The ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Planning is a highly respected vocational qualification tailored for individuals working in construction planning roles. This qualification is designed to assess a learner’s competence in a real working environment, enabling professionals to gain formal recognition for their planning expertise on construction projects across the UK.
Planning is a critical component of successful construction project delivery. This diploma is focused on those who are responsible for creating, managing, and adapting project schedules, resource allocation plans, and logistical coordination strategies. It serves both as a professional development route and as a means to demonstrate competence for industry-recognised certification such as the CSCS Gold Card.
The ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Planning is an essential qualification for those involved in construction project planning and coordination. It supports industry standards by confirming competence, promoting best practices, and facilitating career advancement. With flexible, workplace-based assessment, this diploma offers a practical and credible route to professional recognition in the UK construction sector.
Program Highlights
Mandatory Units
- Operate health, safety and welfare systems in construction
- Prepare programmes and schedules of work in construction
- Operate project information systems in construction
- Develop and maintain working relationships and personal development in construction
- Prepare drawings and schedules in construction
- Assess, plan and monitor project methods and progress in construction
Optional Units –
- Prepare for, collect, analyse and present survey data in construction
- Record the condition of property in construction
- Integrate and control project design information in construction
- Prepare for work operations in construction
- Implement contract work in construction
- Establish and maintain the dimensional control of construction works
- Prepare for and carry out physical testing in construction
- Prepare and monitor costs and accounts in construction
- Prepare proposals and obtain feedback for the provision of products and services in construction
- Prepare and process invitations to tender in construction
- Prepare estimates, bids and tenders in construction
- Monitor, maintain and improve supplies of materials in construction
- Recommend and monitor supplies of plant and equipment in construction
- To enrol in the ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Planning, learners must meet the following entry criteria:
- Minimum Age
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old. However, the course is most appropriate for individuals aged 18 and above who have some professional experience in construction planning roles.
- Educational Background
- There are no formal academic qualifications required for this diploma. However, a basic level of education in Mathematics and English is beneficial, as the course involves interpreting data, preparing work schedules, and communicating with team members.
- Work Experience
- Learners must be currently employed in a construction planning role. The qualification is assessed in the workplace, so practical experience in developing programmes, schedules, and project logistics is essential. Suitable roles include planning technician, construction coordinator, or site-based planner.
- Language Proficiency
- A good level of written and spoken English is required to complete the qualification successfully. Learners should be able to understand technical terminology, engage in professional discussions, and produce written evidence for assessment. Non-native English speakers should ideally meet CEFR Level B2 or equivalent.
- These entry requirements are designed to ensure that learners are well-positioned to demonstrate their competence and benefit from the qualification’s professional and career development opportunities.
Operate health, safety and welfare systems in construction
- Apply current legislation and company policies to maintain a safe work environment
- Identify and control workplace hazards to protect personnel welfare
- Promote a culture of health and safety awareness on construction sites
- Monitor and review health, safety, and welfare systems for ongoing compliance
Prepare programmes and schedules of work in construction
- Plan work sequences and allocate resources effectively using scheduling tools
- Develop and maintain realistic timelines aligned with project milestones
- Identify critical path activities and monitor their progression
- Update and adjust schedules in response to project changes or delays
Operate project information systems in construction
- Use digital tools to manage, share, and safeguard project information
- Ensure version control and data accuracy throughout the project lifecycle
- Facilitate communication between stakeholders using IT-based systems
- Maintain comprehensive project records in line with industry standards
Develop and maintain working relationships and personal development in construction
- Build collaborative working relationships with clients, teams, and stakeholders
- Resolve workplace issues through effective communication and negotiation
- Assess personal skills and plan professional development activities
- Promote teamwork and support the professional growth of others
Prepare drawings and schedules in construction
- Create accurate technical drawings using CAD or design software
- Interpret construction plans and translate them into scheduling documents
- Coordinate drawings with project specifications and engineering standards
- Ensure clarity, precision, and usability of all construction documentation
Assess, plan and monitor project methods and progress in construction
- Evaluate proposed construction methods for suitability and efficiency
- Develop work plans that align with safety, quality, and productivity goals
- Monitor work progress using data and performance indicators
- Adjust project approaches based on ongoing assessments and site conditions
Optional Units
Prepare for, collect, analyse and present survey data in construction
- Plan and execute construction surveys using appropriate techniques
- Collect, analyse, and interpret survey data for project use
- Present findings clearly through maps, reports, and graphical outputs
- Support project decisions with accurate and relevant survey information
Record the condition of property in construction
- Conduct detailed inspections to assess the current state of buildings or structures
- Identify damage, defects, and areas requiring maintenance
- Produce clear condition reports supported by visual and technical data
- Recommend appropriate remedial or maintenance actions
Integrate and control project design information in construction
- Coordinate multiple design inputs and maintain document control
- Ensure timely communication of design changes to all stakeholders
- Resolve conflicts or discrepancies in project designs
- Maintain up-to-date and accessible design documentation
Prepare for work operations in construction
- Plan logistical and resource needs prior to starting construction activities
- Communicate operational plans to all relevant parties
- Identify potential issues and implement preventative measures
- Ensure site readiness in alignment with project requirements
Implement contract work in construction
- Interpret and apply contractual terms during project execution
- Manage site operations to fulfil contract specifications
- Monitor contract performance and manage non-conformities
- Maintain documentation and resolve disputes in accordance with procedures
Establish and maintain the dimensional control of construction works
- Set out works to exact specifications using surveying instruments
- Verify measurements during and after construction processes
- Adjust and control dimensions as necessary to ensure compliance
- Document all measurements for quality control purposes
Prepare for and carry out physical testing in construction
- Select appropriate testing methods for materials or structures
- Conduct tests safely and in line with regulatory standards
- Accurately record and interpret test results
- Use test data to inform construction decisions and ensure quality assurance
Prepare and monitor costs and accounts in construction
- Develop detailed cost estimates and monitor expenditure
- Identify financial variances and assess their impact on the project
- Maintain cost records for audit and compliance purposes
- Support financial planning and reporting for construction projects
Prepare proposals and obtain feedback for the provision of products and services in construction
- Develop proposals that meet client and project specifications
- Gather and evaluate feedback to refine service or product offerings
- Incorporate stakeholder input to enhance proposal effectiveness
- Present final proposals in a clear, structured, and professional format
Prepare and process invitations to tender in construction
- Draft tender documentation that reflects project requirements
- Manage the invitation, submission, and evaluation process
- Ensure transparency and regulatory compliance throughout tendering
- Recommend suitable contractors based on bid analysis
Prepare estimates, bids and tenders in construction
- Produce accurate and competitive cost estimates
- Create detailed bids aligned with project needs and client criteria
- Submit tenders in compliance with industry and legal standards
- Evaluate the commercial viability of project opportunities
Monitor, maintain and improve supplies of materials in construction
- Track inventory levels and coordinate timely material deliveries
- Identify material wastage and implement improvements
- Maintain quality standards in material usage
- Liaise with suppliers to resolve issues and ensure continuity
Recommend and monitor supplies of plant and equipment in construction
- Assess project requirements to determine plant and equipment needs
- Recommend suitable equipment for specific tasks and conditions
- Monitor usage, performance, and maintenance of equipment
- Ensure compliance with safety and operational guidelines
ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Planning is tailored for professionals involved in planning and scheduling activities within the construction industry. This qualification is ideal for those looking to develop or validate their planning expertise and progress within technical and managerial roles.
This course is suitable for:
- Construction planning technicians and coordinators
- Site planners and junior project planners involved in scheduling site operations
- Professionals responsible for developing work programmes and monitoring progress
- Individuals already working in construction who seek formal recognition of planning competencies
- Apprentices and trainees aspiring to enter planning and scheduling roles in construction
- Supervisors or team leaders aiming to move into planning-based positions
- Employees engaged in resource allocation, timeline tracking, and project reporting
- Those seeking progression toward senior roles such as Planning Engineer, Project Controller, or Construction Scheduler
This NVQ qualification is assessment-based and best suited for those working in a real construction environment where they can demonstrate their planning responsibilities and practical capabilities.
