Windows, doors & conservatories

Workplace assessment

No classroom learning

Blue CSCS Q-Card route

Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 – Course Overview

The Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 is a workplace-based qualification for installers who already fit windows, doors or conservatories as part of their normal job.

It is designed for people who are fully trained to carry out routine fenestration installation work and can work with minimal supervision.

The qualification covers the practical skills and knowledge needed to install glass-supporting systems safely and correctly, including window and door units and conservatories.

Assessment is based on the work you already carry out on site. Evidence can include workplace observations, photographs, site records, professional discussions and other evidence that demonstrates your competence.

This is not a classroom-based course and there are no written exams. You need access to suitable fenestration installation work so that your skills can be assessed in the workplace.

Completing the appropriate Level 2 qualification can support progression to the relevant Blue GQA CSCS Q-Card for your occupation, subject to the current card and health and safety requirements.

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Is This Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 for You?

The Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 is for working installers who already fit windows, doors or conservatories and can carry out routine installation work with minimal supervision.

This qualification could be the right route for you if you:

Working fenestration installer

Already fitting windows, doors or conservatories as part of your job.

Routine installation work

Can complete standard fenestration installation tasks safely and correctly.

Access to suitable site work

Have live installation work available for workplace assessment.

Workplace evidence available

Can provide workplace evidence of the work you carry out

Your assessor will check your experience, current role and the fenestration installation work you have access to before enrolment to make sure the Level 2 qualification is suitable for you.

Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 Course Details

Find out more about how the Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 works, including the qualification units, CSCS card route, progression and typical completion time.

Open the sections below for the information you need.

The Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 is a workplace-based qualification that recognises the skills of working window, door and conservatory installers.

Key features of the qualification include:

  • Nationally recognised Level 2 NVQ – awarded by GQA Qualifications for fenestration installers carrying out routine installation work.
  • Workplace-based assessment – your competence is assessed through the installation work you already carry out on site.
  • No classroom learning or written exams – evidence is gathered through workplace observations, professional discussions and your portfolio.
  • Relevant Blue CSCS Q-Card route – the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation is an accepted qualification for the Level 2 Installer (Windows, Doors and Conservatories) GQA CSCS Q-Card, subject to current card requirements.
  • Designed for working installers – suitable for people who are fully trained to complete routine fenestration installation work with minimal supervision.
  • Progression available – experienced installers taking on more complex or technical work may later progress to a Level 3 fenestration qualification.

The Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 is designed for people who already work in window, door or conservatory installation and want a recognised qualification that reflects the work they carry out.

This qualification may be suitable if you:

  • Already work as a window fitter, door installer or conservatory installer
  • Carry out routine fenestration installation work with minimal supervision
  • Work on domestic or commercial installation projects
  • Have access to suitable live installation work for workplace assessment
  • Can provide evidence of the installation work you carry out

This is not a classroom-based course for people learning window fitting from scratch. You need to be carrying out suitable fenestration installation work so that your competence can be assessed in the workplace.

Employers can also use the qualification to formally recognise the skills of suitable window, door and conservatory installers within their team.

Your assessor will check your experience, current role and the work available to you before enrolment to make sure the Level 2 qualification is suitable for you.

The Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 is made up of four mandatory units and a selection of optional units that reflect the type of installation work you carry out.

You must achieve a minimum of 40 credits in total. Your assessor will confirm which optional units are suitable based on your job role and the workplace evidence available.

Mandatory Units

All learners complete the following four units:

  • Maintain Health and Safety in the Fenestration Installation Working Environment
  • Communicating and Working with Others in the Glass and Related Working Environments
  • Locate, Transport, Handle and Position Materials and Components in Fenestration Installation
  • Identify and Confirm Installation Requirements in Glass and Related Work

Optional Units – Group 1

You must achieve a minimum of 11 credits from this group:

  • Prepare and Shape Fenestration Installation Products and Materials
  • Prepare the Site, Equipment and Tools for Fenestration Installation
  • Remove Existing Windows and Doors and Prepare Apertures
  • Prepare and Position Window and Door Units Ready for Installation
  • Install Glass and/or Panels into Windows and Doors

Optional Units – Group 2

You must achieve a minimum of 8 credits from this group:

  • Install Conservatories
  • Install Windows and Doors

Optional Units – Group 3

You must achieve a minimum of 3 credits from this group:

  • Maintain/Repair Windows and Doors or Conservatories
  • Post Windows and Doors or Conservatories Installation Activity

Optional Units – Group 4

You must achieve a minimum of 3 credits from this group:

  • Understanding the Building Regulations in the Fenestration Industry
  • Knowledge of Building Regulations in the Installation of Windows and Doors

The optional units are not simply chosen by preference. They need to match the fenestration work you actually carry out and can provide suitable workplace evidence for.

Assessment evidence can include workplace observations, photographs, job records, witness testimony, professional discussions and other evidence from real installation work.

Completing the Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 gives working installers a recognised qualification that demonstrates competence in routine window, door and conservatory installation work.

It can also support progression as your experience and responsibilities increase.

Possible next steps include:

  • Blue GQA CSCS Q-Card – the Level 2 qualification can support the relevant Blue Skilled Worker Q-Card route for your occupation, subject to the current card and health and safety requirements.
  • More experienced installation roles – continue developing your skills and take on a wider range of fenestration installation work.
  • Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 3 – suitable if your role develops to include more complex installations, technical problem solving or greater responsibility for installation work.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision – potentially suitable if you begin organising work, leading installers or supervising other workers as part of your normal role.

The right progression route will depend on the work you actually carry out and the responsibilities you take on in the workplace.

Completing the Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 can support your application for the relevant Blue GQA CSCS Q-Card for your fenestration occupation.

The qualification provides evidence that you are competent to carry out routine window, door and conservatory installation work. You will also need to meet the current card requirements, including passing the appropriate Health, Safety and Environment test.

The correct card should always match the work you actually carry out. A Green Labourer card is intended for labouring roles rather than skilled occupations such as qualified fenestration installation.

If you are unsure which card applies to your role, read our CSCS Card Guide or speak to Train 4 Growth before enrolling.

The Fenestration Installation NVQ Level 2 is designed to fit around your normal working role, so there is no fixed classroom timetable or weekly study schedule.

Most learners complete the qualification in around 3 to 6 months, although the exact timescale will depend on your experience, the installation work available to you and how quickly the required workplace evidence can be gathered.

Your assessor will help you plan the assessment around your job and the fenestration work you already carry out.

Not Sure Which Fenestration NVQ You Need?

If you are already working in fenestration but are not sure whether the Level 2 NVQ is the right qualification for you, speak to Train 4 Growth before you enrol.

We can look at the installation work you carry out, your experience and the evidence available, then help you identify the right NVQ level for your role.