Qualification overview
Are you an experienced, time-served bricklayer but don’t have any formal qualifications? Following the changes to Industry Accreditation CSCS cards from 1 January 2025, you now need a qualification or professional body membership to renew your card and continue working on site.
Our Experienced Worker Practical Assessment provides an easy solution, offering you a fast-track route to an NVQ Level 2 in Trowel Occupations (Bricklaying). No site assessments are necessary - just a profiling session at an NHBC Training Hub, some evidence gathering on your part and a practical test to verify your skills.
Who is eligible for this qualification?
To be eligible you need the following:
- at least five years’ experience as a bricklayer
- a skills scan with one of our assessors.
So that we can make sure this assessment route is right for you, please contact us before booking. We will review your experience and skills to make sure you’ll be able to meet the criteria of the Level 2 NVQ.
Qualification content
You will gain a full NVQ Level 2 diploma qualification in Trowel Occupations (Bricklaying) which will allow you to apply for your Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card.
The assessment has four components:
- witness testimonies (likely to be a builder you have worked for)
- a practical assessment
- a one-to-one discussion with an assessor
- direct questions.
The mandatory NVQ Level 2 Bricklaying Units you will need to pass are:
- conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
- conforming to productive working practices in the workplace
- erecting masonry structures in the workplace
- moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace
- setting out to form masonry structures in the workplace.
Plus one of these optional units:
- placing and compacting concrete in the workplace
- repairing and maintaining masonry structures in the workplace.
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Your NVQ pack will include witness testimonies sheets. You will need to have these signed by a colleague in your trade who has observed you at work within the last three years and bring them with you to the NHBC Training Hub.
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You will need to come to an NHBC Training Hub to complete a practical assessment set by the National Open College Network (NOCN). We will send the drawing plan, including all specifications and measurements, to you two weeks before the assessment. You must complete the task according to the specifications and within the given time frame. All materials will be provided but you will need to bring your own tools.
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This takes place at the Hub on the same day as your practical assessment. It’s a structured conversation about the units included in the NVQ qualification where you can discuss jobs or projects that you’ve previously completed.
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Some assessment criteria will need you to state or describe certain things. This may form part of the professional discussion or you may be asked direct questions.
Dates, pricing and duration
The assessment takes one day and we currently have availability on these dates:
How it works
Contact us for a preliminary chat
This is so we can check that the assessment is the right route for you.
Complete a skills scan
One of our NVQ bricklaying assessors will call you to talk about your previous experience. They’ll be checking that you will be able to meet all the criteria for the NVQ qualification.
Book your place and pay your deposit
If you're ready to proceed, we’ll request a 50% deposit to book your place. Shortly after, you’ll receive your assessment pack.
Assessment day
Bring your tools and signed witness testimonies. The remaining 50% course fee is due on the day. You’ll complete the practical assessment and professional discussion. Your assessor will confirm your result by the end of the day. If successful, you’ll receive your certificate within 14 days so you can apply for your Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card.
Find out more about this NVQ
Please complete the webform below and we will get in touch with you within five working days.