Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) - Level 3 NVQ is a vocational qualification that is designed to recognise the skills and knowledge of individuals who are working or planning to work as a construction work supervisor.

Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) - Level 3 NVQ is a vocational qualification that is designed to recognise the skills and knowledge of individuals who are working or planning to work as a construction work supervisor.

After completing this qualification, individuals can progress to supervisory or management positions in the construction industry. They may also choose to further their education and training in construction management.

Completing this qualification can enhance the individual's knowledge and skills in construction work supervision, increase their employability and earning potential, and provide opportunities for career progression.

You can technically be a site supervisor without holding a Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) certification, however, depending on the specific requirements of your employer, project and legal or regulatory frameworks in place you may need to obtain a SSSTS certificate.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015), employers are required to ensure that supervisors are competent and have the necessary training to fulfil their health and safety requirements. The SSSTS course is one way to demonstrate this competence.

The Occupational Work Supervision Level 3 qualification covers a range of topics related to occupational work supervision in the construction industry, including planning and organising work, maintaining health and safety, monitoring and controlling work operations, and providing leadership and support to the workforce.

Many people refer to the NVQ Level 3 in Groundworks, but what they usually mean is the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (OWS). This qualification is for experienced workers in the construction sector, often working as gang leaders, supervisors, or assistant site managers—including those with a background in groundworks.

It’s a competency-based qualification, meaning you’ll be assessed on your real-world supervision skills on-site. If you currently oversee groundworks activities and have experience managing teams, this is likely the qualification you're looking for.

The entry requirements for the Level 3 NVQ Occupational Work Supervision qualification vary depending on the training provider. However, typically, candidates will need to have relevant work experience in construction site supervision. 

Our assessor schedules the appointments with the candidate at times that work for both parties.

Since the NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision are candidate-led, they can be completed swiftly once the majority of the evidence has been acquired for the proposed evidence list, a copy of which we've provided. After the evidence is gathered (by email), the NVQ Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision can be completed quickly in two to three sessions, lasting a few hours each, as long as the candidate can set aside time for the professional follow-up discussion to go over all of the given evidence.

The follow-up professional discussion can be completed face-to-face or remotely.

1st visit – Induction, planning

2nd visit – discuss evidences, identify shortfall of evidences

3rd – visit – Discuss new evidences, cover shortfall in questions (if required) - completed

The assessment process for the Occupational Work Supervision NVQ Level 3 qualification involves gathering evidence of the candidate's competence in the workplace. This evidence can include observation reports, work products, and testimony from supervisors and colleagues.

You can refer to our helpful NVQ Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision Evidence Examples list to get a better idea of the types of naturally occurring documentation you can use to support your NVQ. You can download the evidence example here. 

Yes, you can be eligible for the CSCS Gold Supervisory card, as long as you have completed the Supervisory Health and Safety Test within 2 years of applying for the card.

If you have recently lost your CSCS Gold Card due to Industry Accreditation Withdrawal and you are actively working as a Occupational Work Supervisor, this is the level 3 qualification NVQ for you.

SSSTS certifications alone are insufficient to apply for a CSCS card. To obtain a CSCS card, you must complete a relevant NVQ at a high enough level for the specific card you are looking for. Site supervisors hold a CSCS Gold Supervisor card to help prove competence and experience.

The Construction Leadership Council recommends the SSSTS course in addition to NVQs, to ensure an extensive understanding of the relevant health, safety, and legal regulations. The CSCS Gold Supervisor card requires the Specialist supervisory (SUP) HS&E test, as well as the Level 4 Construction Site Supervision NVQ.

Please visit our All NVQ page to find your relevant occupation and required NVQ.

Yes, this NVQ Level 3 Occupational Work Supervision is accredited by ProQual.