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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. Companies in-scope to CITB funding can apply
The main route to gaining an S/NVQ in the flooring for a grant of £600 for each achievement, up to
sector is through On-Site Assessment and Training a maximum of 4 achievements at each level per
(OSAT) and can be achieved in England, Scotland, individual. You can only apply once for an individual
Wales and Northern Ireland. This is carried out by a for the same achievement. Grants may be paid

qualified assessor collecting evidence of a candidate automatically for short-period qualifications achieved
whilst they are working and assessing the skills through CITB Approved Training Organisations (ATOs),
and knowledge of the candidates against the S/ or you can submit an application form with a copy

NVQ unit criteria. For the S/NVQ to be achieved of the certificate of achievement or an achievement

it requires the candidate to have had the relevant notification email from the awarding body.
years of experience to prove competency, as well All skilled workers are increasingly required to obtain
as the assessor completing a thorough initial the appropriate CSCS cards to be able to work for
profiling. All assessments are completed in real world clients and most main contractors, who require them

environments, not simulated settings, ensuring that to gain access to site. In turn, to obtain a "skilled
the evidence collected is robust and established worker" or blue CSCS card, you MUST have an NVQ
through real scenarios. level 2. Other CSCS cards, e.g., the green or labourers’
card, are no longer accepted or renewed for those
who are actively involved in the installation of floor
coverings.
Once signed up to a training provider or assessment
organisation to achieve your S/NVQ you can also
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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56 C C CFA Contract Flooring Industry Training Guide 2025 Visit: www.cfa.org.uk Tel: 0115 941 1126
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