Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Bricklaying (Construction)

The Level 2 NVQ in Trowel Occupations is designed for bricklayers and other experienced trowel operatives who are already working on site and want to have their skills formally recognised.

If you’re already laying bricks or blocks as part of your day-to-day work, you may already have much of the experience needed to achieve your NVQ. Rather than going back to college or sitting exams, your competence is assessed through the work you are already carrying out on site.

The qualification can suit bricklayers, blocklayers and other trowel operatives who want to gain a recognised Level 2 qualification while continuing to work.


Who is the Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ suitable for?

It can be suitable if you:

  • Are already working as a bricklayer or blocklayer
  • Have learned your trade through experience or on-the-job training
  • Have been bricklaying for some time but don't hold a formal NVQ
  • Want to gain a recognised qualification based on the work you actually do
  • Are looking to progress towards a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, where the qualification and occupation meet the relevant requirements
  • Are an employer looking to formally recognise and develop the skills of your bricklaying workforce


What do I need to demonstrate?

Because this is a work-based NVQ, the assessment is based around your actual bricklaying work.

Depending on the work you carry out, you may need to demonstrate that you can:

  • Set out and build brick and blockwork accurately
  • Build walls and other masonry structures to drawings and specifications
  • Lay bricks, blocks and stone to line, level and gauge, including building quoins, forming openings and producing a consistent joint finish.
  • Cut and shape bricks, blocks and other masonry materials
  • Use the appropriate hand tools and power tools safely
  • Construct both structural and non-structural masonry work
  • Check your work for accuracy, quality and finish
  • Follow safe working practices and site requirements
  • Work effectively with other trades and members of the site team
  • Use materials efficiently and minimise unnecessary waste

You will also need to show that you understand the materials, tools and working methods used in your trade, together with the health and safety requirements that apply to your work.


Can my existing bricklaying experience count?

Yes. That's one of the main benefits of a work-based NVQ.

If you're already an experienced bricklayer, you don't necessarily need to start from scratch. Your existing work, knowledge and experience can form an important part of your assessment, provided you can demonstrate the required competence.

Your assessor will discuss the type of bricklaying work you carry out and explain what evidence is needed to complete the qualification.


A qualification based around the work you already do

The aim isn't to take an experienced bricklayer away from site and put them back in a classroom.


At Pro Nobis, we assess your competence around your real construction work, with the assessment planned around your role and the opportunities available on site.

If you're an experienced bricklayer without an NVQ, or you're simply unsure which qualification is right for the work you do, we're happy to talk through your options with you before you decide whether to enrol.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Bricklaying (Construction)

The Level 3 NVQ in Trowel Occupations is designed for experienced trowel operatives who are working in a more advanced, skilled, or supervisory role within the construction industry. This qualification is aimed at individuals who consistently work to a high standard, take responsibility for the quality of their work, and often support or oversee others on site.

It is ideal for:

  • Experienced bricklayers and trowel operatives with significant site experience
  • Skilled workers looking to progress their career and demonstrate advanced competence
  • Individuals seeking to apply for a CSCS Gold Skilled Worker Card
  • Operatives who supervise small teams or apprentices as part of their role
  • Employers wishing to formally recognise high-level trade skills within their workforce


The qualification is workplace-assessed, allowing candidates to achieve a nationally recognised qualification while continuing in their job, with no requirement to attend college.


Skills and Knowledge Candidates Are Expected to Evidence

To achieve the Level 3 NVQ in Trowel Occupations, candidates must demonstrate advanced competence, technical knowledge, and responsibility across a wide range of site activities, including:

  • Setting out complex masonry structures from drawings and specifications
  • Building advanced masonry features using bricks, blocks, or stone
  • Constructing structural components, including cavity walls, piers, arches, and decorative features
  • Applying advanced bonding techniques and maintaining high-quality finishes
  • Cutting, shaping, and finishing materials using hand and power tools
  • Checking and correcting work to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality standards
  • Coordinating work activities and supporting less experienced operatives
  • Communicating effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and other trades


Candidates must also evidence in-depth knowledge of:

  • Health, safety, and environmental legislation and site procedures
  • Interpreting drawings, specifications, and method statements
  • Material selection, properties, and sustainability considerations
  • Efficient use of resources and minimising waste
  • Maintaining tools, equipment, and work areas to a professional standard


Successful completion of the qualification confirms that the learner is operating at an advanced skilled level, capable of delivering high-quality masonry work, taking responsibility on site, and meeting the expectations of employers and industry standards.

Frequently asked questions about the L2 & L3 NVQs in Bricklaying

Q. Who is the L2 Bricklaying NVQ suitable for?

A. It's for anyone already working as a bricklayer who can perform a variety of tasks, including setting out brickwork and blockwork from drawings, erecting masonry structures, and repairing masonry structures to prove occupational competence on site. This qualification would enable the candidate to apply for a Blue CSCS card.


Q. Who is the L3 Bricklaying NVQ suitable for?

A. It's for anyone already working as a bricklayer who can perform a variety of tasks, including bespoke setting out brickwork and blockwork from drawings, erecting masonry structures, erecting masonry cladding, erecting decorative or architectural structures, and repairing masonry structures to prove occupational competence on site. This qualification would enable the candidate to apply for a Gold CSCS card.


Q. What are the benefits of having an NVQ in Bricklaying?

A. It shows employers that you have industry-recognised competence as a bricklayer, covering both handskills and trade understanding. The level of NVQ you achieve will determine whether you can apply for your L2 Blue or L3 Gold CSCS card, enabling you to work on sites and commercial builds.


Q. Do I need to attend college?

A. No, you do not need to attend a college or take time off work. The bricklaying NVQ is designed so that the assessor can collect all the evidence needed to achieve this qualification from what you do every day in your place of work.


Q. How long does a Bricklaying NVQ take?

A. Most candidates complete it in 4-6 weeks (L2) and 6-8 weeks (L3), depending on how quickly evidence is gathered.

The accelerated NVQ route is designed for experienced bricklayers who have 3 years of experience or more in the industry.

The NVQ is designed to work around your lifestyle and workload. So it's really down to each candidate and their desired pace.


Q. What evidence is required for a Bricklaying NVQ?

A. Evidence for the bricklaying NVQs includes a range of: videos or timelapses, photos of working documents, photos of work carried out by the candidate, witness testimonies, professional discussions about work carried out previously, and general trade knowledge.


Q. What happens if evidence is missing?

A. If evidence is missing, the assessor will guide the candidate to complete it by collecting the missing evidence through other forms of assessment. There is no pass or fail exam.


Q. Can a Bricklaying NVQ be assessed remotely?

A. Yes. Both bricklaying NVQs can be assessed remotely using video calls, photos, and recorded video evidence, reducing site disruption and being less intrusive.