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Construction NVQs
Easiest Route to the Multi-Trade Level 2 NVQ
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
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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 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?
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?
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
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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 […]
Do I Need CSCS If I Have SSSTS?
Do I Need CSCS If I Have SSSTS? In the UK construction industry, workers sometimes confuse the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) with training courses like the Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS). While both are important, they serve very different purposes. CSCS is a certification scheme that provides cards proving a worker’s competence and […]
What is the Difference Between SSSTS and SMSTS?
What is the Difference Between SSSTS and SMSTS? For professionals in UK construction, two essential safety training courses define the steps of career progression: SSSTS and SMSTS. Both schemes, certified by CITB, are critical for maintaining safety standards on site, but they’re targeted at fundamentally different levels of responsibility. Understanding the distinction is vital for […]
What is the SSSTS Qualification?
What is the SSSTS Qualification? The Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) course is one of the most widely recognised training programmes for supervisors in the UK construction industry. Delivered through the CITB framework, it equips learners with essential knowledge of health and safety legislation, supervisory responsibilities, and safe systems of work. The SSSTS qualification […]
How Long Does a SEATS Qualification Last?
How Long Does a SEATS Qualification Last? The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is a vital course for supervisors and managers who need to understand environmental responsibilities on construction sites. It equips participants with the knowledge to manage waste, pollution, and sustainability issues effectively. But how long does the SEATS qualification actually last? […]
What is Environmental Awareness Training?
What is Environmental Awareness Training? In the UK construction industry, site managers and supervisors are increasingly responsible for not just safety, but also the environmental impact of their projects. Environmental awareness training is the crucial step required to ensure site operations comply with the law, and meet stringent sustainability targets. The industry-standard course for this […]
What is the CITB SEATS Course?
What is the CITB SEATS Course? The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) course is designed to help construction professionals understand the environmental responsibilities that come with working on modern sites. With sustainability, environmental compliance, and responsible site management becoming central to industry standards, the CITB SEATS course equips delegates with the knowledge to […]
What is SEAT Training?
What is SEAT Training? In the UK construction industry, health, safety, and environmental awareness are critical for compliance and effective site management. The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS), sometimes referred to as SEAT Training, is designed to give supervisors and managers the knowledge they need to manage environmental issues on construction sites. With […]
How Long are SEATS Valid For?
How Long are SEATS Valid For? For supervisors and managers in the UK construction industry, demonstrating competency in environmental best practice is just as crucial as managing safety. The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) certificate, provided by CITB, is the industry standard for verifying this environmental knowledge. It’s an essential qualification for many roles, […]
How Long is the SEATS Training Course?
How Long is the SEATS Training Course? The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is a one-day course designed to help construction professionals understand their environmental responsibilities on site. Delivered by CITB-approved centres like CST Training, it provides a fast but comprehensive overview of best practice, legislation, and practical controls that reduce environmental impact. The […]
Do I Need the HSA Online Course in 2026?
Do I Need the HSA Online Course in 2026? For UK construction workers, gaining access to building sites requires more than just skill and experience. It requires proof of health and safety competence. The Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) online course is the recognised route to obtaining the Green CSCS Card, which acts as a […]
EUSR SHEA Water: Is It Recognised By Employers?
EUSR SHEA Water: Is It Recognised By Employers? If your work involves accessing operational sites in the UK water industry- be it for maintenance, construction, or utility installation- you’ll inevitably encounter the acronym EUSR SHEA Water. The Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) sets the standard for competence and safety across the utilities sector. But […]
Business Management NVQ: Is There an Online Component?
Business Management NVQ: Is There an Online Component? For professionals looking to gain a recognised qualification while continuing to work, flexibility is often the deciding factor. That’s why many people ask whether a Business Management NVQ can be completed online. The short answer is yes; there is a strong online component, particularly when it comes […]
PRINCE2 Courses: Are They Online?
PRINCE2 Courses: Are They Online? PRINCE2 courses are among the most widely recognised project management qualifications in the UK and beyond. As flexible learning becomes the norm across professional training, many people considering PRINCE2 want to know whether they can complete the qualification online, without sacrificing credibility or quality. The short answer is yes. Is […]
PRINCE2 Agile: How Do I Get It?
PRINCE2 Agile: How Do I Get It? Stepping into the world of project management often means navigating a maze of methodologies, frameworks, and certifications. Among these, PRINCE2 Agile has emerged as one of the most versatile, in-demand qualifications. It blends the structured governance of PRINCE2 with the flexibility of agile practices, making it particularly valuable […]
CSCS Card Bricklayer: How to Prepare
CSCS Card Bricklayer: How to Prepare If you’re a bricklayer in the UK, the CSCS Card is your non-negotiable ticket to site access. It confirms to employers that you possess the necessary safety knowledge and, crucially, the occupational competence to carry out your trade safely and effectively. For a skilled tradesperson like a bricklayer, the […]
Construction Supervision NVQ: Guide to Your Portfolio
Construction Supervision NVQ: Guide to Your Portfolio A Construction Supervision NVQ is the essential qualification for site supervisors, foremen, and team leaders. It validates that you’re not just a highly skilled tradesperson, but also a competent manager of people, resources, and safety on site. Since the NVQ is competence-based, success doesn’t hinge on passing an […]
Tips for Taking Construction NVQs
Tips for Taking Construction NVQs Construction NVQs are designed to recognise real-world competence, rather than classroom theory. And whether you’re working towards a trade NVQ, a supervisory NVQ, or a construction management qualification, the right preparation can make the process quicker, and far less stressful. Here’s some tips for taking an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) […]
How Do I Know If I’m Ready for the SSSTS Course?
How Do I Know If I’m Ready for the SSSTS Course? Stepping into a supervisory role on a construction site is a significant milestone in any career. It requires a blend of practical experience, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of health and safety. One of the most recognised qualifications for new supervisors is the […]
SMSTS Course: Should Site Managers Take It?
SMSTS Course: Should Site Managers Take It? In the construction industry, health and safety are not optional extras. They’re fundamental responsibilities that underpin every project, regardless of size or complexity. Construction sites are inherently high-risk environments, and failures in safety management can lead to serious injury, loss of life, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Site […]
Construction Management NVQ: What’s It Worth?
Construction Management NVQ: What’s It Worth? A Construction Management NVQ is the single most efficient investment you can make in your career security, and in your earning potential. The NVQ at Level 6 (Site Management) and Level 7 (Senior Management), is the industry’s definitive proof of occupational competence. It’s the formal accreditation of years of […]
What is a Level 6 NVQ Equivalent To?
What is a Level 6 NVQ Equivalent To? The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) at Level 6 is a prestigious and highly valued credential in the UK, particularly within sectors like construction. When professionals ask about its standing, they’re usually comparing it to traditional academic routes. The straightforward answer is that the Level 6 NVQ is […]
What is the Highest NVQ Level?
What is the Highest NVQ Level? In the UK construction sector, the highest NVQ level is the Level 7 Construction Management NVQ. This is the top tier of vocational qualification, designed for senior managers, construction directors, and experienced professionals responsible for strategic planning, organisational leadership, and complex project delivery. Unlike lower NVQ levels, Level 7 […]
What Do You Need for NVQ Level 3 Carpentry?
What Do You Need for NVQ Level 3 Carpentry? Achieving the NVQ Level 3 Carpentry is a significant career milestone. It marks you as a highly skilled, advanced tradesperson. It’s not an introductory course, though; you need considerable experience in carpentry to even begin the assessment. The requirements focus less on academic achievement and entirely […]
How Much is a Level 3 Carpentry Course?
How Much is a Level 3 Carpentry Course? If you’re considering advancing your carpentry skills and earning a recognised qualification, you may be wondering what the investment looks like. At CST Training, the Level 3 Carpentry Course (NVQ) costs £900 + VAT. The Level 2 NVQ is priced at £750 + VAT. The Level 3 […]
How Do I Get NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry?
How Do I Get NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry? Achieving the NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry is the essential goal for any skilled tradesperson seeking formal recognition and the crucial CSC S Blue Skilled Worker Card. The process is not about going back to college; it’s a verification of the practical skills you already use […]




