8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)
8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)
Which NVQ level you need, the CSCS card it leads to and how on-site assessment works, in plain English.
Get free advice on your card, test or course
We only use your details to reply to your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.
An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) proves you can do your job to an industry standard. In construction, it is assessed on site, in the work you already do, so there is no classroom exam. An NVQ Level 2 leads to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, Level 3 to Gold and Levels 5 to 7 to a Black Manager card.
This guide covers each level, how the assessment works, what it costs and how to start.
Pick the level that matches the work you do now, not the job title on your contract.
| NVQ level | Who it suits | CSCS card | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Qualified tradespeople: bricklayers, carpenters, dryliners, plasterers, tilers | Blue Skilled Worker | NVQ Level 2 |
| Level 3 | Senior or advanced trades | Gold Advanced Craft | NVQ Level 3 |
| Level 3 or 4 (supervision) | Supervisors who run teams on site | Gold Supervisor | NVQ Level 4 |
| Level 5, 6 or 7 | Site, project and construction managers | Black Manager | NVQ Level 6 |
Not sure which card fits your role? See which CSCS card you need.
Coteca books NVQs across dozens of trades. These are the ones people ask about most.
Stay on site while you qualify. With at least a year of site experience in the last three, you can hold a Red Experienced Worker card once you are registered on your NVQ. It lasts one year and can't be renewed, so start gathering evidence straight away.
The price depends on your trade and level. Your booking covers registration, your assessor, site visits and certification. Check the current price for your trade on the Coteca NVQ page, or call the team on 0208 099 4324.
Coteca offers interest-free instalments, and many employers fund NVQs for their staff, so ask your contractor before you pay. Remember to budget for the CITB HS&E test (£47 through Coteca) and the CSCS card (£66) once you finish. Our guide on how much a CSCS card costs has the full breakdown.
Tell us your trade and what you do on site. We'll match you to the right NVQ, book your assessor and help with your CSCS card when you finish.
See NVQ coursesCall 0208 099 4324No. You are assessed on the work you do, through site observations, photos, witness statements and questions from your assessor.
An NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade, plus a pass in the right CITB HS&E test from the last two years.
It depends on how quickly you gather evidence and how often your assessor can visit. Experienced workers with steady site work usually finish fastest. Ask the Coteca team for a timeframe for your trade.
Yes. Once you are registered and have at least a year of site experience in the last three years, you can apply for a Red Experienced Worker card.
An SVQ is the Scottish equivalent. CSCS accepts both for the matching card.
Many employers fund NVQs so their teams can move onto Blue or Gold cards. It is worth asking before you pay yourself.
We will give you best suited CSCS product. Apply Here
By filling this form, I agree to the terms and conditions
