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6 S/NVQs for experienced workers

An NVQ (or SNVQ in Scotland) is a government

recognised qualification made up of several individual
units which in turn are made up of several elements
of competency. These elements are made up of both
practical (be able to) and knowledge (know how to)
based criteria and must both be assessed equally. S/
NVQs are set at levels depending on the complexity

of the job role. When the specified number of units
which make up the S/NVQ have been achieved a

qualification is awarded and an S/NVQ certificate
is issued.
for the same achievement. Grants may be paid
The main route to gaining an S/NVQ in the flooring

sector is through On-Site Assessment and Training automatically for short-period qualifications achieved
through CITB Approved Training Organisations
(OSAT) and can be achieved in England, Scotland, (ATOs), or you can submit an application form
Wales and Northern Ireland. This is carried out by a with a copy of the certificate of achievement or an

qualified assessor collecting evidence of a candidate achievement notification email from the awarding

whilst they are working and assessing the skills body.
and knowledge of the candidates against the S/
NVQ unit criteria. For the S/NVQ to be achieved All skilled workers are increasingly required to obtain
it requires the candidate to have had the relevant the appropriate CSCS cards to be able to work for
years of experience to prove competency, as well clients and most main contractors, who require
as the assessor completing a thorough initial them to gain access to site. In turn, to obtain a
profiling. All assessments are completed in real world "skilled worker" or blue CSCS card, you MUST have

environments, not simulated settings, ensuring that at minimum a NVQ level 2. Other CSCS cards, e.g.,
the evidence collected is robust and established the green or labourers’ card, are no longer accepted
through real scenarios. or renewed for those who are actively involved in the
installation of floor coverings.
Companies in-scope to CITB funding can apply
for a grant of £600 for each achievement, up to Once signed up to a training provider or assessment
a maximum of 4 achievements at each level per organisation to achieve your S/NVQ you can also
individual. You can only apply once for an individual apply for a “trainee” or red CSCS card. This temporary
card is available if you are a trainee and registered to

complete the floorlaying qualification.
An S/NVQ is not just suitable for commercial
installers but domestic installers too. On-site
assessments are carried out within normal working
environments and prequalification paperwork is

generally created at a location convenient to the
learner. With the right help and support an S/NVQ
can be completed within 16 to 52 weeks and in some
areas, there may be additional funding and grants
that support some, if not all, the qualification cost.

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50 C C CFA Contract Flooring Industry Training Guide 2026 Visit: www.cfa.org.uk Tel: 0115 941 1126
raining Guide
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Contract Flooring Industr