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Formwork Erector and Striker NVQ Level 2
Formwork Erector and Striker NVQ Level 2
Panel systems, table forms, column clamps — erected to the scheme, struck on time, cycled without damage. Prove your competence with a work-based NVQ assessed on your site, on the typical route to the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. 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, and leads to the Blue Skilled Worker card.
Qualification Overview
Modern RC frames run on proprietary formwork — engineered panels, soldiers and walings, table forms craned floor to floor. The erector/striker’s competence is the system’s: assembled to the supplier’s scheme, tied and propped exactly, struck when the concrete allows and never before, cycled clean for the next pour. This NVQ documents that competence from the frames you already build.
A CTG assessor visits your site, observes real erection and striking cycles, and gathers photos, witness statements and professional discussion. No exams, no classroom — assessor visits are included as standard.
You achieve the GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Formwork (Construction), qualification code 610/0109/1, through the Formwork Erector and Striker pathway — the typical qualification route to the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card.
Qualification Structure
Key information
| Full title | GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Formwork (Construction) |
| Qualification code | 610/0109/1 |
| Pathway | Formwork Erector / Striker |
| Level | 2 |
| Awarding body | GQA |
| Price | £750 — fixed, no VAT |
| Typical completion | 4–8 weeks |
| Assessment | On-site evidence — no exams, no classroom |
| Typical CSCS route | Blue Skilled Worker |
What the Erector/Striker pathway covers
The pathway covers erecting and striking proprietary formwork systems in the workplace. Fabrication-led timber shuttering is the separate Formwork Carpenter NVQ pathway, and complex systems including climbing and slip form sit at Level 3 — see the Advanced Formwork NVQ. We’ll register the pathway that matches your role.
Who this NVQ is for
Experienced formwork operatives on RC frame, core and civils packages. You should be working with minimal supervision in the formwork gang. Typical evidence: assembling panels and accessories to the supplier’s scheme, setting ties, props and access correctly, plumbing and lining walls and columns, pre-pour checks with the engineer, striking to the permitted times, and cleaning, oiling and cycling equipment.
Entry requirements
No formal entry qualifications. You must be erecting and striking formwork at work now, on jobs a CTG assessor can attend. New starters should build gang experience first — the NVQ assesses existing competence.
CSCS card route
This Level 2 NVQ is the typical qualification for the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, together with the relevant CITB Health, Safety & Environment test. CSCS issues the card, not CTG. See our CSCS cards guide.
Units — mandatory and optional
You achieve the GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Formwork (Construction), qualification code 610/0109/1. The unit structure below comes from the official GQA specification — your assessor maps your day-to-day work to these units at enrolment.
Mandatory units
- Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
- Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace
- Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace
Formwork Erector and Striker pathway units
- Erecting and striking timber and proprietary formwork in the workplace
- Maintaining timber and proprietary formwork systems in the workplace
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Formwork Erector and Striker NVQ take?
Typically 4–8 weeks — weekly pour cycles generate constant evidence.
Table forms craned between floors — is the crane part my evidence?
Your slinging and coordination during flying forms is strong evidence; the crane operator’s own qualification is separate. Slinger/signaller NVQs can run alongside if wanted.
I do some carpentry too — which pathway?
System-led work is this route; fabrication-led is the Carpenter pathway. Describe your role and we’ll register honestly.
Can the formwork gang enrol together?
Yes — erectors, carpenters and concreters each on the right qualification in one visit plan.
What candidates say about this qualification
“Excellent service, really professional. Recently completed my level 2 NVQ in formwork — completed efficiently, would highly recommend.”
Nigel Brownlow — Verified Google review ↗
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.
What card does this NVQ lead to?
Leads to the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card
On completion you can apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card, proving competence in your trade.
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 610/0109/1 standards.
- Certification, then apply to CSCS for your card.