Construction Management

Construction Management Qualifications (Black CSCS card)

Level 6 and 7 NVQs are comparable to Bachelors Degrees and Masters Degrees respectively. (Click here to view the UK Government website for more information about qualification levels.)

NVQs aren’t about going ‘back to school’ though, they’re about recognising the skills, knowledge and experience that you – as a manager in construction – have developed over time, on the job.

Many of our Level 6 & 7 candidates started their careers ‘at the bottom’ labouring on site and worked their way up through the ranks to management positions. They had little or no prior qualifications but because they had a ‘story to tell’ and the evidence to prove it, they were able to achieve access high level NVQs, a Black CSCS card and Chartered Membership with The CIOB.

Steps to apply

01
Submit an application
Send us a completed profile tool for your chosen NVQ
02
Speak with an assessor
An assessor will call you to ensure the NVQ is acheivable
03
Start at any time
Once you're approved, you can start the NVQ right away

Click an image below for more information:

Our Construction Management Qualifications

Frequently asked questions

What's the NVQ process all about?

The NVQ process isn’t about exams or going ‘back to school’, it’s a confirmation that you’re already doing the job competently.

In a nutshell, you’re simply telling your assessor how you carry out your role and showing them the evidence (documents, photos, videos) that proves it.

Is there any written work involved?

We have different assessment options to suit the individual requirements of the candidate.

For experienced managers who are established in the role – we recommend that they complete their NVQ through ‘professional discussion’ (online via Zoom). This assessment involves no written work. These managers have been doing the job for a long time and can respond very confidently ‘off-the-cuff’ without notes or significant guidance from their assessor. They essentially ‘talk their way through’ their qualification. This process enables these managers to achieve these high-level qualifications within a very short space of time (typically less than 4 weeks).

For less experienced managers (i.e. those who may not be as confident responding to verbal questions in a recorded ‘discussion-style’ assessment – we recommend a written work style assessment (online via our ePortfolio system). This provides them with the opportunity to highlight any ‘gaps’ in their knowledge, and develop themselves specifically in these areas, working at their own pace with help and guidance from their assessor. Most candidates on this written-work-based assessment are complete within around 2-3 months, but they have 12 months in which to complete.

Prior to enrolment (during the profiling process) our assessors will determine whether each candidate would be best suited to the discussion assessment or the written assessment.

How does the actual assessment work?

The NVQ process is really a ‘tell me, show me’ exercise. First you will tell your assessor how you carry out a particular task, then you show them the evidence the proves your statement.

It goes something like this:

Assessor: “can you tell me how you promote a culture of health, safety and welfare on site?”

Learner:I carry out inductions, regular toolbox talks, daily briefings and weekly site meetings where health and safety matters will be a key topic. I also have H&S signage and notice boards around the site”

Assessor: “That’s good, can you show me some supporting evidence for this?”

Learner: “Sure, here’s some examples of these documents from the site I’m currently working on, and here are some photographs of the signage I have on site”

Assessor: “ok great, I’m happy with that”

It really is that simple, provided that you’re competently doing the job and have the evidence to prove it, you can complete the NVQ.

What sort of evidence is required?

Evidence will vary greatly depending on the specific qualification and level, but (as a guideline) examples of evidence required for managerial-level NVQs could include (but is not limited to):

  • RAMS
  • Tool box talk
  • Induction
  • Daily brief
  • Risk register
  • Traffic management or logistic plan
  • Bill of quantities
  • Meeting minutes
  • Plant check list
  • Programme
  • Phase plan
  • Emails
  • Minutes of meetings
  • Annual appraisal
  • Tender evaluation
  • Client specification
  • Drawings
  • Training matrix
  • Workforce plan
  • Procurement schedule
  • Project budget

Evidence submitted can be related to various different projects (past or current) provided that it under 5 years old.

Who will be my assessor?

All of our assessors at managerial level are highly experienced, qualified construction professionals who have ‘done the job’ themselves and are therefore in a position to add real value to your qualification.

Most of our assessors are Members or Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and have worked in senior construction management positions for Tier 1 companies such as Macegroup and Laing O’Rourke.

We carefully select a particular assessor for each individual learner to ensure that your workplace experiences are aligned and that the feedback and guidance provided is useful, relevant and rewarding.

How long does it typically take?

Achievement of these management-level NVQs is largely down to the candidate’s own motivation.

We provide support for a period of 12 months from the date of registration, however these qualification is realistically achievable in less than 4 weeks given the appropriate commitment.

Many of our Level 6 & 7 candidates are complete within 4-12 weeks.

Can I apply for MCIOB on completion?

Yes, all of our NVQs are Level 6 & 7 provide access to MCIOB on completion.

MCIOB through the Level 7 NVQ:

Our Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management provides fast-track access to MCIOB through the ‘Shortened Review. This is because all of our assessors at level 7 are members and Fellows of CIOB themselves.

Your NVQ assessor will help you every step of the way with this shortened application process free of charge *this only applies to Level 7 candidates.

MCIOB through a Level 6 NVQ:

Our Level 6 NVQs provide access to MCIOB through the ‘Full Professional Review

Once your MCIOB application has been successful you will be eligible to use the following post-nominal letters after your name:

John Smith MCIOB

When can I apply for my CSCS card?

Once enrolled onto a construction-based Level 6 or 7 NVQ you will be eligible to apply for the Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager CSCS card right away (this is optional, but useful for those that need a CSCS card urgently). This card is issued on a temporary basis and demonstrates that you are working towards an NVQ. 

Once the NVQ has been completed, we’ll send you a scanned copy of your certificate which you can use to apply for your Black ‘Manager’ CSCS Card.

Please note: To apply for any CSCS card you are required to have passed the appropriate level of CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test within the last two years.

More information about this can be found here.

Can I fail an NVQ?

Technically Yes, you can fail any NVQ. NVQs are competence-based qualifications, they are a recognition of the skills, knowledge and experience that you already have. With that in mind, if you have never ‘done the job’ and don’t have the evidence to prove it, how are you going to answer the question?

We at CADUK have robust procedures in place to ensure that doesn’t happen.

The key to our success in this area is that we only enrol candidates onto our qualifications in the first place that we know have the skills, knowledge and experience to be successful.

We carry out a thorough profiling process (free of charge) with each and every candidate before enrolment to make 100% sure that the qualification is achievable before you start.

As part of this process we ask you to complete an initial profile tool (questionnaire) and return it to us with a copy of your CV. One of our assessors will then contact you directly to confirm that you have the skills, knowledge and experience required to be successful.

Once our assessor has ‘approved’ you to start, you can enrol at any time.

If the assessor thinks that a different qualification is more suitable, they will recommend an alternative NVQ. This may be a lower or higher level qualification, but you will be confident that you can actually ‘live up’ to the qualification that you’re taking on.

Why should I complete an NVQ?

With a little effort on your part, The relevant NVQ can take your career wherever you want it to go.  The NVQ system in construction is designed to help you progress in your career. Having an NVQ in construction makes you a much more attractive candidate for employers, particularly when combined with a CSCS card and Chartered Status. Every day, thousands of potential employers rely on them to make hiring decision.

The NVQ system provides recognised construction qualifications even to those who haven’t completed any other form of formal education. NVQs tell your employer a lot about you. By gaining an NVQ, you are making a strong statement about your will to succeed in your job.

Our NVQs are CITB Grant claimable

CADUK are a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO). This enables CITB registered companies to claim back £1500 on completion of these NVQs through the Short Period Qualification Grants scheme. This includes small employers (i.e. those with a wage bill of less than £80k) who don’t have to pay the levy. This grant applies to directly employed staff on the payroll and all subcontractors.

To check if your company is eligible to claim please call CITB on 0344 994 4455.

David Andrews MCIOB
David Andrews MCIOB
Doha Metro (Qatar)
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I have completed my NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management and I cannot speak highly enough of all members of their team. They provided me with an excellent service throughout and it was money well spent. I gained a vast amount of knowledge from each completed unit and it has already shown its benefits with instant career progression. Thank you to you all at CADUK.
Neil James MCIOB
Neil James MCIOB
West Midlands Safari Park
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Great service, support and tutorship throughout. I have developed more than I ever expected going through my Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management. I would highly recommend CADUK to anyone wishing to develop themselves and gain a recognised construction based NVQ qualification.
Michael O'Byrne MCIOB
Michael O'Byrne MCIOB
Colmore Tang Construction Ltd
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I recently completed the NVQ Level 7 in Senior Construction Management and immediately went on to get my CSCS Black Management Card. I then successfully applied for MCIOB, Chartered Construction Manager. The support and encouragement I got from the team was fantastic. This has opened up a lot of doors for me and I highly recommend using CADUK.
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Ewan Davies-Smith MCIOB
Ewan Davies-Smith MCIOB
Babcock International Group
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I highly recommend engaging with CAD UK for the NVQs they provide. I completed my CSM NVQ Level 7 and found them to be extremely professional and helpful throughout the process, from start to finish. I found their online portal to be the perfect medium for completeing the NVQ remoteley. This, along with the ability for the assessor to provide very quick feedback, showed to me why CAD UK are at the forefront of delivering NVQ qualifications. Thanks again to the CAD UK team.
Colin Christian MCIOB
Colin Christian MCIOB
Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Ltd
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Just completed an NVQ7 with CADUK and found the whole process well managed and straightforward. Easy to apply, and the portfolio system allows you to work seamlessly across a number of platforms. Good support and communications throughout from the team at CADUK and the assigned tutor for your course. A great experience and highly recommended for anyone trying to balance study with a full time role.
Darren Allen MCIOB
Darren Allen MCIOB
Bluu Qatar
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The opportunity to study with CADUK provides a platform for the future in the Middle East. It's the most direct route into the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) that is recognised worldwide. For me personally obtaining the Level 7 was money well spent. I achieved a qualification that suited my lifestyle and allowed me to obtain corporate identity within an established institute. Keep up the good work CADUK, you make a difference in people's lives!
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