Level 3 Diploma in Project Controls Practice and Techniques (RQF)

The objective of this vocational competence qualification is to provide recognition that a candidate has demonstrated the required level of technical competence to work in project controls on projects in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, utilities, transport and defence.
Successful completion of the qualification pathway will lead to the candidate being awarded an ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Project Controls Practice and Techniques (RQF).

The qualification is based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) and has been designed following consultation with industry employers and stakeholders on a qualifications’ strategy which allows for a wider use of off the job assessment and to further sector needs to improve transferability of skills across the different sectors that comprise the industry.

The detail and scope of the assessment criteria within this qualification has been developed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Standards Setting Organisation in conjunction with employers, trainers, and assessors through workshops and consultations.

This qualification consists of 12 mandatory units (listed below) and candidates must successfully meet the requirements of all 12 units in order to attain this qualification.

The total qualification time (TQT) and guided learning for these qualifications is in the table below, the total TQT is 1,850 hours. The amount of time taken to achieve this Level 3 Diploma is typically 36 months.

• Project controls fundamentals and related safety, ethics, environmental sustainability and governance.
• Effective communication and behaviour
• Risk and opportunity management
• Commercial awareness and procurement activities
• Scope interpretation including project controls planning
• Work and cost breakdown and coding structures
• Scheduling practice and techniques
• Estimating practice and techniques
• Developing the initial budget and baseline
• Optimisation practice and techniques
• Track progress: data flows, IT systems and managing detailed controls data
• Analyse data and forecast out-turns.

There are no mandatory entry requirements. However, due to the level and complexity of the subject, it is recommended that candidates should have attained GCSE grade “C/5” or above or RQF functional skills level 2 or above in English (Language) and Mathematics or are able to demonstrate evidence of other suitable attainment or experience.

A candidate’s individual circumstances will determine if this qualification is appropriate and 20/20 will work with the prospective candidate and, where appropriate, the employer to determine suitability for the qualification.

Assessment is through a combination of ECITB AO online knowledge tests; skills assessment reports (SARs) (researched assignments and reports which provide evidence of skills based either on ‘live’ workplace or simulated workplace/case study projects and experience); mandatory observation and; recorded technical discussions and/or presentations. All assessment is carried out by assessors approved by the AO.

Successful completion of this qualification and additional work experience can lead to careers as: a project controller; an estimator; a planner, a scheduler; a cost engineer; a quantity surveyor; or a risk analyst – these may eventually lead to a career as a project controls manager/director or a career in project, programme or portfolio management