How to choose a construction NVQ

Now, you’ve been on-site for a while, it’s time to get a proper qualification. But you’ve just remembered, you don’t know how to choose a construction NVQ that’s right for you.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. In fact, a lot of our construction buddies didn’t have a clue either. So let’s clear this up for you.

Here’s our guide to choosing the right construction NVQ for you.

First things first, what do you actually need the NVQ for?

Before even thinking about levels, you need to be clear on why you’re doing the NVQ in the first place.

For most people, it’s one of these:

  • You need a CSCS card to get or stay on-site
  • You want to progress in your career and develop yourself
  • You’re working towards Trust Mark registration
  • You need to meet PAS 2035 requirements (for retrofit roles like
  • Retrofit Assessor or Coordinator)
    Or your employer/client requires a formal qualification

Once you know the reason, choosing the right NVQ becomes much easier, because the qualification needs to match both your job role and the requirement you’re trying to meet

It’s as simple as that. But a clear thing to understand, if you’ve been working for a while, you’re probably working at a Level 2 or 3 at least.

You might be wondering about exams

Don’t worry there are no written exams, no revision, and no classrooms.

Your NVQ is based entirely around your job role that you do every day. So, if you can do your job well, you’re already most of the way there.

Instead of exams, you’ll complete a simple assessment process that proves your competence in the workplace. This typically includes:

  • An assessor observing you on-site (or remotely, where applicable)
  • Completing a short knowledge booklet to cover the required criteria (written/typed/recorded verbally)
  • Providing photos, videos, and records of your work (past or present)
  • Professional Discussions with your assessor simply chatting through what you do as your job
  • Witness testimonies from a supervisor or colleague

So just to reiterate, no classrooms, no final exams, so no panic

What’s the timescale?

People hear “assessment”, “qualification”, “NVQ”, and think themselves getting a qualification will take forever.

It doesn’t!

Achieving your Construction NVQ qualification with us takes about 2-3 months of work. But it all depends on how much work you put in. This means that some individuals take longer or shorter to qualify.

Why DMR Training

Our assessors have worked in construction, they understand what the job actually entails, so we understand that:

  • They understand the pressure and grind
  • We don’t overcomplicate things
  • We’ll guide your through everything you need. Properly

Final Words

To sum everything up, we’re here to get you properly qualified to work onsite, helping you choose the right course for you, ensuring you pass the assessment and get the qualification you need to meet compliance requirements, progress in your career or both!

We know the score, and it’s as simple as that.