The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Concrete Finishing is the qualification that proves you are a competent concrete finisher, and it is the route to the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card. It is delivered through the ProQual Specialist Concrete Occupations qualification. 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 concrete finishing who have the skills but not the formal qualification. For most concrete finishers 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 601/6795/6). It is made up of core units that everyone completes, covering health and safety, working efficiently and handling materials, plus a pathway you choose to match your work.
Concrete finishing is delivered through the ProQual Specialist Concrete Occupations NVQ. The in-situ flooring pathways cover laying and finishing concrete floors. The same qualification also has pathways for concrete repair, sprayed concrete and concrete drilling and sawing. You take the pathway that matches your work, and your assessor helps you pick the right one when you start.
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.
Experienced concrete finishers can progress towards supervision with the Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision NVQ. CourseGenie also lists NVQs across the other construction trades, including Bricklaying, Carpentry and Roofing. You can also browse the full range of construction NVQs.