How It Works
From your first enquiry to a nationally recognised certificate — here’s the process, step by step.
On-Site Assessment & Training (OSAT)
Traditional NVQ routes often require candidates to attend a training centre for weeks or months. That’s not practical for people who are already working on site.
At NTA, we use the OSAT method — On-Site Assessment & Training. Our qualified assessors come to your workplace. All evidence is gathered through real on-the-job activity.
That means no time off site, no travel, and no interruption to your income or your project deadlines.
The qualification is exactly the same — ProQual accredited, CITB endorsed, and nationally recognised by employers and CSCS across the UK.
The Four Steps
Here’s exactly what happens from your first contact to receiving your certificate.
Enquire
Get in touch by phone or email. Tell us about your current role, how long you’ve been in the industry, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
We’ll have a straightforward conversation — no jargon, no hard sell. We’ll tell you which qualification is right for you, how long it’s likely to take, and what the cost will be.
📞 020 3191 4700 | 📱 +44 7464 857105
Initial Skills Assessment
Before we begin, we carry out a brief initial assessment. This helps us identify the most suitable qualification pathway for your experience level and current role.
It also lets us build your evidence plan — a clear roadmap of what we need to gather during assessment to demonstrate your competence in each unit.
There’s nothing to prepare or revise. This is simply a conversation about your day-to-day work and responsibilities.
On-Site Assessment
This is the main body of the qualification. Our assessor visits you at your workplace — on site, in your yard, or wherever you do your work.
Evidence is gathered through three methods:
- Observation — the assessor watches you carry out your normal tasks
- Professional Discussion — structured conversations about your knowledge and experience
- Portfolio — photographs, job sheets, risk assessments, or other workplace documents
You keep working. We gather the evidence around you.
Certification & Your CSCS Card
Once all the required evidence has been gathered and verified, your portfolio is submitted to ProQual for certification.
You receive your ProQual NVQ certificate — a nationally recognised qualification that proves your occupational competence.
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test (£22.50, booked separately at citb.co.uk)
- Apply for your CSCS card at cscs.uk.com (card fee £36)
- Carry your card on site as proof of competence — valid for 5 years
Common Questions
Do I need to attend a training centre?
No. All assessment is carried out at your own workplace using the OSAT method. You don’t need to take time away from work or travel anywhere.
I’m already working on site. Can I still get an NVQ?
Yes — that’s exactly who OSAT assessment is designed for. If you’re working in construction, you’re generating evidence every day. We capture it professionally.
How long does it take?
Entry-level qualifications can be completed in a day. Higher-level NVQ diplomas typically take several months as we gather evidence across multiple visits.
Can my employer pay for it?
Yes. Many employers fund NVQ assessments as part of workforce development. We can provide invoices for companies and offer payment in instalments.
Are your qualifications recognised everywhere?
Yes. ProQual qualifications are nationally recognised. They’re CITB endorsed and accepted by major contractors and CSCS as the route to your card.
What if I don’t have all my paperwork?
Don’t worry. Most evidence is generated during the assessment through observation and professional discussion. We’ll guide you on exactly what you need.
Ready to Start?
Get in touch today and we’ll walk you through the process for your specific situation.