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Get qualified
Which qualification you need, the card it gets you, and how to do it without leaving work.
Start with training
You need real jobs to get an NVQ. Start with an apprenticeship or a college course, get your CSCS card, then build up site experience. See the routes in.
Get assessed on site
Skilled but no certificate? An experienced worker NVQ is assessed on your own jobs, with no classroom. It's the usual route to a Blue or Gold card.
Choose your trade
Carpentry & joinery
2 qualifications · up to Level 3
Bricklaying
2 qualifications · up to Level 3
Plastering
2 qualifications · up to Level 3
Painting & decorating
2 qualifications · up to Level 3
Roofing & cladding
2 qualifications · up to Level 3
Wall & floor tiling
1 qualification · up to Level 3
Glazing, windows & doors
6 qualifications · up to Level 3
Solar panel installation
1 qualification · up to Level 2
Building maintenance (multi-trade)
1 qualification · up to Level 2
Plant & lifting operations
3 qualifications · up to Level 5
Supervision & site management
6 qualifications · up to Level 7
Health & safety
3 qualifications · up to Level 7
The levels, simply
| Level | Means | Usual CSCS card |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Qualified tradesperson | Blue Skilled Worker |
| 3 | Advanced craft, or supervising a team | Gold Advanced Craft or Gold Supervisor |
| 4 | Running a site | Gold Supervisor |
| 6–7 | Managing sites, contracts or a business | Black Manager |
Want to train others?
Experienced pros can move into teaching and assessing with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (to become an NVQ assessor), and the Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance.
Before you book anything: check the qualification on the CSCS card finder so you know it leads to the card you want.