SHEC LEARNING® · CONSTRUCTION QUALIFICATIONS

Turn construction experience into recognised qualifications.

Explore work-based NVQs for supervisors, site managers and senior construction leaders. Choose the qualification that matches your actual responsibilities and the workplace evidence you can provide.

Supported assessment · Online portfolio · Genuine workplace evidence

SMSTS, Black CSCS or Gold CSCS: which route fits?

Can I get a Black CSCS Manager card with SMSTS?

SMSTS alone is not accepted as the qualification for the CSCS Manager card. Check the relevant qualification, occupation, test and application requirements with CSCS. Completing an NVQ does not itself issue a card.

Official CSCS requirements

Your workRoute to review
Supervising a team or occupational activityLevel 3 Occupational Work Supervision — Gold Supervisor pathway
Coordinating broader site supervisionLevel 4 Construction Site Supervision — Gold Supervisor pathway
Managing site deliveryLevel 6 Construction Site Management — Black Manager pathway
Leading construction at senior levelLevel 7 Construction Senior Management — Black Manager pathway

Should I choose a Level 6 or Level 7 construction NVQ?

Choose by your responsibilities and evidence. Level 6 Site Management focuses on site delivery; Level 7 Senior Management requires senior leadership and strategic construction evidence. Compare providers on suitability checks, evidence requirements, assessor support, completion period and total fees.

Request a SHEC suitability review

SUPERVISION

Gold CSCS Card pathways

Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision and Level 4 Construction Site Supervision are supervision routes. Choose according to the scope of your role, not simply the level number.

MANAGEMENT

Black CSCS Card pathways

Explore relevant Level 6 and Level 7 management NVQs. Qualification completion does not automatically issue a card: the relevant CSCS occupation, test and application requirements also apply.

FIND YOUR ROUTE

Six qualifications. A route matched to your work.

GOLD CARD ROUTE · LEVEL 3

Occupational Work Supervision

For experienced people supervising a team or occupational work activity.

View qualification →

GOLD CARD ROUTE · LEVEL 4

Construction Site Supervision

For site supervisors coordinating work, people and safe delivery.

View qualification →

LEVEL 6 · INSPECTION

Senior Site Inspection

For professionals carrying out senior site inspection responsibilities. Review the role and qualification requirements with us.

View qualification →

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS

Level 7 NVQ. Your MCIOB Fast Track pathway.

The ProQual Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management is heavily evidence-led. Demonstrate what you do through authentic work outputs, supported by MCIOB assessors.

Explore the Fast Track route towards Chartered Membership. CIOB membership remains subject to CIOB requirements and approval.

Explore Level 7 and MCIOB →

HOW IT WORKS

Start with your role, not a promise of speed.

01 · Check suitability

Discuss your responsibilities, experience and access to evidence before selecting a qualification.

02 · Build your portfolio

Use genuine workplace evidence and complete the required knowledge assessments with assessor guidance.

03 · Plan your progression

Complete assessment and quality assurance, then review relevant card or professional membership applications.

Construction NVQ questions

Do I need to be working in construction?

You need access to suitable occupational activity and genuine evidence for the qualification. Contact us for a suitability review before enrolling.

Does every construction NVQ lead to a Black Card?

No. The Level 3 and Level 4 supervision routes are Gold Card pathways. Relevant management qualifications support Black Card pathways. Check the exact qualification and occupation against current CSCS requirements.

Can I complete assessment around work?

Online portfolio support helps you organise your evidence around work. Assessment still requires authentic occupational activity and completion of the qualification requirements.

Is MCIOB membership automatic?

No. The Level 7 route can support progression towards MCIOB, but CIOB applies its own membership and application requirements.

Which route fits your responsibilities?

Tell us about your role and career goals. We will help you identify a suitable qualification.

Speak to the SHEC team 01443 555098