Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Senior Site Inspection

Category

Management

CSCS Card

Black (Manager)

Qualification Level

Level 6 NVQ Diploma

Assessment Method

Fast-Track, Online

Cost

£1850 + VAT

CITB Grant Claimable

£600

The Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Senior Site Inspection is designed for construction professionals who are responsible for inspecting work, checking quality, monitoring compliance and reporting findings across building, civils or fit-out projects. Typical roles include Quality Inspectors, Clerks of Works, Building Control Inspectors and those who carry out technical inspections on behalf of clients, contractors or consultants.

This NVQ provides formal recognition of your inspection expertise and is widely accepted across the construction industry as the qualification needed to apply for the Black (Manager) CSCS Card. It also provides a recognised route to professional membership with the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI) and supports progression toward MCIOB.

The qualification is completed online through guided professional discussions, photos, videos and real site documents. There is no written coursework, no exams and no classroom attendance. Your assessor will take you through a structured evidence-based process that focuses on the work you already carry out on site.

Most candidates complete within 4 to 12 weeks depending on experience and how quickly evidence can be provided.

Route to ICWCI Membership
Route to CIOB Membership
No written work or exams
Discussion-based assessment
CITB grant claimable (£600)
Leads to the Black CSCS Card

How does the assessment work?

Your NVQ is based entirely on the real inspection work you already carry out. There are no classroom sessions and no written coursework.

You will complete the NVQ through:
• Professional discussions with your assessor on Zoom
• Photos of work areas, defects, quality issues or completed inspections
• Short videos such as a site walkaround or explaining inspection findings
• Evidence of inspection notes, reports and email correspondence
• Site documents such as checklists, permits, drawings, specifications, risk assessments, method statements and temporary works documents

Your assessor will guide you through the whole process and help you make best use of the evidence from your normal working role.

What sort of questions will I be asked?

Your assessor will ask practical questions about how you carry out inspections, monitor quality, record findings and support compliance on site. Here are a few examples of the types of questions you might cover.

Assessor: How do you approach a new work area when carrying out an inspection?
Learner: I start by reviewing the drawings, specifications or ITP and then check the work against those requirements. I look for workmanship issues, material quality, dimensions, fire stopping, fixings, tolerances and any safety concerns. I record my findings and follow up with the site manager or contractor.

Assessor: What do you do if you identify a defect that could affect programme or safety?
Learner: I notify the site manager straight away, explain the issue and agree the required corrective action. I record the defect, track progress and reinspect before the area is signed off. If needed I escalate to the client or project manager.

Assessor: How do you make sure your inspection reports are accurate and clear?
Learner: I take photos, note exact locations, refer to drawing numbers, include measurements where relevant and write the observations in plain language. I record what needs to happen next and who is responsible.

Assessor: How do you maintain independence and consistency in your inspection work?
Learner: I base everything on approved drawings, standards and specifications. I avoid assumptions, document everything clearly and maintain the same inspection approach regardless of the contractor or trade involved.

Assessor: What information do you provide at handover or sign off stages?
Learner: I confirm that all defects have been closed, check that inspection records are complete, verify compliance with ITPs and ensure that required documents like test certificates or as built information are available.

What kind of evidence will I need?

Most evidence comes directly from your normal inspection activity. Nothing is staged or simulated.

Typical evidence includes:
• Photos of defects, workmanship checks, fire stopping inspections or completed works
• Short videos explaining issues or reviewing work areas
• Site inspection reports, snagging lists, NCRs, audit findings or compliance notes
• Drawings, specifications, ITPs, method statements and temporary works documents
• Email or WhatsApp communications showing you raising issues, tracking defects or coordinating with managers or contractors
• Witness testimony from a site manager, project manager or client representative confirming your role and responsibilities

If a witness statement is needed your assessor will speak directly with the witness to verify your role.

Your assessor will help you choose the most suitable evidence and explain how it links to each unit.

How long does it take?

Most candidates complete within 4 to 12 weeks depending on how quickly they can provide evidence and arrange their discussion calls.

You are given 12 months to finish the NVQ if you need more time.

What happens when I apply?

When you click the red “Book Your NVQ Now” button, you will be taken to a short online profiling form. This form provides an overview of the NVQ units with simple examples of evidence, such as photos, videos and site documents.

Once submitted, an assessor will call you to check that the NVQ is achievable based on your responsibilities and the evidence you will be able to provide. This makes sure you are on the correct qualification.

If you are suitable, we will send your invoice. Profiling is completely non-committal. If you choose not to continue, you can ignore the invoice. If you decide to go ahead, you can pay and start the same day.

Can I claim the CITB grant for this NVQ?

Yes, if you are a CITB-registered employer. This NVQ is eligible for the short-qualification grant of £600 (claimable on completion by the employer).

Only the company (not the individual learner) can make the claim, and the application must be submitted to CITB within 52 weeks of the achievement date.

If you are a sole trader or limited company already on the CITB register, you can still claim; private individuals who are not levy-registered cannot.

To confirm eligibility, call the CITB Levy & Grants team on 0344 994 4455 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–18:00) or email levy.grant@citb.co.uk to confirm your registration and grant status.

Can I get a CSCS card while I complete my NVQ?

Yes. The Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (TSM) CSCS Card exists to help experienced managers who are out of work and do not currently hold a valid CSCS card. To apply for the Black Manager CSCS Card you must complete a manager-level NVQ, but because the NVQ is evidence based, it is not possible to finish it if you are not working on a live site.

The Red TSM Card solves this problem. It shows employers that:

You are experienced in a management role
You have been profiled and approved for the Level 6 Senior Site Inspection NVQ
You are registered and actively working towards the qualification

Because the card confirms that you are capable of achieving the NVQ and are already enrolled, employers should accept it as valid evidence that you can return to site in a managerial capacity. Once you are back on site, you will be able to gather the work-based evidence you need to complete your NVQ and then upgrade to the Black manager CSCS Card.

To qualify for the Red TSM Card you must:

Be registered for the Level 6 SSI NVQ
Have at least one year of management-level experience
Have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment 'MAP' (Managers and Professionals) Test within the last two years

The card is valid for three years and cannot be renewed.

How do I apply for MCIOB?

The Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Senior Site Inspection provides a recognised route to MCIOB. Once you complete the NVQ, you can apply to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) through the Qualified and Experienced Practitioner Pathway. This is CIOB’s standard route for experienced construction professionals who want to become Chartered without completing a degree.

The application is completed directly with CIOB. You will need to create an online account, upload your NVQ certificate and provide written examples from your work that show your competence in areas such as project management, health and safety, planning, leadership, quality, environmental management and commercial awareness. CIOB will assess your submission and may request additional information if needed.

For full guidance on the Qualified and Experienced Practitioner Pathway, please visit CIOB’s website.

Can I apply for ICWCI membership with this NVQ?

Yes. Completing this NVQ provides a recognised route to membership of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).

After achievement you can submit an application form, your NVQ certificate, a detailed CV and the required fee. ICWCI will then ask you to complete a competency report based on your inspection activities and may invite you to attend an interview.

Following this review ICWCI will confirm the membership grade you qualify for. You may be offered Licentiate (LICWCI) if you are developing your experience, or Member (MICWCI) if you demonstrate full professional competence.

For full details visit the ICWCI website.

How does the assessment work?

Your NVQ is based only on the inspection work you already do. There is no written coursework and no classroom learning.

You will complete the qualification through:
• Short Zoom discussions with your assessor
• Photos of defects, workmanship checks or completed inspections
• Quick site videos such as walkarounds or explaining issues
• Inspection notes, snagging lists, NCRs and reports you already produce
• Documents like drawings, ITPs, specifications, RAMS and temporary works information

Your assessor will guide you step by step and help you use the evidence from your normal job.

What sort of questions will I be asked?

Your assessor will ask practical questions about how you inspect work, record findings and support compliance. Examples include:
• How you approach a new inspection area
• What you do if you find a defect
• How you make sure reports are accurate
• How you maintain independence and consistency
• What you check at handover or sign off stages

You only need to talk about what you actually do on site.

What kind of evidence will I need?

All evidence comes from your real inspection work. Examples include:
• Photos and videos of defects or completed checks
• Inspection reports, snag lists, NCRs and audit notes
• Drawings, specifications, ITPs, RAMS and temporary works documents
• Emails or messages showing you raising issues or following up actions
• A short witness testimony from a manager, which your assessor will verify

Your assessor will help you select the most suitable evidence.

How long does it take?

Most candidates finish in 4 to 12 weeks depending on evidence and availability for discussions.

You have 12 months in total if you need more time.

What happens when I apply?

When you click the red “Book Your NVQ Now” button you will complete a short profiling form. This gives you a quick overview of the NVQ units and examples of the evidence you may need.

Once you submit the form, an assessor will call you to confirm the NVQ is achievable for you. They will check your role, experience and the type of evidence you will be able to provide.

If you are approved, we will send you an invoice. Profiling is non committed. If you decide not to continue you can just ignore the invoice. If you want to go ahead you can pay and start the same day.

Can I claim the CITB grant for this NVQ?

Yes, if your employer is CITB registered.

This NVQ is eligible for the £600 short qualification grant which is claimed by the employer once you complete.

To confirm your eligibility you can contact CITB on 0344 994 4455.

Can I get a CSCS card while I complete my NVQ?

Yes. If you are out of work and need to get back on site you can apply for the Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (TSM) CSCS Card.

The card confirms that:
• You are an experienced site manager
• You have been profiled and approved for the NVQ
• You are registered and working towards the qualification

This allows you to return to site so you can gather the evidence you need to complete your NVQ and then upgrade to the Black CSCS Card.

To qualify for the Red TSM Card you must be registered for the NVQ, have at least one year of site management experience and have passed the CITB Managers and Professionals HS&E Test in the last two years.

Can I apply for MCIOB with this NVQ?

Yes. The Level 6 NVQ gives you access to the Qualified and Experienced Practitioner Pathway with CIOB.

You apply directly on the CIOB website by creating an account, uploading your NVQ certificate and providing written examples from your work that show your competence. CIOB will review your submission and may ask for extra information.

For full details, visit the CIOB website.

Can I apply for ICWCI membership with this NVQ

Yes. This NVQ provides a recognised route to joining the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).

You can apply once you have your certificate. ICWCI will ask for an application form, your NVQ, a CV and a short competency report about your inspection work. You may also be invited to an interview.

After reviewing your submission ICWCI will confirm the grade you qualify for. You may be offered Licentiate (LICWCI) or Member (MICWCI) depending on your level of experience.

Full guidance is available on the ICWCI website.