On-site

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• building studies
• construction
• civil engineering
• surveying

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

Once you have some construction experience, you could complete a college course to help you progress to site supervisor and inspector roles.

Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Construction Site Supervisory Studies
• Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision
• Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Construction Site Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

For more information

• search for courses|/find-a-course
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

• construction site supervisor higher apprenticeship
• construction site engineering technician higher apprenticeship
• construction site management degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could work as a site tradesperson, building technician or surveying assistant and move up to become a site inspector through on-the-job training.

Direct application

You could apply directly to work as a building site inspector. To do this, you'll need several years' construction experience. Qualifications in health and safety will also be useful.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate. They offer professional development and technical advice to people working in the building industry.

Further information

You'll find more advice on how to become a building site inspector from Go Construct.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could move into site management, building surveying, civil engineering or construction management.

You could also set up your own site inspection business and work as a consultant, or move into training.

You may need to become a member of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).