How does an NVQ assessment work?

An NVQ assesses the competence you already have. Here is how the process works, from your first enquiry to completing your qualification.

Construction professional in a hard hat reviewing documents on site

Your NVQ is based on the work you already do.

An NVQ is not a course you sit through. It is a way of showing that you can already do your job to the required standard.

Instead of classroom study, your competence is assessed through evidence from your workplace. Your assessor helps you understand what is needed and how to present it.

What helps

The assessment process, step by step

Every candidate is different, but most assessments follow these eight stages.

Phase 1

Getting started

1

Initial enquiry

Get in touch by phone, WhatsApp or our enquiry form. Tell us about your trade, your experience and what you are working towards.

2

Qualification matching

We look at your role and responsibilities and recommend the NVQ pathway and level that best fit the work you do.

3

Registration and onboarding

When you are ready to go ahead, we register you on the qualification and explain what evidence is needed and how your assessment will run.

Phase 2

Assessment & evidence

4

Workplace evidence gathering

You collect evidence from your everyday work, such as photographs, documents and records, with guidance on what is relevant.

5

Professional discussion and observation

Where applicable, your assessor observes you at work or holds a professional discussion with you to explore your knowledge and decisions.

6

Portfolio completion

Your evidence is brought together into a portfolio that shows how you meet the standards of the qualification.

Phase 3

Final checks & completion

7

Assessment and internal quality assurance

Your assessor reviews the portfolio against the qualification requirements, and it is then checked through internal quality assurance.

8

Qualification completion

Once all requirements are met and the quality checks are complete, your achievement is put forward for certification.

Types of workplace evidence

The evidence you need depends on the qualification. Common types include:

Observation

Your assessor sees you carrying out your work, in person or by other agreed methods where appropriate.

Photographs

Photos of work you have completed, showing the tasks and standards involved.

Documents and records

Workplace paperwork you produce or use, such as method statements, checklists and job records.

Professional discussion

A structured conversation with your assessor about how and why you carry out your work.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed timescale. It depends on the qualification, your experience and how quickly the evidence can be gathered. We can give you a clearer idea once we understand your role.

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your role and experience and we will help you choose the right NVQ.