The short version
- Main routeNVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision, Level 3
- Leads toGold Supervisor card
- HowAssessed on your own jobs. No classroom.
- You needCurrent work in the trade to show
- TimeOften a few months, depending on your evidence
Already running jobs or managing a team? NVQs at Level 3 to 7 back that up, and lead to Gold Supervisor or Black Manager cards.
Who it's for
- Chargehands and foremen
- Site supervisors
- Site, contracts and project managers
- Site inspectors and clerks of works
New to the trade? On-site NVQs need real jobs to assess, so they're not for complete beginners. Start with an apprenticeship or college course. See routes for new starters.
Which qualification?
| Qualification | Level | Card it leads to |
|---|---|---|
| NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision | 3 | Gold Supervisor |
| NVQ Diploma in Site Inspection | 3 | Gold Supervisor |
| NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision | 4 | Gold Supervisor |
| NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management | 6 | Black Manager |
| NVQ Diploma in Senior Site Inspection (Clerk of Works) | 6 | Black Manager |
| NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management | 7 | Black Manager |
Level 3 is for supervising a team, Level 4 for running a site, Level 6 for managing sites or contracts, and Level 7 for senior roles.
What the assessor wants to see
- Programmes and progress reports you've produced
- Toolbox talks and inductions you've delivered
- Meeting minutes and RFIs
- Witness statements from your manager or client
Tip: Most of your evidence already exists as emails and reports. Start pulling it into one folder before you register.
How it works
Quick skills check
A short check of your management experience works out the right level and pathway.
Register
You're registered with the awarding body and given a portfolio to fill.
Build your evidence
Photos, job sheets and witness statements from work you're already doing.
Site visit
Rather than watching you lay bricks, the assessor looks at how you run work: briefings, inspections, coordinating trades and dealing with problems.
Discussion
Expect discussion of programmes, quality, health and safety leadership and contracts, at the level that matches your role.
Certificate
After a quality check, you're qualified.
How long it takes
Most of the evidence already exists as emails, reports and records, so organised supervisors and managers can move quickly.
Cost
Prices rise with the level. Expect four figures for Level 3 and above, with Level 6 and 7 at the top end. Get a few quotes. These are ballpark figures. The price usually covers registration, assessment and the certificate. Some providers offer instalments, and employers may be able to claim a CITB grant.
Getting your card
Level 3 and 4 routes lead to the Gold Supervisor card. Level 6 and 7 lead to the Black Manager card. You'll also need the managers and professionals version of the CITB HS&E test.
Quick answers
Which level should I choose?
Level 3 for supervising a team, Level 4 for running a site, Level 6 for managing sites or contracts, and Level 7 for senior roles.
I'm a site inspector. Is there a route for me?
Yes. There are Site Inspection (Level 3) and Senior Site Inspection or Clerk of Works (Level 6) routes.
Do I need a degree?
No. These are work-based qualifications assessed on what you already do.
Is there a written exam?
Not for the NVQ itself. It's assessed through evidence, observation and discussion. The CITB HS&E test for your card is separate.