The clock is ticking. 

Ensure you qualify your red CCDO card with NVQ before it’s too late.

Frequently Asked Questions about NVQs in Demolition

An NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification. It is an evidence-based competency qualification, assessed in the workplace by qualified assessors who are competent in the trades they assess.

All NVQ’s are completed as On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT).  Learners must be assessed in a real workplace environment in which they are employed to this qualification.

Assessors will complete the NVQ over a number of visits.  During the visits an assessor will collate a portfolio including:

  • NVQ induction and assessment plan – this will cover how the assessor will collect evidence and identify any training requirements that the operative may need to undergo.
  • Professional discussion - to cover knowledge questions on processes and health & safety.
  • Visit site and observe the operative completing various tasks - gather evidence required for the portfolio. (May require witness testimonies to fill gaps in the portfolio.)
The NVQ levels offered within the demolition industry range from Level 2 to Level 7. A guide to which NVQ Level you need to complete to fully qualify your CCDO card is shown below, and NDTG are on hand to help and advise you with the registration process for the NVQ you need.
  • Level 2 - CCDO Demolition & Refurbishment Operative
  • Level 3 - CCDO Advanced Demolition Operative (formerly known as CCDO Topman)
  • Level 3 - CCDO Demolition Chargehand
  • Level 4 - CCDO Demolition Supervisor
  • Level 6 - CCDO Demolition Manager
  • Level 7 - CCDO Demolition Contracts Manager
  • Level 2 - CPCS Demolition Plant Operator
  • Level 3 - CPCS Demolition Plant Operator
Each NVQ Level has different units. Some of the units are mandatory, then you can select the required number of additional units from a list of options in most cases. Visit the NVQ information page on our website to find out more about the unit requirements for your NVQ.

Complete the Learner Registration Form, Unit Selection and Terms of Reference documents, available from NDTG. These forms are not downloadable from our website as the Unit Selection and Terms of Reference vary according to the NVQ level you are applying for.

Alternatively, there are many NVQ Centres across the country with demolition assessment capability. You do not have to complete your NVQ with NDTG - what's important is that you don't let your red card expire!
Costs for NVQs vary by Level - and funding may be available to your employer to help cover the costs of your qualification. For accurate pricing information based on your individual need, please call NDTG on 01442 217 144 (Option 1).

The demolition industry has NVQ Assessors all over the country.

All Assessors are themselves fully qualified, at least within the NVQ they are assessing, and have spent many years working on demolition sites.

The NVQ Assessment Centre will send the Certificate directly to the Learner. If you have worked with NDTG to obtain your NVQ, a further copy of the Certificate will be sent your Employer along with details of how to upgrade the red CCDO card to the appropriate renewable, coloured CCDO card.

CCDO NVQs Levels – Structure and Units

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Demolition
CCDO Demolition & Refurbishment Operative

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Demolition (Demolition and Refurbishment Operative pathway) has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment, which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification.

This pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a demolition operative.

The qualification pathway for NVQ Level 2 consists of 4 Mandatory units and 4 Optional units.

In order to achieve NVQ Level 2, learners must successfully complete all 4 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit (5 units total to be attained). 

 

Mandatory Units (All 4)

  • Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace (Level 1)
  • Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Removing and Segregating Components and Materials in Demolition and/or Refurbishment in the Workplace (Level 2)

Optional Units (Select 1 unit from the options below)

  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Masonry and/or Concrete Structures in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Metal Structures in the Workplace (Level 3)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Roofing and/or Cladding in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Timber Structures in the Workplace (Level 2)

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Demolition
CCDO Advanced Demolition Operative (Topman)

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Demolition – Advanced Demolition Operative (Topman) pathway has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification.

This pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a demolition operative.

To achieve this qualification a minimum of 10 units need to be attained. This comprises of 7 units from the Mandatory Group, plus a minimum of 3 units from the Optional Group.

Mandatory Units (All 7)

  • Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace
  • Confirming Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area in the Workplace
  • Coordinating and Confirming the Dimensional Control Requirements of the Work in the Workplace
  • Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
  • Implementing and Maintaining Health, Safety, Environmental and Welfare Practices in the Workplace
  • Installing, Constructing, Maintaining, Dismantling and Removing Temporary Works in the Workplace
  • Removing and Segregating Components and Materials in Demolition and/or Refurbishment in the Workplace

Optional Units (Select a minimum of 3 units from the options below)

  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Masonry and/or Concrete Structures in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Metal Structures in the Workplace (Level 3)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Roofing and/or Cladding in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Timber Structures in the Workplace (Level 2)

 

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Demolition
CCDO Chargehand

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Demolition – Demolition Chargehand qualification/pathway has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification/pathway.

This qualification/pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a demolition operative.

To achieve this qualification a minimum of 10 units need to be attained. This comprises of 9 units from the Mandatory Group, plus a minimum of 1 unit from the Optional Group.

Mandatory Units (All 9)

  • Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace
  • Confirming Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area in the Workplace
  • Controlling, Directing and Guiding the Operation of Plant and Machinery in the Workplace
  • Coordinating and Organising Work Operations in the Workplace
  • Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
  • Implementing and Maintaining Health, Safety, Environmental and Welfare Practices in the Workplace
  • Installing, Constructing, Maintaining, Dismantling and Removing Temporary Works in the Workplace
  • Monitoring Progress of Works against Schedule in the Workplace
  • Removing and Segregating Components and Materials in Demolition and/or Refurbishment in the Workplace

Optional Units (Select a minimum of 1 unit from the options below)

  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Masonry and/or Concrete Structures in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Metal Structures in the Workplace (Level 3)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Roofing and/or Cladding in the Workplace (Level 2)
  • Dismantling and/or Demolishing Timber Structures in the Workplace (Level 2)

Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Demolition
CCDO Demolition Site Supervisor

Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Demolition – Supervisor pathway has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification.

This pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a site Supervisor.

To achieve this qualification a minimum of 15 units need to be attained. This comprises of 12 units from the Mandatory Group, plus a minimum of 3 units from the Optional Group.

Mandatory Units (All 12)

  • Allocating and Monitoring the Use of Plant, Equipment and Machinery in the Workplace
  • Assessing and Agreeing Work Methods in the Workplace
  • Contributing to the Control of Work Quantities and Costs in the Workplace
  • Controlling Work Against Agreed Quality Standards in the Workplace
  • Controlling Work Progress Against Agreed Programmes in the Workplace
  • Coordinating Work Control in the Workplace
  • Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
  • Implementing Communication Systems for The Projects in the Workplace
  • Implementing, Maintaining and Reviewing Systems for Health, Safety, Welfare, Wellbeing and Environmental Protection in the Workplace
  • Planning Work Activities and Resources to Meet Project Requirements in the Workplace
  • Supervising Demolition Activities in the Workplace
  • Supervising the Installation, Maintenance, Monitoring and Removal of Temporary Works in the Workplace

Optional Units (Select a minimum of 3 units from the options below)

  • Allocating and Monitoring People’s Performance in the Workplace
  • Contributing to the Identification of a Work Team in the Workplace
  • Coordinating Preparations for Site Operations in the Workplace
  • Enabling Learning Opportunities in the Workplace
  • Handing over Property in the Workplace
  • Maintaining Supplies of Materials to Meet Project Requirements in the Workplace
  • Maintaining the Dimensional Accuracy of the Work in the Workplace
  • Managing Your Personal Development in the Workplace
  • Planning Demolition Activities in the Workplace
  • Supervising Activities to Traditional and Heritage Buildings and Structures in the Workplace
  • Supervising the Installation, Commissioning and Handover of Retrofit Works in the Workplace
  • Supervising the Pre-Installation Planning for Retrofit Works in the Workplace

 

Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Demolition
CCDO Demolition Project Manager

Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Demolition – Manager pathway has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification.

This pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a site Supervisor.

To achieve this qualification a minimum of 20 units need to be attained. This comprises of 19 mandatory units and 1 optional unit.

Mandatory Units (All 19)

  • Allocating Work and Monitoring People’s Performance in the Workplace
  • Contributing to the Identification of a Work Team in the Workplace
  • Controlling Project Progress Against Agreed Programmes in the Workplace
  • Controlling Project Progress Against Agreed Quality Standards in the Workplace
  • Controlling Project Quantities and Costs in the Workplace
  • Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
  • Ensuring Work Activities and Resources to Meet Project Work Requirements in the Workplace
  • Establishing, Controlling and Monitoring Environmental Factors and Sustainability in the Workplace
  • Establishing, Implementing and Maintaining Organisational Systems for Managing Health, Safety, Welfare and Wellbeing in the Workplace
  • Evaluating and Confirming Work Methods in the Workplace
  • Identifying and Maintaining Communication Systems and Organisational Procedures in the Workplace
  • Identifying, Allocating and Planning the Deployment and Use of Plant, Equipment and Machinery in the Workplace
  • Managing the Installation, Maintenance, Monitoring and Removal of Temporary Works in the Workplace
  • Managing the Project Handover in the Workplace
  • Managing Your Personal Development in the Workplace
  • Managing Project Activities in the Workplace
  • Organising, Controlling and Monitoring Supplies of Materials in the Workplace
  • Planning Demolition Activities in the Workplace
  • Planning the Preparation of the Site for the Project in the Workplace

Optional Units (Select a minimum of 3 units from the options below)

  • Enabling Learning Opportunities in the Workplace
  • Establishing Dimensional Control Criteria in the Workplace
  • Evaluating Feedback and Making Recommendations in the Workplace
  • Managing the Installation, Commissioning and Handover of Retrofit Works in the Workplace
  • Planning Activities to Traditional and Heritage Buildings and Structures in the Workplace
  • Planning and Scheduling the Maintenance Activities of Property, Services or Systems in the Workplace
  • Planning the Installation of Retrofit Works in the Workplace
  • Providing Customer Services in the Construction Workplace

CPCS (Demolition Plant) NVQs Levels – Structure and Units

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Demolition (Plant)
CPCS Demolition Plant Operative

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Demolition (Demolition Plant Operative pathway) has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment, which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification.

This pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a demolition plant operative.

To achieve this qualification a minimum of 3 units need to be attained. This comprises of 2 units from the Mandatory Group, plus 1 unit from the Optional Group.

Mandatory Units (2)

  • Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
  • Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace

Optional Units (1)

  • Operating Demolition Rigged Plant for Materials Processing in the Workplace
  • Operating Demolition Skid Steer to Dismantle and/or Demolish Structures in the Workplace
  • Operating Demolition Plant or Machinery to Dismantle and/or Demolish Structures up to 15 metres in the Workplace
  • Operating Remote and/or Pedestrian Controlled Plant or Machinery to Dismantle and/or Demolish Structures in the Workplace

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Demolition (Plant)
CPCS Demolition Plant Operative

The Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Demolition (Demolition Plant Operative pathway) has been developed for achievement in a real workplace environment, which means the learner must be employed to undertake this qualification.

This pathway enables the learner, to recognise their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as demonstrating their competence in the workplace when carrying out the role of a demolition plant operative.

To achieve this qualification a minimum of 6 units need to be attained. This comprises of 5 units from the Mandatory Group, plus 1 unit from the Optional Group.

Mandatory Units (5)

  • Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace
  • Confirming Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area in the Workplace
  • Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
  • Implementing and Maintaining Health, Safety, Environmental and Welfare Practices in the Workplace
  • Monitoring Progress of Work Against Schedule in the Workplace

Optional Units (1)

  • Operating Demolition Plant or Machinery to Dismantle and/or Demolish Structures above 30 metres in the Workplace
  • Operating Demolition Plant or Machinery to Dismantle and/or Demolish Structures up to 30 metres in the Workplace