NVQ Level 3 Painting and Decorating
NVQ Level 3 in Painting and Decorating is a competency-based qualification for operatives in the construction industry. When obtained, it shows that you have competency in your occupation as a painter and decorator. The level 3 course is not aimed at beginners, and is designed for candidates who are currently in work as a painter or decorator. Once you have obtained your NVQ Level 3 in Painting and Decorating candidates will be able to apply for their CSCS Gold Advanced Craft Card.
You will cover all the content needed to work as an experienced painter and decorator; the level 3 qualification could lead to employment or progression opportunities available to a higher qualified individual.
- Nationally recognised accredited qualification
- Gain your Gold Advanced Craft Card
- You can complete it in your own time
- Help you to gain employment and customers
- CITB Skills and Training Fund and Grant Claimable
- Lifetime qualification

NVQ Level 3 Painting and Decorating content
Once you have been registered.
You will be given an assessor who will work with you to build out a portfolio of evidence.
The assessor will also prepare a site induction.
The site induction can be conducted on-site or remotely and is used to outline how you will obtain all the required evidence.
The assessor will catch up with you through regular reviews.
The reviews are used to ensure that you remain on track with your qualification.
You will be assessed on-site through various methods.
Such as evidence generated from the workplace, professional discussion, witness testimonials, observations and written questions. You must show evidence in:
- Developing and maintaining good occupational working
relationships - Confirming work activities and resources for an
occupational work area - Applying paint systems by brush and roller
- Conforming to general health, safety and welfare
- Preparing surfaces for painting/decorating
- Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms
You will also select optional units to choose from; for more information on the optional units, please contact the team.
To pass the NVQ, you must produce the evidence needed for each unit of the qualification. Once you have provided all the evidence, the assessor will examine your folder and present any feedback. Once all feedback has been responded to, the portfolio will go to the IQA, who will decide if the qualification is complete.
How much does the NVQ Level 3 Painting & Decorating cost?
The cost of this qualification is £1000 +VAT.
How long is a Level 3 Painting and Decorating NVQ?
The duration of the qualification is reliant on your ability to gather all of the evidence needed. The sooner you complete each unit, the sooner you will qualify.
This is also beneficial if you have a busy schedule to work around. You can complete the course on your own time and arrange assessments around your workload.
Why should I take this NVQ?
Painters and Decorators who are looking to obtain their Gold Advanced Craft Card should attend this NVQ. The Gold CSCS Card is used to show that you are a highly skilled worker in the industry.
By having this card, you will be opening opportunities to work in skilled roles within your company or looking for work.
NVQ Level 3 Painting and Decorating entry requirements
The qualification will assess your capability in your current job role. Therefore, you must be 16 or over and be currently in employment as a Painter & Decorator.
If we find that you aren’t suitable for the qualification, we will find one that fits you better.
Where can I complete this NVQ?
You can complete our NVQs across the country. They are available to book over the phone or directly online.
You don’t need to lead your workplace to complete the qualification. Many of the units can be completed by you, and the rest can be assessed on-site by your assessor.
Is this NVQ accredited?
This NVQ can be either ProQual or GQA accredited.
GQA Qualification is an awarding body that specialises in NVQs for the construction industry. They understand the needs of their learners and improve their qualifications to suit them.
ProqQual offers a wide range of construction qualifications. They work with industry specialists to develop their NVQs and keep them relevant.
Further development
Once the NVQ has been completed, you will be able to apply for the Gold Advanced Craft Card. This card is used to show that you are skilled enough to conduct your role at a high level.
You will also receive a qualification certificate. The certificate is a lifelong qualification that does not need to be renewed or retaken.
Further development may also include improving health and safety knowledge. Painters and Decorators may benefit from attending Safe Use Of Ladders & Step Ladders, UKATA Asbestos Awareness and Face Fit Testing.
Is this NVQ CITB Grant claimable?
Yes, Both CITB Skills and Training Fund & Grants can be claimed by CITB registered companies for all NVQs (with the exception of Occupational Health & Safety).
Learn more about how much you can claim. You will need to make a manual claim retrospectively. Find out how to do this here: CITB Levy, Grants & Funding.
The CITB Skills and Training Fund is a pot of funding that micro, small and medium sized construction companies can use to improve the skills of the construction industry.
You can apply if:
- you are a CITB-registered employer
- you have 1-250 directly employed staff on the payroll
- any previous project paid for by the Skills and Training fund has been signed off as complete.
Find out more about the CITB Skills and Training Fund here.
Payment Plan
We offer interest-free payment plans on all NVQs.
Options include:
- 50/50: 50% payable upon booking, 50% payable upon completion.
- 4 equal payments, over the first 4 months.
Please speak to the NVQ Team when enquiring/booking to arrange this.