Course advice
Turn your experience and ambitions into a clear training plan. Explore construction NVQs, site safety courses and online learning, with practical guidance to help you choose confidently.
Choose your route
Start with the outcome you need. A workplace qualification, a site safety certificate and an online awareness course each serve a different purpose.
Demonstrate the skills and knowledge you use at work through assessment against an occupational standard. Choose a qualification that matches your trade, supervisory or management responsibilities.
Find your NVQ level →Develop the safety knowledge needed for your responsibilities. Explore SSSTS for supervision, SMSTS for site management and refresher training for eligible certificate holders.
Explore short courses →Build awareness in areas such as health and safety, business skills, and health and social care. Check the course outcome and any practical training requirements before booking.
Browse online courses →Match the qualification to the work
Your day-to-day responsibilities and the evidence you can provide matter more than your job title alone. Use these examples as a starting point, then ask us to review your role and the exact qualification requirements.
| Typical level | Responsibilities to discuss | Useful starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Skilled trade or operative work, carrying out tasks competently within your occupation. | Your trade, regular tasks and examples of completed work. |
| Levels 3–4 | Advanced trade work, occupational supervision or coordinating people and activities, depending on the qualification. | The work you supervise, your decision-making and responsibility for others. |
| Levels 5–6 | Construction management responsibilities, with the exact route depending on your role and qualification. | How you plan, manage and monitor work, resources and project outcomes. |
| Level 7 | Senior construction management involving broader project, team and organisational responsibilities. | The strategic decisions you make and the senior management evidence available. |
Prepare for assessment
An NVQ assessment looks at how you apply your skills and knowledge at work. For the ProQual Level 7 Construction Senior Management qualification, this includes a portfolio demonstrating the learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Evidence may include assessor observations, professional discussions, workplace reports, witness testimony and questioning. The assessment plan should make clear what is needed for your chosen units.
Ask about the delivery arrangements before you enrol: which activities can take place remotely, whether workplace observation is needed, and how you will receive feedback.
Prepare for an online NVQ assessment →Discuss your experience, goals and access to suitable workplace evidence.
Confirm the qualification, units, assessment methods and realistic milestones.
Organise relevant examples and explain the decisions and actions you took.
Address feedback and complete the assessment and quality assurance requirements.
Site Safety Plus
Choose the course that reflects your site responsibilities. Our course pages explain the content and current booking information; speak to us if you are unsure which route your employer expects.
A starting point for people supervising construction activities and teams. Develop your understanding of supervisory health and safety responsibilities.
View SSSTS course details →For those with construction site management responsibilities. Explore how managers plan and manage site health, safety, welfare and environmental matters.
View SMSTS course details →Update your supervisory safety knowledge and renew an eligible, current SSSTS certificate. Check the expiry date before arranging your training.
View SSSTS Refresher details →Refresh your site management knowledge and renew an eligible, current SMSTS certificate. Plan ahead so you complete training before expiry.
View SMSTS Refresher details →Qualifications & cards
Start with your occupation and the card you actually need. The qualification must match the role, and you should check the exact accepted qualification and the relevant health, safety and environment test requirements with CSCS.
Construction NVQs may support a skilled, supervisory or management card application where they meet the scheme’s requirements. Completing a course does not automatically issue a card.
SMSTS is not accepted as the qualification for a CSCS Manager card. Site safety training and the occupational qualification are separate parts of your development plan.
Check the official CSCS Card Finder ↗Plan with confidence
Ask about attendance, assessment appointments, remote access and workplace requirements. For online delivery, check your device, internet connection and access to a quiet place to learn.
Confirm the total price, VAT, assessment and certification charges, and any separate test or card fees. Ask about current funding options and eligibility; availability depends on the programme and your circumstances.
Discuss learning support, accessibility and reasonable adjustments before booking. This helps us understand what you need and explain the support available for your chosen route.
Share the roles, number of learners, existing certificates, renewal dates and preferred delivery arrangements. We can discuss a training plan that reflects your organisation’s priorities and the requirements of each learner.
Discuss employer training →The Competum knowledge hub
Explore our guides to qualification levels, workplace assessment and senior management NVQs.
NVQ guidance
Understand construction NVQ Levels 2–7, the roles and responsibilities associated with each level, and how to identify a qualification that matches your experience.
Read the articleNVQ guidance
Prepare for your online construction NVQ assessment with practical advice on gathering workplace evidence, discussing your experience and checking your technology.
Read the articleNVQ guidance
Learn how to complete your construction NVQ efficiently, from choosing the right qualification and preparing workplace evidence to avoiding common assessment delays.
Read the articleNVQ guidance
Explore construction NVQ standards in 2026, including qualification regulation, workplace assessment requirements and checks to make before enrolling.
Read the articleSenior management
Discover how the ProQual Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management works, who it is designed for and how experienced construction managers can achieve a recognised Level 7 qualification through workplace assessment.
Read the articleSenior management
Find out how the ProQual Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management is assessed through workplace observations and real evidence, with flexible timescales and support from a dedicated assessor.
Read the articleSenior management
Find out how a Level 7 NVQ compares with a Master's degree, including how the qualifications differ, how the NVQ is assessed and who the work-based route is designed for.
Read the articleCommon questions
You need access to evidence that demonstrates the requirements of the qualification. Many construction NVQs are assessed through your work. Tell us about your current role and circumstances so we can discuss a suitable route before you enrol.
Suitability depends on your responsibilities, experience and ability to meet the assessment criteria. You do not choose a level simply by the number of years you have worked. An initial review helps identify whether your role matches the qualification.
A Level 7 NVQ and a Master’s degree can sit at the same qualification level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are different types of qualification, with different purposes and assessment. A Level 7 NVQ is not a Master’s degree. Read our comparison.
Some assessment activities may be carried out remotely. The exact arrangements depend on the qualification, evidence and assessment requirements. Confirm what can be done online and what workplace activity is needed before booking.
You need to take the relevant full course again. The refresher must be completed before the existing certificate expires. Contact us with your certificate details if you are unsure which course to book.
No. A card application is a separate process. Check that your exact qualification is accepted for your occupation and that you meet the current test and application requirements.
Tell us your job role, main duties, relevant experience, existing qualifications, desired outcome and deadline. For a refresher, include the course type and certificate expiry date. You can discuss detailed workplace evidence with the team once the route is clear.
Your next step
Tell us where you are now and where you want to go. Our team can help you understand the options and confirm the details before you book.
Further guidance: GOV.UK qualification levels · ProQual Level 7 qualification specification · CSCS qualification guidance · CITB refresher guidance.
Guidance reviewed October 2026. Confirm the current requirements, availability and full costs for your chosen route before booking.
