Site Inspection NVQ Requirements
This qualification is for people already working on construction sites who carry out inspection, checking, and reporting duties as part of their job. It proves you can monitor work, check standards, record findings accurately, and work professionally on live projects.
You’re the right fit if your role already involves inspecting work, completing reports, or checking compliance on site. Typical job roles include:
- Site Inspector / Clerk of Works
- Assistant Site Inspector
- Site Supervisor with inspection responsibilities
- Technical Assistant / Technical Officer
- Quality Inspector / Quality Assurance Technician
- Maintenance or Assets Inspector
- Housing or Property Inspection roles
- Compliance or Standards Checking roles
Below is a breakdown of the typical duties you would carry out in a site inspection role. These tasks reflect the level of responsibility expected for the NVQ Level 3 in Site Inspection. If you already perform most of these on your projects (even alongside another job title) then this qualification is suitable for you.
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Project Monitoring
- Routine site inspections and walk-arounds
- Checking work against drawings, specs, and tolerances
- Identifying defects and non-compliance
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Health & Safety Checks
- Verifying work areas are safe and compliant
- Reporting unsafe acts or unsafe conditions
- Checking permits, RAMS, and controls before work starts
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Quality & Dimensional Checks
- Measuring dimensions, levels, and alignments
- Checking materials are correct and undamaged
- Logging defects and monitoring rectification
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Inspection Preparation
- Preparing checklists and inspection documents
- Gathering drawings, specs, and technical information
- Ensuring areas are ready for inspection or sign-off
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Handover & Completion
- Supporting snagging and de-snagging
- Preparing or collecting handover documentation
- Supporting final inspections and reports
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Property Condition Surveys
- Inspecting existing buildings or voids
- Recording condition and defects
- Producing condition reports
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Professional Practice
- Reporting issues impartially
- Keeping accurate and factual records
- Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality
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Communication & Reporting
- Issuing inspection reports
- Escalating unsafe or non-compliant work
- Coordinating with trades to resolve issues
To pass this NVQ, you’ll need real work evidence (from current or previous projects), such as:
- Completed inspection reports
- Site diaries or monitoring records
- Photos from inspections
- Health & safety monitoring checks
- Dimensional checks or measurement logs
- Handover documents
- Emails or communications relating to inspections
- Professional conduct examples
For details on the qualification units, see the "Qualification Structure" section.
NVQ Level 3 Site Inspection Qualification Structure
To achieve this qualification, you must complete at least 7 units - all of the mandatory units, plus a minimum of ONE optional unit.
NVQ Level 3 Site Inspection Mandatory Units
| Unit Title |
Level |
| Monitoring Projects in the Workplace |
4 |
| Monitoring Health and Safety Systems and Responsibilities in the Workplace |
3 |
| Preparing Documentation for Handover and Obtaining Project Feedback in the Workplace |
3 |
| Preparing and Organising Site Inspection Information in the Workplace |
3 |
| Monitoring Dimensional Accuracy in the Workplace |
3 |
| Practicing in a Professional and Ethical Manner in the Workplace |
3 |
| Inspecting and Reporting on Condition of Property in the Workplace |
4 |
Site Inspection Optional Units (1 unit required)
| Unit Title |
Level |
| Planning and Monitoring Maintenance Programmes in the Workplace |
3 |
| Developing and Maintaining Professional Working Relationships in the Workplace |
3 |
| Monitor and Solve Customer Service Problems |
3 |
Site Inspection NVQ Assessment Process
Usually, it takes 1-2 assessment sessions to cover the Site Inspection assessment criteria. Depending on the quality of evidence we receive from you and your personal circumstances, these sessions may involve a site visit.
Although the assessment process can vary depending on the package you selected at the time of your booking (for options, see the booking form), we can outline the typical steps you can expect during your assessment. However, given the dynamic nature of the industry, we always aim to adapt the process to suit your individual situation.
For simplicity, let’s break down the process of a typical assessment for a H&S professional 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 Site Inspection Fast Track
A standard NVQ Level 3 Site Inspection 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.