News

Does a Plastering NVQ Cover Health and Safety? For plasterers, the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is the standard benchmark for professional competence. But does the Plastering NVQ cover health and safety?  The short answer is yes, extensively. In fact, you can’t achieve an NVQ without proving you’re a safe worker. Unlike a short classroom course, […]

Plant Maintenance NVQ: Is It For Experienced Workers? In the fast-paced world of heavy machinery and construction, formal qualifications often take a backseat to hands-on experience. Many professionals have spent decades under the chassis of excavators or troubleshooting hydraulic systems without ever stepping foot in a traditional classroom. However, as industry regulations tighten and the […]

Does a Painting and Decorating NVQ Cover Health and Safety? Health and safety is one of the most important aspects of the construction industry, and painting and decorating is no exception. Decorators can face a wide range of risks every day, from working at height and handling chemicals, to operating tools and navigating busy construction […]

What is CMI in Leadership? CMI in leadership refers to the Chartered Management Institute’s professional leadership training and qualifications, designed to develop effective managers and leaders at all levels. CMI leadership programs focus on practical skills that can be applied directly in the workplace, helping individuals improve team performance, enhance decision-making, and drive organisational success. […]

What Does CMI Stand For? CMI stands for the Chartered Management Institute, the leading professional body for management and leadership in the UK. It provides a range of qualifications, training, and resources designed to help individuals at all levels of management develop their skills, improve performance, and achieve career growth. The qualifications are recognised by […]

What are the Levels of Management in CMI? The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) offers a structured pathway of management qualifications designed to develop skills at every stage of a leadership career. Ranging from Level 3 to Level 7, these qualifications cater to team leaders, middle managers, senior managers, and executives. Each level for management in […]

What is the Meaning of CMI in Management? The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for leadership and management. When people refer to CMI in Management, they’re talking about the qualifications, standards, and professional recognition offered by CMI to help managers develop their skills and progress in their careers. […]

What is a Level 3 CMI Qualification? A Level 3 CMI qualification is designed for aspiring and early-career managers who want to build strong foundations in leadership and management. It’s particularly suited to team leaders, supervisors, and junior managers who already have some responsibility  for people or projects, and are ready to formalise their skills. […]

What is the Difference Between CMI Award Certificate and Diploma? Choosing the right CMI qualification can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand the difference between a CMI Award, Certificate, and Diploma. Each option sits at the same qualification level but varies in depth, duration, and the number of units you study. This blog […]

What is a CMI Level 6 Equivalent To? A CMI Level 6 qualification is designed for experienced managers who are ready to step into more senior leadership responsibilities. Sitting at an advanced level on the UK qualifications framework, it helps professionals strengthen their strategic thinking, decision‑making, and people‑management capabilities. In this blog, we’ll look at […]

What is a Level 5 CMI Qualification? A Level 5 CMI qualification is a respected management credential designed for professionals who are moving into, or already operating within, middle management roles. Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), it focuses on developing practical leadership and management capability rather than purely academic theory. Positioned at a […]

What is a CMI Level 7 Diploma Equivalent To? A CMI Level 7 Diploma is one of the highest leadership and management qualifications available in the UK, designed for senior managers, directors, and those preparing for strategic leadership roles. In this blog, we’ll break down its value, academic level, and how it compares to other […]

What is a Level 7 CMI Qualification? Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), a Level 7 CMI qualification is academically comparable to a masters degree, but focuses entirely on the practical application of strategy in a real-world business environment. It’s designed to transform experienced managers into visionary leaders capable of navigating global uncertainty, and […]

Is CMI Level 7 Qualification Worth It? For senior professionals and aspiring leaders, choosing the right qualification can have a significant impact on long-term career progression. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 qualification is often compared to postgraduate-level study; it’s positioned at the top end of professional management training. But with the time, cost, […]

ILM Courses: Are They Difficult? As one of the most recognised awarding bodies in the UK, ILM offers qualifications designed to turn managers into leaders. But are ILM courses difficult?  Understanding the Practical Nature of the Assessment Unlike traditional academic degrees that may require you to memorise dates, theories, or complex formulas for a sit-down […]

CMI Courses: Are They Complicated? CMI courses are widely recognised across the UK as a professional route into leadership and management qualifications. Offered by the Chartered Management Institute, these courses are designed to support managers at different stages of their careers, from first-line supervisors through to senior leaders. Despite their strong reputation, many prospective learners […]

NVQ Level 7 in Construction Management: Is It Complicated? The NVQ Level 7 in Construction Management is often described as the highest vocational qualification available in the construction industry. Because it sits at a postgraduate-equivalent level, many professionals assume it must be academically difficult or overly complex. But, in reality, the perceived difficulty usually comes […]

NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management: Who Can Take It? The NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management is one of the most respected vocational qualifications in the UK construction industry. Designed for experienced professionals operating at management level, it formally recognises competence gained through real-world site leadership, rather than classroom theory. For many professionals, it’s […]

SSSTS Training Online: When Will I Need It? Supervisors in the construction industry carry significant responsibility. They oversee teams, maintain safety standards, and ensure work is carried out correctly, and compliantly. The SSSTS Training Online course- formally the Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme- is one of the most widely recognised qualifications for anyone stepping into […]

Tips for Obtaining Your SMSTS Certificate The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS certificate) is one of the most respected health and safety qualifications in the UK construction industry. A five-day course, it’s a prerequisite for many site management roles, ensuring that those in charge of high-risk environments possess the legal and practical knowledge to […]

SEATS Training: Can It Help You as a Site Manager? Environmental responsibility is becoming an increasingly important part of construction site management. Clients, regulators, and principal contractors now expect site managers to demonstrate not only strong health and safety leadership, but also clear environmental awareness. SEATS training, formally known as the Site Environmental Awareness Training […]

NVQ Level 2 Bricklayer: How to Get It Gaining your NVQ Level 2 Bricklayer qualification is one of the most effective ways to prove your competence, secure better site opportunities, and apply for the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card. The good news is that the process is practical, flexible, and based entirely on the work […]

NVQ Level 6 Construction Contracting Operations Management: Is It Right For Me? In the construction industry, while site managers are the face of the project on the ground, the professionals who manage the contractual, financial, and operational frameworks are the ones who ensure the project survives the boardroom before it ever breaks ground. The NVQ […]

NVQ Level 4 Construction: Frequently Asked Questions  The construction industry is increasingly moving toward a “qualified workforce” model, where on-site experience must be backed by formal certification. For many supervisors and aspiring managers, NVQ Level 4 Construction is the pivotal step that turns years of site work into a professional credential. In today’s blog, we’ll […]

The Purpose of NVQ Level 2 Plastering In the UK, the construction sector is built upon a foundation of verified skills, and occupational standards. Just one of the essential trades that make up the industry is plastering. The NVQ Level 2 Plastering serves as the primary gateway for tradespeople looking to formalise their experience. It’s […]

Easiest Route to the Multi-Trade Level 2 NVQ Achieving a Multi-Trade Level 2 NVQ is the most efficient way for versatile tradespeople to formalise their skills. By leveraging the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) route and being proactive, you can obtain your qualification (and then your Blue CSCS Card) as fast as you can collect […]

Level 7 Construction Management NVQ: How to Get It For senior construction professionals looking to formalise their experience, the Level 7 Construction Management NVQ is one of the most respected qualifications available. It’s designed for professionals operating at a strategic level, such as project directors, senior site managers, and construction managers with significant responsibility.  Rather […]

How Much is NVQ Level 6? The NVQ Level 6 in Construction Management is a respected, work-based qualification designed for experienced site and project managers. At CST Training, the NVQ costs £1,500 + VAT, with the option to spread the cost at £150 + VAT per month over 10 months. This flexible structure makes it […]

How Long Does it Take to do NVQ Level 6? The NVQ Level 6 in Construction Management is one of the most respected qualifications for site managers and project leaders in the UK. It validates your ability to oversee complex projects, manage teams, and ensure compliance with legislation. But how long does it take to […]

How to Get NVQ Level 6 in Construction? In the UK construction industry, qualifications are essential for proving competence and advancing into senior roles. The NVQ Level 6 in Construction is one of the most respected qualifications for site managers and project leaders. It validates your ability to oversee complex projects, manage teams, ensure compliance […]

Which Course is Best for Construction Management? Choosing the right qualification for construction management can be challenging, particularly when there are multiple routes available. For experienced professionals working on site or in senior roles, the most relevant and respected options are the Construction Management NVQs at Level 6, and Level 7. These qualifications are designed […]

How Hard is NVQ Level 6? In the UK construction industry, qualifications are essential for proving competence and advancing into senior roles. The Construction Management NVQ Level 6 is one of the most respected qualifications for site managers, and project leaders. It validates a professional’s ability to oversee complex projects, manage teams, ensure compliance with […]

How Long is NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management? The NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management is a work-based qualification designed for experienced site managers who want formal recognition of their competence, and there’s no fixed duration. You can take as long as you need, but with CST Training it’s possible to complete the qualification […]

What is the Highest NVQ? In the UK construction industry, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are the gold standard for proving competence in real-world roles. They are assessed in the workplace, meaning candidates must demonstrate their skills through practical evidence rather than exams. At the very top of this framework sits the Level 7 Construction Management […]

Which Certification is Best for Construction Management? In the UK construction industry, qualifications are essential for proving competence and advancing into senior roles. For those aiming to move into management, the Level 6 and Level 7 Construction Management NVQs are among the most respected pathways. Level 6 is designed for site managers overseeing complex projects, […]

What is a NVQ Level 7 Construction Management Equivalent To? The NVQ Level 7 Construction Management is the highest vocational qualification available in the construction sector. It’s designed for senior professionals who already operate at a strategic level, and want formal recognition of their competence. Rather than being exam-based, it assesses real-world performance, making it […]

What is a NVQ Level 3 Supervisory or Management Qualification? In the UK construction sector, qualifications are often essential for proving competence, professionalism, and readiness to take on responsibility. For those aiming to move into supervisory or management roles, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) provide a recognised pathway. At the entry level of management, the NVQ […]

What NVQ Do You Need to be a Manager? In the construction industry, you don’t need a National Vocational Qualification to work as a site manager. Many managers progress largely through experience, combined with training courses like the SMSTS. But as the industry becomes more regulated and competitive, holding a recognised qualification can significantly strengthen […]

NVQ Level 6 Health and Safety: Is It Complicated? The NVQ Level 6 Health and Safety qualification is often described as a senior-level award, which naturally leads many professionals to wonder whether it’s complicated. Designed for experienced health and safety practitioners, this qualification focuses on real-world competence rather than academic theory. While it’s certainly demanding, […]

18th Edition Course: Is It Still Required in 2026? In the UK electrical industry, staying up to date with wiring regulations is essential for compliance, safety, and professional credibility. The 18th Edition Course was introduced to align electricians with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Since its release, it has become the benchmark qualification for […]

Temporary Works Supervisor: Is It a Course? Temporary works play a critical role on construction sites. They support permanent works during building, alteration, or demolition activities. Because failures in temporary works can lead to serious incidents, the industry places strong emphasis on competence, and clear responsibility. The person responsible for supervising temporary works is referred […]

Temporary Works Coordinator Course: When Do I Need It?  In the UK construction industry, temporary works are a critical part of most projects. From scaffolding and formwork to shoring and excavation supports, these structures are essential for safety and progress, but they need to be managed with precision. The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) course was […]

SEATS Course: Is It Relevant in 2026? In the UK construction industry, environmental awareness has become just as important as health and safety. The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS), often referred to simply as the SEATS course, was introduced to help supervisors and managers understand their responsibilities when it comes to sustainability, pollution […]

Online SMSTS Course: Difficulty Explained The Site Management Safety Training Scheme is widely regarded as a benchmark qualification for construction site managers. With the growing availability of remote learning, many professionals now consider the online option instead of traditional classroom delivery. But is the online SMSTS course more difficult than taking the training in person?  […]

Level 6 Construction Management NVQ: Is It Complicated? In the UK construction industry, qualifications are proof of competence, professionalism, and readiness to take on responsibility. For site managers and senior supervisors, the Level 6 Construction Management NVQ is one of the most respected qualifications available. It validates your ability to manage projects, people, budgets, and […]

Level 2 Carpentry NVQ: How Hard Is It? For experienced carpenters and joiners, the Level 2 Carpentry NVQ is a common next step towards formal recognition, a Blue CSCS card, and improved job prospects. A Level 2 qualification is designed to test competence, not academic ability. That makes it far more achievable than some candidates […]

What is a Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ? In the UK construction industry, practical competence matters just as much as formal qualifications. For bricklayers, one of the most widely recognised ways to prove skill, experience, and professionalism is through a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). Among those, the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ stands out as the benchmark […]

Groundworks NVQ: What Is It? In the construction industry, groundworks encompasses everything that happens below ground level, making it paramount for the safety, stability, and longevity of a final build. The Groundworks NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is the formal recognition of competence for professionals in this sector. It’s not an academic qualification with exams or […]

Is IOSH Better Than SSSTS? IOSH and SSSTS are sometimes compared. But in reality, they serve very different purposes within the construction and safety industries. IOSH courses are designed to build general health and safety awareness for people across a wide range of sectors, while the SSSTS (Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme) is specifically developed […]

Is the SSSTS Course Hard to Pass? The Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is one of the most widely recognised courses for construction supervisors in the UK. Because it covers essential legal duties and safety responsibilities, many learners wonder whether the course is difficult. In reality, the SSSTS course is designed to support supervisors […]