Rated Excellent
on major review sites
NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating Course
Complete your NVQ in Painting and Decorating in just 3 weeks and get your CSCS Blue Painter Card — fully online, low-cost, and assessor-supported.
1Course provider
4.8(840 ratings)
Rated Excellent
on major review sites
Course Features
Learning Options
What is the NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating?
The NVQ Level 2 in Painting and Decorating is a nationally recognised, work-based qualification for painters and decorators who are already working on-site. It’s designed to assess your day-to-day skills through practical evidence — no classroom sessions or exams required.
Whether you're employed or self-employed, this flexible NVQ helps you take the next step in your decorating career while continuing to work.
🖌️ Get Your CSCS Painter Card
Once completed, this painting and decorating qualification proves your competence to industry standards and qualifies you to apply for the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card.Who Should Take the Painting and Decorating Level 2 NVQ?
This NVQ is designed for painters and decorators who already know their trade — you won’t be sitting in a classroom or learning how to paint from scratch.
If you're applying coatings, preparing surfaces, or hanging wallpaper day-to-day, this qualification proves your competence to employers and clients alike.
It’s especially useful if you need a Painting and Decorating CSCS Card to work on site, or if you're aiming to move into more secure, better-paid jobs in the construction industry.
What’s Covered in the Level 2 Painting and Decorating?
This NVQ is split into three different pathways - Painter, Industrial Painter, and Heritage Painter. You’ll choose the one that best matches your job role and day-to-day responsibilities.
Whichever pathway you take, you’ll cover the core decorating skills needed to meet industry standards. These core units apply to all learners, regardless of which route you follow.
Covered in all pathways:
- ✓ Preparing and protecting surfaces for decorating
- ✓ Applying paints and coatings using brushes and rollers
- ✓ Working safely on-site and following health and safety procedures
- ✓ Using access equipment like ladders and scaffold towers
- ✓ Handling, storing, and moving materials correctly
- ✓ Maintaining a clean and organised work area
- ✓ Working effectively with others and contributing to team productivity
After these core units, you’ll complete additional units specific to your chosen pathway, whether that’s:
- Industrial techniques like spray painting or abrasive blasting
- Conservation work for heritage buildings
- Or domestic and commercial decorating through the general painter route
🛠️ Note: Your assessor will guide you in selecting the right pathway based on your day-to-day role.
How Do I Complete this NVQ?
This NVQ is assessed entirely on-site through real work. You’ll complete the qualification by building a portfolio of evidence based on the tasks you already carry out as a painter and decorator.
Once you enrol, your assessor will arrange an induction to:
- Set up your access to our online Learning Management System (LMS)
- Show you how to upload evidence and track your progress
- Explain each stage of the portfolio process
You’ll complete the NVQ at your own pace, with one-to-one support from your assessor through regular check-ins, personalised feedback, and ongoing guidance.
How Long Will it Take Me to Finish this NVQ?
There’s no fixed schedule - the pace depends entirely on how quickly you can gather and upload your on-site decorating evidence. Since the NVQ is based on the work you already do, you can fit it around your existing job with no disruption.
You’ll provide simple written answers, site documents, and photo or video proof of painting tasks you’ve completed. Your assessor will guide you through the process step by step, so it never feels overwhelming.
While you’ll have up to 12 months to finish, most learners complete their NVQ in just 3 to 4 weeks, especially if they’re actively working on-site and stay in regular contact with their assessor.
How is the Painting and Decorating Level 2 Qualification Assessed?
This Painting and Decorating NVQ is assessed entirely through the tasks you carry out on-site. To complete it, you’ll build a portfolio of real-world evidence that demonstrates your day-to-day skills - no classroom work or exams required.
You’ll be asked to:
- Answer a few brief questions to show your knowledge of decorating processes
- Upload photos or videos of you carrying out painting tasks, such as surface prep or applying finishes
- Provide site documentation like method statements, job briefs, or material usage logs
- Submit a short witness testimony from a supervisor or colleague who’s seen your work
Don’t be. You’ll get one-to-one support from your assessor every step of the way. They'll help you build your portfolio as you go, making sure you stay on track. We’ve supported thousands of learners complete this NVQ — with a 100% pass rate.
Are there Any Entry Requirements for this Qualification?
To enrol on the NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating, you must already be working in a relevant role on-site. This qualification is designed for decorators who are actively involved in surface preparation, painting, or finishing tasks.
You’ll need consistent access to real work activities so you can gather practical evidence, such as applying coatings, using ladders or access equipment, and following health and safety procedures.
What Will I Receive After Passing this NVQ?
Once you’ve successfully completed the qualification, you’ll be awarded the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations - a nationally recognised qualification that’s valid for life.
You’ll also become eligible to apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card, which proves your competency as a professional painter or decorator and is widely required across UK construction sites.
How Can I Progress After Completing this Painter and Decorator Qualification?
After completing your NVQ Level 2 in Painting and Decorating, you can progress to the Level 3 NVQ in Painting and Decorating.
This advanced qualification is ideal for experienced decorators who are taking on more responsibility, such as supervising others, managing quality standards, or leading decorating projects.
It’s also the recognised route to apply for the CSCS Gold Skilled Worker Card, which reflects a higher level of trade competence and can open up new career opportunities.
What Are the Benefits of Completing the NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating?
Earning this qualification offers a range of professional advantages if you're working in the decorating trade:
- ✓ CSCS Painter Card Eligibility – Apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card once you complete the NVQ.
- ✓ Access to Higher Pay – Many sites and agencies prefer or require NVQ-qualified workers for better-paid roles.
- ✓ Increased Job Security – A formal qualification helps you win more contracts and gain longer-term work.
- ✓ Recognised Trade Status – Proves your competence in painting, decorating, and surface finishing to employers and clients.
- ✓ Nationally Accredited Qualification – Trusted across the UK construction industry and valid for life.
- ✓ Health & Safety Confidence – Reinforces best practices for safe working on-site, in line with UK regulations.
- ✓ Work-Based Assessment – No exams or classroom time — get qualified by proving the skills you already use on-site.
Can I Complete the NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating Course Online?
Yes — this qualification is fully flexible and completed remotely. You’ll upload real-world site evidence through our online learner platform, with no classroom sessions or written exams. Everything is based on your day-to-day decorating work.
How Much Does the NVQ Level 2 in Painting and Decorating Cost?
The full cost of the qualification is £699.99, which includes:
- One-to-one assessor support
- Induction and progress check-ins
- Access to our online learner platform
- Final review and certification
💡 There are no hidden fees, and we offer interest-free instalment options to help you spread the cost if needed.
What Job Roles Can I Apply for with this Painting and Decorating Course?
Completing this NVQ can open the door to a range of skilled painting and decorating roles, including:
- ✓ Painter and Decorator
- ✓ Site Finisher
- ✓ Maintenance Decorator
- ✓ Spray Painter (industrial pathway)
- ✓ Heritage Decorator (heritage pathway)
This qualification proves your professional competence on-site and helps you stand out when applying for better-paying and more secure work.
How Much Can I Earn with this NVQ in Painting and Decorating?
Skilled painters and decorators holding the NVQ Level 2 and a CSCS Blue Card typically earn between £28,000 and £38,000 per year, depending on experience, region, and whether you work in domestic, commercial, or industrial settings. Heritage and industrial decorators can earn more in specialist roles.
How to Apply for Your Blue Painting and Decorating CSCS Card
To apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card (Painter Route), you’ll need to:
- Complete this NVQ in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (Operatives) Test – within the last 2 years
- Apply via the CSCS website – submitting proof of both the NVQ and your HS&E test result
📌 The CSCS Blue Card is valid for five years. For full guidance, read our blog on What is a Blue CSCS Card and How to Get It .
Hear from our past customers
What you will learn
- Preparing surfaces for painting and decorating
- Applying paints and finishes with brushes and rollers
- Using ladders, towers, and access equipment safely
- Handling and storing materials on-site
- Following site safety rules and procedures
- Working efficiently as part of a decorating team
- Gathering workplace evidence to prove your skills
Course content
In this unit, you will learn how to prioritise your health, safety, and overall well-being in the workplace. You will explore the importance of adhering to general health and safety guidelines, identifying potential hazards, and taking necessary precautions to maintain a safe working environment.
In this unit, you will discover strategies and techniques for maximising your productivity in the workplace. You will learn how to manage your time efficiently, set realistic goals, and prioritise tasks effectively.
This unit focuses on developing the skills required to safely and efficiently move, handle, and store resources in a workplace setting. You will learn proper lifting techniques, appropriate use of equipment, and effective storage methods.
You will learn about different types of platforms, safety regulations, and the correct procedures for assembly and disassembly.
This unit focuses on the essential techniques for preparing surfaces before painting or decorating. You will learn how to assess and clean various surfaces, repair any damages, and apply appropriate primers.
In this unit, you will explore the art of applying surface coatings using brushes and rollers. You will learn different application techniques, appropriate paint mixing ratios, and how to achieve desired finishes.
* An assessor will work with you to help you select a pathway suitable to your role.
Pathway 1 – Painter
(Complete the mandatory units listed above)
Pathway 2 - Industrial Painter
(In addition to the listed mandatory units, this pathway requires you to enrol on one optional unit)
- Operating equipment in support of the paint sprayer in the workplace [OPTIONAL UNIT]
- Operating equipment in support of the abrasive blast cleaner in the workplace [OPTIONAL UNIT]
- Applying coatings by the airless spray method in the workplace [OPTIONAL UNIT]
- Preparing surfaces by abrasive blast cleaning in the workplace [OPTIONAL UNIT]
Pathway 3 - Heritage Painter
(If your aim is to continue down the Heritage Painter pathway, there is an additional mandatory unit that you must complete, in addition to the six other compulsory units)
- Preparing and painting surfaces on conservation or restoration projects in the workplace [MANDATORY UNIT]
Brilliant nvq course my assessor was Kehinde, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for better support. Everything was explained clearly and I felt supported every step.
John helped me through every stage of the NVQ. Really friendly and always quick to respond to any queries I had. Would definitely recommend this course to others.
The nvq was easier than I expected thanks to Kehinde’s guidance. He made sure I was on track and always gave constructive feedback. Great experience all round.
I wasnt sure what to expect, but Kehinde was brilliant. He gave me the confidence to complete my NVQ and made the whole process stress free.
Got my nvq really quickly with hurak. My teacher was humza who was really helpful in helping me complete my nvq in just 4 weeks. Going to do my level 4 with them soon too.
A very helpful Staff and environment to achieve your goal. They are very helpful in any needs to make you comfortable and confident. Was a pleasure.
No Booking fee
We provide our services without any additional charges.
Approved providers only
All courses on our platform undergo thorough manual screening to ensure the utmost quality.
Buying for your team?
Purchases courses for team, family or colleagues. Add a course, and provide student details at checkout.
Pay by invoice
Choose “Business Customer” at checkout for access to this payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
This NVQ is assessed entirely through the work you already do on-site. You’ll build a portfolio by uploading site evidence to our online platform, answering short knowledge-based questions, and receiving guidance from your assessor throughout the process.
You’ll need to submit real on-site evidence of your painting and decorating work. This might include photos or videos of surface preparation, applying coatings, or using access equipment — as well as site documents like risk assessments or job specs. A short witness statement from a colleague or supervisor may also be included.
No - this is a fully work-based qualification. There are no classroom sessions, lectures, or written exams. Everything is done on-site through practical evidence and simple online submissions.
Most learners complete the NVQ in around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly they gather and submit their evidence. You’ll have up to 12 months to complete it at your own pace, and your assessor will help keep you on track.
It’s very unlikely. As long as you’re actively working as a painter and decorator and can provide the required evidence, your assessor will help you meet the criteria for each unit. The NVQ is designed to validate the skills you already use.
Once your assessor confirms that your portfolio meets the required standard, it will be internally verified. After that, you’ll be awarded the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations, and can apply for your CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card.
Yes - once you’re registered for the NVQ, you can apply for a Red CSCS Experienced Worker Card or Trainee Card, depending on your role. This allows you to keep working on-site while completing your qualification.
Once your assessor confirms that your portfolio meets the required standard, it will be internally verified. If everything is in order, you'll be awarded the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Stonemasonry (Construction) and can apply for your Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card.
Yes - this NVQ is CITB-approved and eligible for grant funding. To claim the grant, your employer must be registered with CITB and meet the criteria. Please check directly with CITB for the most up-to-date guidance.
If you're searching for painting and decorating courses near you, this NVQ is a flexible alternative to traditional in-person training. Instead of attending classes at a local centre, you’ll complete the Level 2 NVQ in Painting and Decorating through on-site work — wherever you're already employed.
All evidence is submitted online, and your assessor will guide you remotely. That means you can get qualified from any location in the UK, without needing to travel or take time off work.