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Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Dry Lining)
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Dry Lining)
Looking for a dry lining NVQ Level 2? This is the one for boarders, fixers and finishers, and it leads to the blue CSCS Skilled Worker card. The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Dry Lining) is a competence-based construction NVQ awarded by GQA (a CITB-approved centre). Assessed entirely in your workplace via remote e-portfolio — no exams, nationwide. It costs £750 fixed with no VAT, typically takes 4–8 weeks with assessment carried out remotely or on site from your normal work — no exams, no classroom.
Qualification Overview
The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Dry Lining) is a competence-based construction NVQ awarded by GQA (a CITB-approved centre). Assessed entirely in your workplace via remote e-portfolio — no exams, nationwide.
Qualification Structure
The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Dry Lining) is built from mandatory and optional units. You complete all mandatory units, plus optional units chosen to match your pathway.
Mandatory units Required — all 3
You must complete all 3 mandatory units.
| Unit no. | Unit title | Level | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| M/651/2360 | Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace | 1 | 2 |
| F/507/9561 | Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace | 2 | 3 |
| J/507/9562 | Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace | 2 | 5 |
Optional units Choose to suit your pathway
Select and complete the optional units chosen with your assessor to match the tasks you carry out on site.
| Unit no. | Unit title | Level | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/651/2463 | (Pathway 1 – Ceiling Fixing) Installing suspended ceiling systems in the workplace | 2 | 24 |
| D/651/2455 | (Pathway 2 – Modular Demountable Partitioning) Installing and relocating modular demountable partition systems in the workplace | 2 | 35 |
| F/651/2456 | (Pathway 3 – Operable Partition Systems) Installing and relocating operable partitioning systems in the workplace | 2 | 35 |
| H/651/2457 | (Pathway 4 – Glass Partition/Internal Screen Systems) Installing and relocating glass partition/internal screen systems in the workplace | 2 | 32 |
| J/651/2458 | (Pathway 5 – Dry Lining Fixing) Installing dry lining systems in the workplace | 2 | 32 |
| K/651/2459 | (Pathway 5 – Dry Lining Fixing) Installing plasterboard linings in the workplace | 2 | 21 |
| R/651/4379 | (Pathway 6 – Dry Lining Finishing) Finishing dry lining walls and ceilings in the workplace | 2 | 25 |
Qualification facts
- Qualification number (QAN): 610/4501/9
- Total credits: 34
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): 340 hours
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 204
- Assessment method: Portfolio of Evidence (workplace observation, witness testimony, professional discussion and knowledge questions)
Available pathways (4)
This qualification is delivered as GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems (Construction) v3 — a single competence-based NVQ with a choice of specialist pathways. You qualify in the pathway that matches the work you already do on site, assessed by remote e-portfolio. Available pathways include Ceiling Fixer, Dry Lining Finisher / Tape & Joint, Dry Lining Fixer, Glass Partition / Internal Screen Installer, Modular Partition Installer, Operable Partition Installer.
- Ceiling Fixer
- Dry Lining Finisher / Tape & Joint
- Dry Lining Fixer
- Glass Partition / Internal Screen Installer
- Modular Partition Installer
- Operable Partition Installer
Popular routes include suspended ceilings, ceiling fixer, dry lining finisher, tape and joint, dry lining fixer, plasterboard fixer, glass partition, internal screen, modular demountable partition, operable wall. Tell us your trade and we’ll confirm the right pathway and CSCS card outcome (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker).
How to get a blue CSCS card as a dry liner
The dry liner CSCS card is the blue Skilled Worker card
To issue it, CSCS needs proof that you are qualified in your trade: a Level 2 NVQ or SVQ, or a completed apprenticeship. Years of experience on their own are not enough, which is why most experienced dry liners come to us for this NVQ.
- Get your Level 2 Dry Lining NVQ. You are assessed on the work you already do: no college, no exams, typically 4–8 weeks.
- Pass the CSCS Health, Safety & Environment test for operatives, booked through CSCS.
- Apply to CSCS for the blue Skilled Worker card with your NVQ certificate.
Can I get a dry liner CSCS card without an NVQ?
Not the blue Skilled Worker card. It needs a recognised Level 2 qualification such as this NVQ. A green Labourer card does not show your trade.
My old card was issued without a qualification. Can I renew it?
Cards issued through Industry Accreditation, without a qualification, have expired and cannot be renewed. This NVQ is the way to hold a trade card again.
Your NVQ pathway
- Level 2 Skilled
- Level 3 Advanced
- Level 4 Supervisor
- Level 5 Senior Supervisor
- Level 6 Manager
Your current qualification is highlighted. Progress up the pathway as your career develops.
How the e-portfolio assessment works
- Enrol and be assigned a dedicated occupational assessor.
- Gather workplace evidence — photos, videos, witness statements — via our online portal.
- Complete a professional discussion and observations against the 610/4501/9 standards.
- Certification, then apply to CSCS for your card.
Boarder, fixer or finisher — which dry lining NVQ do you need?
If you work as a dry lining boarder or plasterboard boarder — fixing plasterboard to metal or timber framing — the Dry Lining Fixer pathway of this Level 2 Interior Systems NVQ is the one to choose. Fixers and boarders are assessed on site doing their normal work, and the qualification leads to the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card.
If your work is taping, jointing and finishing boarded walls ready for decoration, choose the Dry Lining Finisher / Tape & Joint NVQ instead. Ceiling fixers have their own pathway — see the Ceiling Fixer NVQ.
Entry requirements
You are already doing the work day to day, as an employee or self-employed. There are no entry qualifications and no exams — you are assessed on the job you already do.
To start Level 2 qualification you need:
- A relevant job to be assessed in. This is a competence qualification, so you must have access to real work of the right type while you are registered. No workplace, no evidence.
- Proof of identity — a passport, driving licence or similar, as the awarding body requires.
- A National Insurance number, so we can obtain your Unique Learner Number.
- Enough English to explain your work to your assessor and to talk through your evidence.
- A device with a camera — a phone is fine. Evidence is photos and short videos of your own work, uploaded to your e-portfolio.
You do not need: any prior qualification, any classroom attendance, or to sit an exam. Assessment is entirely in your workplace via a remote e-portfolio, nationwide.
Tell us about any support need, disability or learning difficulty when you enrol and we will arrange reasonable adjustments — it does not affect whether you can take the qualification.
The awarding body sets the final entry criteria for each qualification. If you are not sure whether your current role gives you the right evidence, ask us before you book — we would rather tell you honestly than register you for something you cannot complete.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Interior Systems (Dry Lining) NVQ take?
Most learners complete in 4–8 weeks, depending on how quickly workplace evidence is gathered.
Are there any exams?
No. This is a competence-based qualification assessed through workplace evidence, observation and professional discussion.
Is funding available?
CITB-registered employers can claim an achievement grant. See our funding guide for details.