NVQ LEVEL 2 DRY LINING
DMR Training is an approved assessment centre for NVQ Level 2 Diploma & Certificate in Interior Systems – Dry Lining. We aim to help you gain your Dry Lining NVQ as quickly and conveniently as possible.
ABOUT THIS NVQ
WHO SHOULD TAKE NVQ LEVEL 2 DRY LINING?
The NVQ Level 2 in Dry Lining course is for experienced dry liners who meet the recognised occupational standards. The qualification validates your skills and experience.
The Dry Lining NVQ is suitable for dry liners who have the required vocational experience (see ‘Entry Requirements’) in new build construction sites, refurbishment and commercial sites or domestic work.
The Dry Lining NVQ falls under the Level 2 NVQ Certificate/Diploma in Interior Systems (Construction) range of qualifications. There are ten pathways within the interior systems qualification. They are:
- Pathway 1 – Ceiling Fixing
- Pathway 2 – Dry Lining Finishing
- Pathway 3 – Dry Lining Boarder
- Pathway 4 – Cavity Barrier Installation
- Pathway 5 – Modular Demountable Partitioning
- Pathway 6 – Operable Partition Systems
- Pathway 7 – Glass Partition/Internal Screen Systems
- Pathway 8 – Dry Lining Fixing
- Pathway 9 – Access Flooring
- Pathway 10 – Acoustic Floor Installation
The information on this page is for pathways 2, 3 and 8 (Dry Lining Finishing / Boarder / Fixing). To achieve your NVQ in Dry Lining, you will select the most relevant pathway to your experience and current job role. Please speak to our assessment team if you are unsure which route to take. If you have dry lining experience covering more than one area, you may decide to take two pathways (for example, Fixing and Finishing) which will effectively give you two qualifications. Please contact us for more advice on picking the correct pathway for your NVQ.
We deliver the Dry Lining NVQ through the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route. This workplace assessment route gives you the flexibility to work towards your qualification at your own speed (although we encourage you to complete the NVQ in no more than two months). Classroom training is rarely required to complete the Dry Lining NVQ through OSAT, and you will not need to travel anywhere or take time off work. Please refer to ‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Assessment Process’ for examples of assessment criteria for the Dry Lining NVQ.
Once you have achieved your Level 2 NVQ, you can apply for your CSCS Skilled Worker card (AKA The Blue Card).
See the ‘Qualification Requirements’ section below for a list of the individual NVQ units within the Boarder, Finishing and Fixing pathways.
To undertake a Dry Lining NVQ, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of three years experience in dry lining.
- Must currently be working in the dry lining trade.
- Aged 19+.
Your NVQ assessor will carry out a pre-enrolment skills diagnostic in a number of the job tasks listed below. It is not an exhaustive list and is designed to illustrate some of the key areas of experience needed to achieve the Dry Lining NVQ.
- Measuring and cutting tracks and uprights for metal stud dry lining partition systems (Fixing pathway only).
- Fixing metal stud partition systems to walls or floor and ceiling joists (Fixing pathway only).
- Measuring and cutting plasterboards to correct size (Fixing and Boarding pathways).
- Fixing plasterboards to brickwork and blockwork through direct bond (dot and dab) (Fixing and Boarding pathways).
- Fixing plasterboards to timber stud and metal stud walls through mechanical fix (Fixing and Boarding pathways).
- Applying drywall adhesive to surfaces (for dot and dab dry liners taking the Boarding pathway).
- Appying dry lining tape to joints between plasterboards (for taper and jointers taking the Finishing pathway).
- Applying jointing compound and drywall sealants to joints between plasterboards (for taper and jointers taking the Finishing pathway).
- Applying finishing plaster to drywalls (skimmers taking the Finishing pathway).
- Applying dry wall sealers and primers (Finishing pathway).
- Mixing solutions such as finishing plaster or drywall adhesive to right consistency.
- Correct use of relevant tools such as stanley knives, flat brushes, metal and plastic trowels, jointing and sanding tools, tin snips and crimping tools.
- Working safely and following health and safety regulations (see ‘Assessment process’ section).
After enrolling you on your Dry Lining NVQ, we will assign you an assessor who will work with you throughout the qualification as you collect work-based evidence for your NVQ portfolio.
Types of evidence may include:
- An onsite observation while you work, carried out by your assessor in your workplace. Your assessor will look for evidence of your competency as a dry liner, and your awareness and application of health and safety.
- Photographs or videos of you working. Your assessor will provide guidance on capturing suitable images for photographic evidence.
- References, employer endorsements or witness testimonies verifying your work as a dry liner. You can submit current, recent or historical references and testimonies.
- Detailed job logs of work you have completed during your Dry Lining NVQ.
- A recorded professional discussion with your assessor either face-to-face or over the telephone. For example, your assessor may ask you to talk him through various aspects of your employment history in dry lining.
- Q&A pack covering the ‘theory’ of dry lining, and construction health and safety. You can work through this pack in your own time, and provide answers in either handwritten form, typed on a computer or verbally recorded on a digital voice recorder.
Alongside the specific dry lining skills listed in ‘Entry Requirements’, you will need to provide evidence of your knowledge of health and safety and its application in the workplace. These areas may include:
- Correct procedure for reporting accidents, emergencies and spills.
- Safe and proper use of dry lining tools such as knives, tin snips, plastering stilts or access platforms.
- Wearing full PPE where applicable, such as hi-vis clothing on a construction site.
- Correctly moving and handling heavy objects such as plasterboards.
Overall, your assessor will be looking for evidence that you work safely, in a timely and efficient fashion and have a good understanding of the tools, materials and methods used in the dry lining trade.
When your assessor has finished cross-referencing your work-based evidence to the units of the NVQ, our internal verification team will check your portfolio. They will then claim your NVQ certificate with NOCN.
Although dry liners can take up to six months or more to achieve their NVQ, we find that most complete the qualification in 2 to 3 months.
Ultimately, the qualification will fit around your professional and personal commitments. Work towards it at a speed you feel comfortable.
Please visit our Funding & Grants page to check if funding is available for your NVQ.
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.
On completion of your Dry Lining NVQ course, you can apply for your Skilled Worker card (blue card).
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).
After achieving Level 2 and depending on your experience, you may have the option to advance to NVQ Level 3 in Interior Systems, NVQ Level 3 in Plastering, 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 diagnostic to confirm your suitability for the qualification and the onsite assessment route.
We will then enrol you on the qualification with NOCN 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.
REQUIREMENTS
MANDATORY UNITS
Candidates must complete the four mandatory units
- Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
- Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace
- Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace
ADDITIONAL UNITS
Candidates can elect to take additional units but they do not form part of the core qualification
- Finishing dry lining walls and ceilings in the workplace (to achieve Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Interior Systems – Dry Lining Finishing)
- Installing plasterboard linings in the workplace (to achieve Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Interior Systems – Dry Lining Boarder)
- Installing dry lining systems in the workplace AND Installing plasterboard linings in the workplace (to achieve Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems – Dry Lining Fixing)
APPLY NOW
For an initial commitment-free consultation about your NVQ please call us on 01942 673047 or register your interest via the APPLY NOW link.
Once we receive your enquiry, a member of our training and assessment team will contact you to discuss your NVQ and answer any questions you have.
FAQs
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?
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.
We provide full training to all our assessors in supporting people with dyslexia or learning disabilities. If you need extra support and guidance with the written elements of your Dry Lining NVQ, your assessor will draw up an assessment plan tailored to your needs.
An NVQ is a workplace competency qualification. As a competent dry liner, 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.
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.
Government 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.
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.
To get your CSCS 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.
Yes, if you need a CSCS card while you are doing your dry lining 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 card once you have finished the qualification.
You can call us on 01942 673047 or get in touch through our contact form.
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