Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Senior Construction Management

Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Senior Construction Management courseThe NVQ Diploma in Senior Construction Management Qualification is suited to those who are engaged in high level management activity of a construction business and who working in a senior management role and are seeking to obtain the Black CSCS Card.

Our team will discuss the qualification process with you prior to signing up in order to ensure that you will be able to complete the qualification.

Complete your qualification quickly with the support of your assessor in as little as 10 to 12 weeks providing that you work with your assessor to provide the required evidence.

We offer two other qualifications that lead to the Black CSCS card, follow the links below for more information (open in new window):

CSCS Cards

We can provide CSCS tests and CSCS cards alongside your qualification without the need to attend the test centre. Speak to our friendly and helpful team for more information.

Enquire about our training today

A nationally recognised qualification for senior construction managers.

  • Prove your skills in project management, leadership, procurement, design, and sustainability.
  • Flexible pathways in Production or Commercial to suit your role.
  • Qualifies you to apply for the Black CSCS Card – the highest level for managers in construction.
  • Assessment is based on real work – no exams or off-site training needed.

This course is ideal for:

  • Senior construction managers responsible for large-scale projects.
  • Commercial or production managers in the construction industry.
  • Professionals managing design, procurement, or sustainability processes.
  • Employers who want to upskill senior staff and formalise their experience.

The NVQ Level 7 Construction Senior Management covers a wide range of skills needed to run major construction projects successfully.

First, you’ll complete 10 mandatory core units that apply to all senior managers, whatever their specialism. These cover:

  • Managing project processes – making sure every stage runs to plan, on time and on budget.
  • Leading and managing teams – getting the best out of your workforce and making sure everyone knows their role.
  • Recruiting and retaining staff – finding the right people for the job and understanding how to keep skilled workers.
  • Planning and monitoring work – keeping control over schedules, delegating tasks, and maintaining quality standards.
  • Ethical and professional practice – making fair, well-judged decisions and providing expert guidance.
  • Developing yourself and others – improving your own management skills and helping your team progress in their careers.
  • Managing and participating in meetings – ensuring meetings are productive and lead to clear actions.

After the core units, you’ll choose one of two specialist pathways:

Pathway 1 – Production

Designed for managers who take the lead on delivering construction projects on site. You’ll cover:

  • Project control – overseeing work from start to finish and managing day-to-day operations.
  • Design management – directing the development and integration of design into the build process.
  • Sustainability and environmental impact – assessing the environmental footprint of projects and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Procurement and contracts – setting up agreements with suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
  • Project handover – managing the final stages and ensuring the client receives a finished, high-quality project.

Pathway 2 – Commercial

Ideal for those who focus on the financial and contractual side of construction. You’ll learn how to:

  • Control budgets and entitlement – managing costs and ensuring contractual obligations are met.
  • Prepare and agree project briefs – setting clear objectives with clients and stakeholders.
  • Manage tenders and estimates – creating competitive bids and ensuring accurate cost forecasting.
  • Implement strategic procurement systems – setting up processes to secure materials, services, and subcontractors efficiently.
  • Resolve contractual disputes – addressing issues quickly and fairly to keep projects moving.

Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll also build skills in advanced leadership, resource planning, client relations, marketing, and customer service – giving you the tools to lead at the very highest level.

The Black CSCS Card, also known as the CSCS Managers Card, is the highest level of CSCS card available in the construction industry.

It proves you have the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to work as a senior manager on site.

Black CSCS card requirements include:

  • Completing a recognised qualification such as the NVQ Level 7 Construction Senior Management.
  • Passing the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety & Environment Test.

This NVQ is one of the main CSCS black card qualifications accepted by CSCS, making it the ideal CSCS black card course for experienced managers.

Once you’ve completed it, you can apply for your Black CSCS Card and demonstrate your professional competence to clients, employers, and contractors.

This course is for experienced managers – you’ll need to already be in a senior role in the construction industry.

You’ll also need to provide evidence of your work, such as project documents, meeting records, and health and safety procedures.

  • Course length: Usually completed in 12–18 months, depending on your workload.
  • Study mode: Work-based assessment – no need to attend college.
  • Time commitment: Flexible to fit around your job.

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, which may include:

  • Workplace observations.
  • Project documents.
  • Health and safety records.
  • Meeting minutes.
  • Contracts and procurement records
  • Witness testimonies from colleagues or clients.

Your assessor will guide you through what’s needed and help you collect the right evidence.

This qualification is accredited by GQA Qualifications, ensuring it meets industry standards.

Completion allows you to apply for the Black CSCS Card, proving you are a competent senior construction manager.

With this qualification, you could progress into roles such as

  • Construction Director.
  • Senior Project Manager.
  • Head of Commercial or Production.

You may also choose to develop further with:


  • Chartered membership of professional bodies such as CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building).

Take the next step in your construction career. To enrol on the NVQ Level 7 in Construction Management, give Train 4 Growth a call on 0161 706 1401.

Alternatively, you can complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you shortly.