The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying is the qualification that proves you are a competent bricklayer, and it is the route to the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is competence-based: instead of sitting exams, you demonstrate that you can already do the job, assessed against national standards from your own workplace. It sits at Level 2 on the regulated qualifications framework, and the whole qualification is completed remotely.
It is aimed at people already working in bricklaying who have the skills but not the formal qualification. For most bricklayers the real prize is the CSCS card: nearly every main contractor now requires a valid skilled-worker card to get on site, and the card proves your competence and opens up better-paid work. Because the NVQ is assessed on evidence from your day-to-day work, you keep earning throughout, with no classes, no written exams and no site visits.
This NVQ is awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual (qualification number 601/6066/4). It is made up of core units that everyone completes, covering health and safety, working efficiently and handling materials, plus the trade units that match your work, such as building masonry structures, setting out brick and block, and masonry cladding.
Completing the NVQ, together with a pass in the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at the level for your occupation, lets you apply for the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. The CSCS Cards guide explains how the card, the qualification and the test fit together.
Once qualified at Level 2, experienced bricklayers can progress to the Level 3 Bricklaying NVQ, the route to the Gold Advanced Craft card, and towards supervision with the Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision NVQ. CourseGenie also lists NVQs across the other construction trades, including Carpentry, Roofing, Plastering and Groundworks. You can also browse the full range of construction NVQs.