Is the Plastering NVQ Easy to Pass?
The Plastering NVQ is a work-based qualification designed to assess a candidate’s practical skills and competence in plastering. But are NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) easy to pass? The answer depends on your prior experience, your ability to meet assessment criteria, and how easily you can gather evidence. Below is a breakdown of what to expect from the NVQ, and how to improve your chances of obtaining the qualification.
What is the Plastering NVQ?
The NVQ in Plastering is a competency-based, work-based qualification, meaning it assesses real-world plastering skills rather than academic knowledge. Today we’re focusing specifically on the Level 2 NVQ for skilled plasterers, but there’s also a Level 3 NVQ in Plastering, more so designed for those in supervisory or specialist roles.
All NVQs are assessed through the job the candidate is currently in, without any written exams. It’s just ongoing practical assessments, and the collection of evidence of your work.
Is the NVQ Easy to Pass?
Unlike most traditional qualifications, NVQs aren’t really ‘pass or fail’. The aim of an NVQ is to gradually build up enough evidence that shows that you’re competent in your trade. This evidence would typically consist of videos of yourself performing certain tasks, project documentation, and professional discussions with your assessor. You can also take as long as you need to complete the qualification. So, instead of it being one specific assessment that you either pass or fail, you’ll instead be gathering evidence until you’ve met all the criteria of the NVQ. If the evidence is lacking, your assessor will provide you with feedback so you can rectify this. Once the assessor deems your portfolio to be up to par, you’ll receive your qualification.
NVQs aren’t really qualifications that people typically fail- but if you don’t commit to your portfolio and your evidence never meets the required standard, you won’t receive your certification. This would rarely be the case, though, because all the skills required for an NVQ are skills that the candidate should already have developed.
How is the NVQ Assessed?
There are no written exams. Instead, assessors typically evaluate candidates based on:
- Observations: An assessor remotely observes your plastering work
- Portfolio of evidence: Candidates submit proof of their work, including photos, videos, job records, and site documents
- Professional discussions: A structured conversation with an assessor to explain techniques and safety measures
- Witness testimonies: Statements from supervisors or employers may be required to confirm the candidate’s skills and competency
How to Make the NVQ Easier to Pass
- Understand the assessment criteria: Familiarising yourself with NVQ requirements will help in gathering the right evidence
- Keep a work diary: Regularly document plastering tasks to make compiling the portfolio easier
- Take clear photos and videos: Well-documented evidence strengthens the portfolio.
Conclusion: Is the Plastering NVQ Easy?
For experienced plasterers (and that’s who the qualification is aimed at), the NVQ should ultimately be straightforward. It assesses skills that plasterers already use on a daily basis in their work.
With the right preparation and experience, completing the NVQ in Plastering is an entirely achievable goal, one that can help advance a career in the construction industry.
If you still have any questions regarding the NVQ, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
