NVQ Level 3 External Wall Insulation
The NVQ Level 3 in External Wall Insulation course is for experienced external wall insulation workers who meet the recognised occupational standards.
This NVQ is suitable for operatives who work on either new build construction sites or retrofitting external wall insulation to domestic homes. See the ‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Assessment Process’ sections for examples of job tasks you will be assessed on.
The Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route allows you to achieve your NVQ through workplace assessment at your own speed.
This qualification is a mandatory requirement in gaining your CSCS Skilled Worker (Advanced Craft) Gold card.
There are three pathways onto the NVQ Level 3 EWI. Please click below for the full handbook of each qualification:
To undertake an Internal Wall Insulation NVQ Level 3, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of three years experience installing internal wall insulation in the workplace.
- Must currently be working in the trade.
- Aged 19+.
Although an NVQ is technically a pass or fail qualification, we will only enrol you if we are confident in your ability to complete the course. To plan your assessment programme, your assessor will check your level of experience in some of the skills listed below. This pre-enrolment skills check will also confirm that you have enough trade experience to successfully achieve your NVQ.
- Pre-checks including testing wall stability; locating electrical cables and sockets; locating pipework using a pipe detector; and marking on walls where pipes and cables are present.
- Removing skirting boards, architraves, corner seats, mouldings and decorative features.
- Measuring and cutting internal wall insulation.
- Installing insulation through mechanical fix, dot and dab or securing to stud frame.
- Applying spray foam to seal gaps.
- Covering joints with adhesive-backed aluminium tape or scrim.
- Refitting skirting boards, architraves, corner seats, mouldings and decorative features.
- Cleaning up and removing dust sheets or Roll & Stroll protector.
We deliver the NVQ in Insulation and Building Treatments – External Wall Insulation through the Onsite Assessment (OSAT) route. We will assign you an insulation assessor who will work with you for the duration of the course as you build a portfolio of evidence.
Types of evidence may include:
- An onsite observation while you work, carried out by your assessor in your workplace
- Photographs or videos of you working
- References, employer endorsements or witness testimonies verifying your work as an external wall insulation operative
- Detailed job logs of work you have completed
- A recorded professional discussion with your assessor either face-to-face or over the telephone
Your assessor will be looking for evidence of competency in a range of skills such as quality of finish, awareness of damp and ventilation issues, correct application of mushroom fixings during mechanical board installation and knowledge of health and safety legislation.
Once your assessor is satisfied you have submitted sufficient evidence, our internal verification team will check your portfolio. They will then claim your NVQ certificate.
Although insulation workers can take up to six months or more to achieve their NVQ, we find that most complete the qualification in two to three months.
Ultimately, the qualification will fit around your professional and personal commitments. Work towards it at a speed you feel comfortable.
On completion of your External Wall Insulation NVQ course, you can apply for your Skilled Worker Gold card (formerly known as Advanced Craft.)
If you require a CSCS card while you are working towards your NVQ, you can apply for your temporary Experienced Worker card (red card).
All CSCS card applicants must first pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (HS&E test).
Please visit our Funding & Grants page to check if funding is available.
If you are ineligible for government support, we offer affordable self-funded assessment payable in four instalments of 25%.
Please Contact us to discuss funding and costs.
MANDATORY UNITS
Learners must complete the seven mandatory units:
- Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace
- Confirming Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area in the Workplace
- Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
- Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
- Installing bespoke first fixing components in the Workplace
- Installing bespoke second fixing components in the Workplace
- Setting up and using transportable cutting and shaping machines in the Workplace
ADDITIONAL UNITS
To look at the specific requirements of your pathway, please click the links below.
After achieving Level 3 and depending on your experience, you may have the option to advance to NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) or NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision.
When you decide to proceed with your NVQ, we will carry out a quick skills scan to confirm your suitability for the qualification and the onsite assessment route.
We will then enrol you on the qualification and issue your welcome email. Your assessor will contact you for your introductory telephone conversation and put together your assessment action plan.
For an initial commitment-free consultation, please call us on 01942 673047 or send us your details and we will get back to you.
Course Information
The NVQ Level 3 in External Wall Insulation course is for experienced external wall insulation workers who meet the recognised occupational standards.
The qualification validates your skills and experience in the job.
- 2-3 Months
- Funding Available
Ready to take the next step in your career?
Contact us today to discuss your training needs and discover how we can help you achieve your goals with our flexible courses and funding options.
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
Common queries about the CITB Levy and Grant system
What are the benefits of gaining an EWI NVQ Level 3?
There are several reasons you might take an NVQ, ranging from increased earning potential and career prospects, to gaining your CSCS card. See our short guide – Why Should You Do an NVQ?
I am an employer. Will this NVQ help my company access ECO4 work?
Who will assess my NVQ?
Before starting your qualification, an assessor will be assigned to work with you and provide ongoing support.
DMR assessors are former construction workers with at least five years’ experience in NVQ assessment.
They hold an A1 or TAQA assessor’s qualification, a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in their occupational area and a blue or gold CSCS card.
Can you provide support if I am dyslexic or have a learning disability?
We provide full training to all our assessors in supporting people with a learning disability or dyslexia. If you need extra support and guidance with the written elements of your insulation NVQ, your assessor will draw up an assessment plan tailored to your needs.
Where will my NVQ take place and what will I need to do?
An NVQ is a workplace competency qualification. As a competent external wall insulation operative, you will be expected to document your skills and experience through various types of ‘evidence’.
Your assessor will carry out at least one observation in your place of work. You will also complete coursework in your own time.
To achieve your qualification, you will not need to travel, there are no exams to sit, and you will not need to take time off work. Your assessor will provide support and guidance face-to-face, by phone and by email.
Are grants or funding available?
CITB-registered employers can claim a grant of £600 for every employee or contractor who completes an NVQ Level 2 to 7. You can find more information on the CITB website or the CITB grants FAQs page on our website post.
NVQ funding is available for construction workers who meet specific criteria. Please get in touch with us to find out if you are eligible for funding or visit our Funding & Grants page.
How long will it take to get my certificate after I finish my NVQ?
When you have completed your NVQ portfolio, our internal verification team will check it for compliance. They will then claim your certificate with NOCN. Once we have received your certificate from the awarding body, we will forward it to you by recorded delivery. This process usually takes between two and four weeks.
How do I apply for my EWI insulation CSCS card?
To get your CSCS Gold Skilled Worker card, you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test at your local test centre.
You can apply for your card by visiting www.cscs.uk.com/applying-for-cards. You will need to upload a copy of your NVQ certificate and have a debit or credit card ready to pay the £36 fee.
Can I get a temporary CSCS card while I do my NVQ?
Yes, if you need a CSCS card while you are doing your EWI qualification, you can apply for the Experienced Worker card. You can request this card as soon as we have enrolled you on the NVQ (you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test).
To apply for the temporary card, we will email you your proof of enrolment which you must submit to CSCS.
You will then upgrade to the Skilled Worker Gold card once you have finished the qualification.
How do I apply to start my EWI NVQ or find out more information?
You can call us on 01942 673047 or get in touch through our contact form.