GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations (Construction)
Purpose and Scope
This qualification is designed to:
- Recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and competence of individuals working in construction contracting roles.
- Support career development in areas such as estimating, buying, planning, surveying, site technical support, and design coordination.
- Provide a pathway to supervisory and technical roles in the construction industry.
Entry Requirements
- No formal academic qualifications required.
- Learners must be competent in their current role and able to demonstrate relevant
experience.
Review Cycle
GQA Qualifications reviews this qualification regularly to ensure:
- Alignment with industry standards
- Compliance with regulatory frameworks
- Relevance to emerging construction practices
Content Overview
Learners will develop competence in:
• Developing and maintaining working relationships
• Preparing and processing invitations to tender
• Preparing programmes and schedules of work
• Operating project information systems
• Operating health, safety, and welfare systems
Specialist Pathways include:
• Estimating
• Buying
• Planning
• Surveying
• Site Technical Support
• Design Coordination
• General Construction Contracting Operations
Duration
- Typically completed over 9–12 months, depending on the learner’s experience and
pace. - Flexible, work-based format allows learners to progress at their own speed.
Delivery Format
Work-based learning and assessment.
- No classroom attendance required.
- Learners build a portfolio of evidence with support from a qualified assessor.
Target Audience
Individuals currently working in construction contracting roles.
- Those seeking to formalise their skills and progress into technical or supervisory
positions. - Suitable for professionals in office-based or site-based roles.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this qualification, learners will be able to:
• Manage and support contracting operations effectively.
• Apply health and safety systems in construction.
• Coordinate project information and schedules.
• Prepare tenders and estimates.
• Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders.
Assessment
Competency-based assessment through:
- Observation
- Professional discussion
- Work product evidence (e.g. RAMS, schedules, reports)
- Witness testimony
- Video or photographic evidence