Construction Supervision NVQ Requirements
The NVQ Level 3 Supervision is suitable for working construction supervisors, often referred to as a chargehand or foreman, who typically supervise their own trade activities. It's quite common for these supervisors to also work hands-on with tools in small teams. Hence the term 'working supervisor' is used.
To undertake the assessment in construction supervision, you must be in charge and currently supervise at least one operative, using the project H&S information and guidelines.
As a working construction supervisor, you are expected to understand and possess the skills to perform the following tasks:
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understand and follow the project policies and organisational procedures
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read and interpret project drawings and specifications
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provide regular toolbox talks and safety/morning briefings
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liaise and relay important project information between management and operatives
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coordinate work operations with other trade supervisors
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read and understand the project Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) information
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organise a safe workplace according to your trade RAMS
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plan and organise work operations in line with the project work programme
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monitor the quality of work and your team's performance
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check the safety of your operatives
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carry out safety inspections of tools and/or equipment
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organise and monitor the supply of materials and project resources
Your product evidence will consist of the work documentation (physical or electronic) that you use in your daily work practice in order to plan, organise and implement your work activities.
We understand that working supervisors usually don't possess or carry folders of documentation with them around the site. You can borrow the site folder from the office on the day of the assessment visit to discuss the relevant documentation with your assessor.
Alternatively, you can take photos of any work documentation you encounter during your construction supervision activities and provide these files as electronic evidence.
Remember different companies use different types of information and documentation. Your task is to explain (ideally with proof) how you organise and supervise your work activities in your supervisory role.
NVQ Level 3 Construction Supervision Qualification Structure
To achieve the NVQ Level 3 Construction Supervision (officially titled: NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision), you must complete a total of 8 units. Depending on your experience and work duties, these will include a set of mandatory units and a selection of optional units. You will need to choose and complete the necessary number of optional units to reach the overall requirement of 8 units.
For example, below is a list of mandatory and optional units that comprise the NVQ Level 3 qualification for a construction supervisor. It includes 6 mandatory units that must be completed. Additionally, there are 4 optional units, from which you must select at least two that best suit your job role. This ensures that the evidence from your current role, or in some cases from previous projects, aligns with the assessment criteria of the chosen optional units.
Before starting the assessment, you will have the opportunity to discuss the qualification unit options during the screening and assessment planning phase. Your NVQ assessor will then identify and recommend the units that are most suitable for you.
NVQ Level 3 Supervision Units
| Unit Title |
Level |
| Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace |
3 |
| Confirming Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area in the Workplace |
3 |
| Co-ordinating and Organising Work Operations in the Workplace |
3 |
| Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace |
3 |
| Implementing and Maintaining Health, Safety, Environmental and Welfare Practices in the Workplace |
3 |
| Monitoring Progress of Work Against Schedules in the Workplace |
3 |
NVQ Level 3 Site Supervisor Optional Units
| Unit Title |
Level |
| Allocating and monitoring the use of plant, machinery, equipment or vehicles in the workplace |
3 |
| Confirming work meets contractual, industry and manufacturers’ standards in the workplace |
3 |
| Co-ordinating and Confirming the Dimensional Control Requirements of the Work in the Workplace |
3 |
| Implementing procedures to support team performance in the workplace |
3 |
Construction Supervision NVQ Assessment Process
Usually, it takes 2 assessment sessions to cover the construction supervision assessment criteria. Depending on the quality of evidence we receive from you and your personal circumstances, these sessions may involve at least one site visit.
Although the assessment process can vary depending on the route you've selected at the time of your booking (for options, see the booking form), we can outline typical steps you can expect during your assessment. However, given the dynamic nature of our industry, we always strive to adapt the process to suit your individual situation.
For simplicity, let’s break down the process of a typical assessment for a construction supervisor into 6 chronological steps.
Step 1 Introduction
You will receive an instructional email as startup guidance, which will include a list of product evidence examples. This will help you identifying the evidence you can start gathering for your assessment portfolio.
Step 2 Welcome Call
You will receive a phone call (usually the next day) from your NVQ assessor to discuss the assessment requirements, your work, and potential product evidence that you can provide for your assessment. This evidence may come from your current or even previous/completed projects. During this call, you'll agree on the next steps and gain a clear understanding of what you need to do to prepare for the first assessment session. The assessor will also email you any required course materials.
Step 3 Compile Evidence
Based on the guidance and advice provided by the assessor, you will start collecting evidence (if not already available) for the first assessment session.
Step 4 The Assessment
After gathering sufficient evidence for the first session, you will schedule a date and time for the site visit. During this visit, you will sit down to discuss all the documentation and explain your work processes and methods. Usually, there is also a quick site walkaround to gather evidence of your workplace organization. The first session is generally designed to cover around 50-60% of the assessment criteria.
Step 5 Assessment Progress
After the first session, the assessor will review all the evidence and conduct a gap analysis to identify any remaining criteria. You will receive feedback on the steps required to address these criteria. Once you've collected the additional evidence, you can arrange for your next session, which is typically a remote session conducted over the phone.
Step 6 Completion
During this session, our aim is to address all the remaining criteria to complete your assessment. In most cases, this marks the final session. Once we've covered 100% of the assessment criteria, we will compile and finalize your portfolio, and then proceed to claim your NVQ achievement from the Awarding Body.
NVQ Level 3 Construction Supervision Fast Track
A standard NVQ construction supervision assessment usually takes 4–6 weeks, but the actual turnaround depends on how quickly we can gather and confirm all required evidence. The sooner you provide the evidence, the sooner we can complete the assessment. Once everything is received, there is nothing stopping us from finishing immediately. In practice, the overall duration depends on your motivation and how quickly you can supply the evidence.
Before starting, you will review your work situation with your assessor and agree on a realistic completion date.
Fast Track Option
With the Fast Track service, you can complete the NVQ in 2–4 weeks. To achieve this timeframe, you must be motivated and ready to work closely with your assessor. Your assessor will prioritise your assessment, plan the quickest route to completion, and focus on meeting the agreed targets, provided the required evidence is supplied promptly.
To choose Fast Track, select the option on the booking form.
Funded Qualification
