An NVQ Level 6 in Construction is one of the highest NVQs you can get in the industry and will open up many opportunities for you in the field of site management. If you are looking to take your career to the next level and become a construction site manager, then you will need to get your Level 6 NVQ. It is not only a gateway to managerial jobs but will also make you eligible to apply for a Black CSCS card, which is commonly requested by employers to provide your experience and expertise in the construction industry.
Before booking your NVQ assessment, it is important to understand some key information about the Level 6, what it can mean for your career, what it is equivalent to at an educational level, how long it lasts and many other factors. This article lays out the fundamental points that will give you all the information you need to apply for your construction NVQ level 6.
What are the Prerequisites for a Level 6 NVQ?
In order for you to qualify for an NVQ Level 6 in Construction, there are a few perquisites that a candidate must meet. Due to level 6 being one of the highest NVQs and purposed for site managers, at this stage, you will need to have at least 5 years of experience in the industry (this is the typical level of experience required) along with hands-on knowledge in managing sites and expertise in health and safety on sites.
In addition to having years of experience on construction sites, it is also recommended that you already hold a level 4 or 5 NVQ, which already showcases a lot of your expertise in the industry. By having this type of NVQ, you can readily qualify for the Level 6 NVQ.
While there are no “formal” requirements for the Level 6 NVQ, due to the evidence-based assessments, without holding other NVQs or being able to showcase experience, you will not be able to pass your construction site management assessment.
What Salary can you expect from being a Construction Site Manager?
A UK-based construction site manager can make a good salary across different areas of management, from Health and Safety to Demolition, Residential Developments and other areas you can specialise in as a site manager. Below is a list of estimated salary ranges according to various sources:
- Construction Safety Manager: £34K – 54K per year (Glassdoor)
- General Site Manager: £42.5K – £65k (Totaljobs)
- Demolition Manager: £58K (Checksalary)
- Residential Site Manager: £54K (Talent.com)
Is the NVQ Level 6 Equivalent to a Degree?
Every Construction NVQ we provide is official and certified and has an equivalent level to a degree. In this case, the Level 6 NVQ is the same as a bachelor’s degree (ie. a BA). Therefore, as you progress through higher NVQ levels, you are also officially progressing your nationally recognised certification status across the UK.
By getting an NVQ Level 6 in Construction, you are essentially getting a bachelor’s degree in construction site management, also known as a diploma.
How Long Does the NVQ Last?
Your nationally recognised Level 6 NVQ is a qualification that lasts forever. The only thing you will need to renew is your Black CSCS card which you will be qualified to get after completing your Level 6 assessment.
To renew your Black CSCS card you will need to hold a valid NVQ and have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the last 2 years. Your Black CSCS card then lasts 5 years before you need to renew it.
Previously, workers could renew a CSCS card without an NVQ but by industry accreditation and experience (known as the Grandfather Rights Scheme). However, as of 2024, CSCS cards are no longer available for renewal this way, and you are now required to have a relevant NVQ.
You can learn more about the Black CSCS card and how to renew it in our article here.
How Many NVQ Levels are there?
As a construction worker, there are 7 levels of NVQs you can work towards. From entry-level at NVQ Level 1 to Senior Site Management at Level 7.
The Level 6 Construction NVQ is, therefore, one of the highest levels, and portrays a lot of experience and expertise of the worker.
How is the Level 6 NVQ Assessed?
At Think Construction Skills, we use our experience and expertise to provide a seamless NVQ assessment process. We offer both onsite assessments and can fast-track them through credible research, discovery, evidence and interviews.
Onsite assessments allow you to continue working while getting your NVQ Level 6 in Construction, losing no time at all.
Our assessment process involves 3 steps:
- Initial Assessment
- Portfolio Building
- Onsite Assessment
We will support you through all of these steps, helping you to get qualified as soon as possible. You can read more about our NVQ assessments and process here.
Mandatory and Optional Level 6 Construction NVQ Units
A minimum of 20 units are required to be completed in order to get your Level 6 Construction NVQ, of these 20, 18 are mandatory units while 2 units are optional and depend on what route you want to take with your Level 6 assessment. Some Level 6 routes include:
- Health and Safety
- Demolition
- Retrofit
- Building and Civil Engineering
- Operations Management
- Highways and Maintenance Repair
- Residential Development
Can you get Construction NVQ Funding?
The UK government constantly provides more funding opportunities for workers to get qualified, by doing so, the quality of work in the UK will greatly improve as the workforce becomes more knowledgeable.
Currently, CITB members can receive up to £1,500 in funding for NVQs. This amount was recently raised due to the Grandfather Rights Scheme ending. Therefore, if you are a CITB levy-payer, you may be able to get a good amount of funding to cover the costs of your NVQ.
Our team can help provide more information and funding support/applications to help you seamlessly get your Level 6 NVQ.
