EDEXCEL Level 4 NVQ in Built Environment Design
Qualification summary
This qualification is part of a suite of NVQ/SVQs across Levels 3, 4 and 5 within Built Environment
Design covering all roles within the design team, from technical support (Level 3) into solution
development (Level 4) and strategic design practice (Level 5). The suite of qualifications will enable
the delivery of a safe, accessible, sustainable and energy efficient built environment in order to
embrace and resolve the challenges of today and tomorrow whilst respecting historic development
and achievement.
This Level 4 qualification is concerned with managing and delivering design solutions through an
integrated team, ensuring that communications between team members and with clients and users
are maintained, that the final design is deliverable and that it will meet stakeholder requirements in
respect of design and use.
This level 4 N/SVQ is a qualification for all designers working at intermediate/senior levels in the built environment. The award has been designed by industry practitioners and interested professional bodies to serve a wide range of design disciplines, including civil & structural design, building surveying, architectural technology and architecture. The award applies to designers who work on new build, alterations, repairs, refurbishment and conservation projects.
The award is based on National Occupational Standards. These standards have been developed for
all industry sectors, and are the responsibility of the Sector Skills Councils. The SSC for the
construction sector is ConstuctionSkills – a partnership between the Construction Industry Council
(CIC), the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and CITB (Northern Ireland).
(See Annexe 1 - FullSuiteBEDLevel4 - NOS)
Qualification details
NVQ - National Vocational Qualification
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
N/SVQs are competence-based awards. They confirm not just what candidates know, but how they apply this knowledge accurately and competently in the workplace. Whilst the level 4 design S/NVQ is likely to reflect much of their current job role, it can also facilitate development into areas outside of this and beyond it. This Level 4 design N/SVQ provides a progression route for those with both
classroom-based awards and also a technical or craft background. It points towards professional
qualifications which take additional account of potential, commitment, traits and attitudes.
The level 4 design N/SVQ is recognised by relevant professional institutions a contributing to their membership requirements. The award is supported by all the major representative construction organisations, and the relevant educational and professional bodies. Additionally, this N/SVQ is the benchmark recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) for the achievement of the platinum designer CSCS card.
All candidates must produce evidence from the workplace to meet the requirements of these
design standards. It is anticipated that experienced candidates will be able to provide
evidence for all chosen units. Some candidates however will use the S/NVQ as an opportunity to widen their current job role, or develop their operational methodology, in order to achieve the standards. This is consistent with the claim that N/SVQs should be diagnostic, developmental and qualifying. This award will therefore stretch and develop the competence of construction designers, and enhance both their individual performance in the workplace, and the success of their businesses.
(See Annexe 1 - FullSuiteBEDLevel4 - NOS)
Architectural Technician/Technologist
Building Technician
CAD Draughtsperson
Civil Engineering Technician
Design Engineer
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05 Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
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05.2
Building and Construction
The qualification is internally assessed and verified and externally verified according to the NVQ Code of Practice.
Candidates must complete the four Core Units in Group A, plus five Optional Units from Group B - at least one of which must be chosen from each of the Technical Groups (B1 - Pre-design; B2 - Design Development; B3 - Post-design). The final two Optional Units may be chosen from any of those in Group B. Total nine units.
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A -
Core Units
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Y/104/0613 - Develop design team programmes and working methods
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D/104/0614 - Develop and advise on design recommendations
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H/104/0615 - Develop and agree detailed designs
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K/104/0616 - Develop and maintain professional relationships and practice
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B -
Optional Units
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B1 -
Technical - Pre-design
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M/104/0617 - Investigate and assess development options
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T/104/0618 - Confirm project requirements and needs
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A/104/0619 - Manage the brief, development programme and project risks and opportunities
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M/104/0620 - Form and induct a project team
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T/104/0621 - Conduct condition surveys
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B2 -
Technical - Design Development
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A/104/0622 - Investigate development factors and solutions
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F/104/0623 - Specify, manage and analyse testing
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J/104/0624 - Establish regulatory requirements and secure consents
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L/104/0625 - Manage project information
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R/104/0626 - Prepare specifications
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B3 -
Technical - Post-design
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B4 -
Personal Skills
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F/104/0637 - Develop self and other people and contribute to improving design services