We have compiled the most common questions we receive about NVQs, CSCS cards, professional memberships and the assessment process.
Whether you are an individual supervisor or manager, or an employer looking to upskill your team, you will find straightforward answers below based on how CADUK delivers NVQs in the real world.
CADUK is a UK based training provider specialising in NVQs for supervisors and managers in construction and health and safety. We focus on Levels 3 to 7 qualifications that lead to Gold and Black CSCS cards and support routes to professional memberships such as MCIOB, Cert IOSH and MICWCI.
CADUK has been involved in the delivery and assessment of NVQs for more than fifteen years.
During this time we have supported thousands of learners across the UK, from working supervisors to senior construction leaders.
We are approved to deliver accredited NVQs through Pearson, ProQual, NOCN and SQA.
Every NVQ is registered with the awarding organisation best suited to that qualification, and all certificates are issued directly by the awarding body.
This ensures that your qualification is fully regulated and recognised by employers, CSCS and professional bodies.
Yes. CADUK is a member of the CITB Training Provider Network.
This means we engage directly with CITB regarding funding rules, quality expectations and updates to qualification standards.
Being part of the network also ensures that our NVQs remain fully aligned with the requirements for CITB Short Qualification Grants and that employers can claim the correct funding once a learner completes their qualification.
CADUK and CSA are sister organisations.
CADUK specialises in NVQs for construction supervisors, managers and health and safety professionals.
CADUK Skills Academy (CSA) focuses on NVQs for plant operations and lifting operations.
Both organisations share the same values, systems and support structure, but each one serves a different area of the industry.
CADUK is based at the University of Wolverhampton, Telford Campus.
Our training and support services are delivered online, so learners across the UK can complete their NVQ from any location.
Candidates choose CADUK because:
The entire NVQ is completed online through our secure ePortfolio
Assessment is based on your real work activities
Professional Discussions are flexible and arranged to suit your schedule
We have decades of combined experience in construction NVQs
Employers value our qualifications for CSCS cards and professional memberships
Our focus is on making the assessment process clear, supportive and as efficient as possible
All CADUK NVQs follow the same assessment method. You will upload evidence of your normal day to day work to our ePortfolio system and then complete a structured Professional Discussion with your assessor. There is no written coursework and no exams. The NVQ simply confirms that you are already competent in your current supervisory or managerial role.
Once you enrol, we create your ePortfolio account and introduce you to your assessor.
You will upload real examples of your work to the platform whenever it suits you. When enough evidence is in place, your assessor will arrange a Professional Discussion to explore your experience in more detail.
The full qualification can be completed from your phone or laptop. No classes. No site visits.
When your evidence is uploaded, your assessor will arrange an online conversation. This is usually on Zoom or Teams.
The discussion is structured around the NVQ standards and allows you to explain how you carry out your responsibilities.
Most candidates find it relaxed and straightforward because it is based purely on their own experience.
You only need to provide examples from your actual job. Common evidence includes:
Documents showing planning, coordination or supervision
RAMS you have written or contributed to
Meeting notes, emails and site communication
Site diaries, handovers or daily records
Photographs of work areas or activities you manage or supervise
Project documents such as programmes, reports or resource plans
A Professional Discussion to cover anything not shown in the uploaded evidence
Nothing needs to be written from scratch. Your assessor will guide you on what is relevant.
No. The NVQ fits around your normal job.
You can upload evidence at any time and book your Professional Discussion at a convenient moment, including before or after work.
Most candidates complete the NVQ without taking any time off at all.
Yes. NVQs assess competence in your existing role. You must already be carrying out supervisory or managerial duties before starting the qualification.
To apply for the Gold Supervisor card, you need a Level 3 or Level 4 NVQ in a relevant construction supervision discipline. CADUK offers qualifications that meet these requirements.
You need a Level 6 or Level 7 Construction Management NVQ. Both meet the requirements for the Black CSCS Manager card, alongside the CITB Managers and Professionals test.
For both the Gold Supervisor card and the Black Manager card, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for Managers and Professionals. Many people refer to this as the MAP test.
CADUK will email you a PDF copy of your certificate, normally within one or two weeks of completion.
You can use this to apply for your CSCS card immediately on the CSCS website.
No. You must apply directly through the CSCS website.
We will always advise you on the exact steps and which test you need.
Yes. Gold and Black cards are normally valid for five years. Renewal requires the MAP test again but the NVQ does not need to be repeated.
If you are not working, or if you have recently left your job, you may still be able to apply for a temporary Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (TSM) CSCS card.
This card is designed for people who have experience in the role but need to complete an NVQ to gain their Gold or Black card.
To qualify for the Red TSM card you must:
Have previously been working in a relevant supervisory or managerial role
Be enrolled on the correct NVQ
Pass the CITB Managers and Professionals test
The Red TSM card is valid for three years and cannot be renewed.
During this time you complete your NVQ, after which you can apply for the Gold or Black CSCS card.
You can pay in full or use our interest free instalment options through Klarna.
The Klarna options available at checkout include:
Pay in 30 days
Pay in 3 instalments
These options depend on the value of the qualification and Klarna’s eligibility checks.
Yes. We work with many employers and can invoice their accounts department directly if required.
Yes.
A Level 6 Construction Management NVQ can support an application to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) through the full professional review process.
A Level 7 Construction Senior Management NVQ can support access to the shortened review route.
CIOB makes all final decisions, so applicants should always check the latest guidance directly on the CIOB website.
Yes.
The Level 6 and Level 7 construction management NVQs are recognised by IOSH for the purpose of Cert IOSH membership when combined with the IOSH Managing Safely course and the required experience.
IOSH membership criteria are controlled by IOSH, so requirements should always be checked on their website.
Yes.
The Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Inspection and some of the Level 6 construction management NVQs can support applications to the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).
ICWCI membership decisions are made by the Institute, so applicants should review the up to date eligibility requirements on the ICWCI website.
Many employers value professional memberships because they show a commitment to quality and continuous development.
Memberships such as MCIOB, Cert IOSH and MICWCI can support progression into more senior roles and may be requested when applying for supervisory or managerial posts.
Part of the CADUK Group of companies – supporting construction professionals with NVQs since 2011.
© 2025 CADUK – All rights reserved.
