senior managers | A Level 6 or Level 7 construction management NVQ or equivalent |
NVQ Level 2 trades
Trade and operative level qualifications for workers on the tools. Read the Level 2 guide.
NVQ Level 2 Plant Operations (Certificate)
NVQ Level 2 Plant Operations (Diploma)
NVQ Level 2 Joint Sealant Application
NVQ Level 2 Passive Fire Protection
NVQ Level 2 Cladding
NVQ Level 2 General Building Operations
NVQ Level 2 Cold Formed Steel Frame Erection
NVQ Level 2 Slinger/Signaller
NVQ Level 2 Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting
NVQ Level 2 Formwork
NVQ Level 2 Interior Systems
NVQ Level 2 Specialist Concrete
NVQ Level 2 Steelfixing
NVQ Level 2 Stonemasonry
NVQ Level 2 Trowel Occupations
NVQ Level 2 Wood Occupations
NVQ Level 4
Supervisory qualifications for foremen, gangers and site supervisors.
NVQ Level 4 Construction Site Supervision
NVQ Level 4 Supervising Lifts 2024
NVQ Level 5
Planning and control of complex lifting operations.
NVQ Level 5 Planning Lift 2024
NVQ Level 6
Site management for building and civil engineering projects.
NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management
NVQ Level 7
Senior management across large construction programmes.
NVQ Level 7 Construction Senior Management
Frequently asked questions
How does work-based NVQ assessment work?
Your assessor agrees a plan with you, then you gather evidence from your normal work: photographs, observations and witness testimony. There is no classroom and no written exam. Assessment is arranged around your working week.
Do I have to be working to take an NVQ?
Yes. An NVQ is assessed on the work you actually do, so you must be working in the occupation you want to be qualified in.
How long does an NVQ take?
It depends on your trade, the level and how quickly you can gather evidence. We agree a realistic plan with you at registration rather than promising a fixed time.
How much does it cost?
Prices are shown on every qualification and course page. Level 2 NVQs are £650 + VAT, Level 4 from £1,000 + VAT, Level 5 £1,200 + VAT, Level 6 £1,500 + VAT and Level 7 £1,800 + VAT.
Not sure which route is right for you?
Call or message us with your trade and experience. We will tell you honestly what you need. There is no obligation.
