How NVQ assessment works: portfolio, observation and discussion

An NVQ proves you can do your job to a recognised standard. Rather than testing you in a classroom, it's assessed on the work you already do. That makes it a good fit for people on site, but it can feel unfamiliar if you're used to courses that end in an exam. Here's how it works from start to finish.

1. Choosing the right NVQ

Everything follows from picking the right qualification and level for your current role. Your evidence has to come from responsibilities you actually hold, so a supervisor takes a supervisory NVQ such as the Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision, and a site manager a management one such as the Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management. Our guide to which NVQ you need for your CSCS card explains the levels, and the NVQ checker suggests one for your role.

2. Enrolment and induction

When you book online you pay the full fee in one go. You're then registered with the awarding body and given an assessor, who takes you through the qualification, the units you'll complete and how evidence is collected. Most of the work is done through an online portfolio, so you can upload evidence from a phone or computer.

3. Planning your evidence

Your assessor looks at what you do day to day and maps it against the units of the qualification. Together you agree an assessment plan: which evidence you'll gather, and roughly when. Good planning saves time, because one piece of evidence can often cover several units.

4. Gathering evidence from your job

Evidence is anything that shows you doing the job to the required standard. Typical examples include:

• documents you've written or used, such as risk assessments, method statements, programmes, inspection records and meeting minutes
• photographs of work you've carried out or supervised, with a short note explaining your part in it
• witness testimonies from a manager or client who has seen your work
• emails and records that show decisions you've made

Remove or blur other people's personal information before you upload anything, and check that your employer is happy for documents to be shared with your assessor.

5. Observation and discussion

Your assessor will also want to see you at work. Depending on the qualification, this can be a visit to your site or an observation by video. They'll also hold a professional discussion with you: a structured conversation, usually recorded, in which you talk through how you handle situations in your role. It's your chance to explain decisions that are hard to show on paper.

Where there are gaps, your assessor may ask you further questions, either in conversation or in writing.

6. Quality checks and certification

When your assessor is satisfied your portfolio is complete, it goes through internal quality assurance: a second person samples the assessment to make sure it's fair and consistent. The awarding body may sample it too. Once everything is signed off, the awarding body issues your certificate, and you can use it to apply for the CSCS card that matches your qualification.

How long does it take?

Typically 6 to 8 weeks. What decides it is mostly you: people who upload evidence regularly and keep in touch with their assessor finish sooner than those who leave it for weeks at a time.

Health and safety NVQs work the same way

The same process applies if health and safety is your role, for example the Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety or the Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice. Your evidence comes from the safety work you already do: inspections, audits, investigations and the advice you give.

Tips for getting it done

• Set aside an hour or two each week for your portfolio, and keep to it.
• Upload evidence as you go, while you still remember the details.
• Add a sentence or two to each item explaining what it shows and what your part was.
• Ask your assessor when you're not sure whether something counts. It often does.
• Tell your manager early, so they're ready to provide witness testimonies when you need them.

Because the evidence comes from your own site, there's nothing to travel to, whether you work in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or anywhere else. If your team also needs CITB courses such as SSSTS or SMSTS, see our training across South Yorkshire. Questions about a particular NVQ? See all our construction NVQs, or call us and we'll explain what it involves for your role.