Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management
Work towards your CSCS Black Card through the portfolio route — no classroom attendance required.
- Portfolio route — no exams
- Typical completion: 8–12 weeks
- Dedicated assessor support
- Nationally recognised qualification (NOCN)
Qualification Summary
Who Is This Qualification For?
Designed for senior professionals leading teams, projects, and delivery at a strategic level who want a recognised Level 7 qualification without stepping off the job.
- Project Managers
- Senior Site Managers
- Construction Managers
- Directors / Senior Leadership
- Senior Surveyors and senior delivery roles
No prior academic study needed
Your existing role and day-to-day responsibilities form the foundation of this qualification. Evidence is drawn from what you already do.
Already leading teams and running big jobs? Get the qualification to match the responsibility.
CSCS Black Card Eligibility
The Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management supports eligibility for the CSCS Black Manager Card — required by major contractors and clients for senior management roles across UK construction.
NVQ Requirement
The Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management meets the qualification requirement for the CSCS Black Manager Card application.
CITB HS&E Test
You'll also need to pass the CITB Managers & Professionals Health, Safety & Environment test to apply for the Black Card.
How It Works
This is a competence-based qualification. No classroom, no written exams — assessment is based on real work activities.
Enrolment & Induction
Register and complete an induction with your dedicated assessor. Together you will agree an evidence plan based on your role and current work activities.
Evidence Gathering
Provide workplace evidence aligned to the NVQ units — project plans, cost/value documents, RAMS, programmes, meeting minutes, resourcing plans, procurement records, quality/safety documentation, commercial reports.
Professional Discussion
A structured professional discussion with your assessor (can be conducted remotely by video). Used to confirm knowledge, competence, and decision-making at a senior level.
Witness Testimony + Completion
Witness testimony from a competent person (template provided). Final portfolio review, completion, and certification by NOCN.
Assessment Methods
- Portfolio of workplace evidence
- Professional discussion
- Witness testimony (where appropriate)
Completion Time & Support
Assessment works around your schedule and site commitments. Most candidates complete without any disruption to their day-to-day role.
- Typical completion — 8–12 weeks depending on evidence availability
- Flexible assessment — Works around your schedule
- Dedicated assessor — Support from enrolment to completion
- Fast-track available — If you have strong evidence ready
8–12 Week Completion
A realistic timeframe for engaged candidates with access to workplace documentation.
Dedicated Assessor Support
A named assessor guides you through evidence requirements and keeps you moving.
Funding & Payment Options
Flexible options for individuals and employers to make this qualification accessible.
0% Finance (4 Months)
Spread the cost across 4 monthly payments of £450 + VAT (0% finance).
CITB Grants & Funding
Levy-registered employers may be eligible to claim grant funding. We can guide you on what's typically required.
Company Enrolments
We support employer-sponsored enrolments and multi-candidate bookings.
Funding/grant eligibility is subject to CITB criteria and cannot be guaranteed.
Ready to Secure Your CSCS Black Card?
A nationally recognised Level 7 qualification that supports career progression into senior construction management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 8–12 weeks depending on evidence and engagement.
No. This is a work-based portfolio route. No classroom attendance required.
No written exams. Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence and professional discussion.
It meets the qualification requirement for the CSCS Black Manager Card. You must also pass the CITB Managers & Professionals HS&E test.
Senior management evidence such as plans, programmes, cost/value docs, RAMS, resourcing plans, procurement/commercial records, meeting minutes, and QA/H&S records. Your assessor will provide a clear evidence plan.
Yes — 4 monthly payments of £450 + VAT are available.
Start Your Enrolment
Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch within one working day.
Prefer to speak to someone?
Call 0115 990 3229