NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating Course

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.

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

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:

1. Complete this NVQ in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations
2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (Operatives) Test  – within the last 2 years
3. 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 .