Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) Civil

1. Strategic Civil Quality Management : Examines quality management principles, construction quality objectives, leadership responsibilities, quality policies, performance indicators and the alignment of QA/QC systems with civil engineering project goals.

2. Project Quality Planning and Control : Covers project quality plans, inspection and test plans, method statements, document control, acceptance criteria, inspection records and coordination of quality requirements throughout construction activities.

3. Civil Materials Testing and Quality : Develops knowledge of concrete, cement, aggregates, soil, asphalt and construction steel, including material sampling, laboratory testing, acceptance criteria, test interpretation and material conformity.

4. Structural and Concrete Quality Control : Examines reinforcement inspection, formwork, concrete placement, compaction, curing, structural workmanship, defect identification and verification against approved drawings and project specifications.

5. Civil Construction Inspection : Covers earthworks, foundations, drainage, roadworks, masonry and structural construction, including inspection procedures, workmanship verification, site inspections and compliance documentation.

6. Testing, Measurement and Quality Auditing : Develops skills in inspection methods, measurement systems, calibration, test reporting, quality audits, audit evidence, compliance reviews and verification of construction quality records.

7. Non-Conformance and Corrective Action : Examines non-conformance reports, defect classification, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action, reinspection, closure verification and lessons learned from construction quality failures.

8. Supplier Quality and Compliance Management : Covers supplier evaluation, material approvals, subcontractor quality, procurement controls, traceability, compliance obligations and the verification of materials and services against project requirements.

9. Risk-Based QA/QC and Continuous Improvement : Examines construction quality risks, risk-based inspection, failure prevention, quality performance analysis, process improvement, digital inspection tools and strategies for reducing recurring defects.

10. Advanced Civil QA/QC Management Project : Requires learners to analyse a complex civil construction quality challenge and develop an evidence-based improvement plan covering quality planning, inspections, testing, risk controls, corrective actions and performance evaluation.

• Develops advanced civil construction quality management knowledge.

• Strengthens quality planning, inspection and testing capabilities.

• Improves understanding of concrete, soil, steel and other construction materials.

• Develops skills in auditing, non-conformance management and corrective action.

• Strengthens risk assessment and continuous improvement practices.

• Improves supplier and subcontractor quality management.

• Supports evidence-based technical reporting and decision-making.

• Develops strategic leadership capabilities for complex construction projects.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Civil engineers seeking advanced quality management expertise.

• QA/QC engineers and quality control inspectors.

• Construction quality managers and site quality supervisors.

• Project managers responsible for construction quality.

• Materials testing and inspection professionals.

• Construction consultants and quality assurance specialists.

• Experienced construction professionals progressing into senior quality leade

Assessment Format: Written assignments, technical case studies, quality reports and an applied civil QA/QC management project.

Total Questions: 60 questions in the proposed knowledge assessment, supplemented by assignments and the final project.

Passing Score: Minimum 60% in the knowledge assessment, with all mandatory assignments and project requirements successfully completed.

Duration: 120 minutes for the principal knowledge assessment. Assignments and the project are completed separately.

Certification: Successful learners may be awarded the HiQual UK Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) Civil, subject to formal programme approval and applicable certification procedures.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners may progress to:

• Further advanced study in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Quality Management.

• Specialist development in construction auditing, materials testing, structural inspection and quality systems.

• Professional development in quality leadership, construction risk management and continuous improvement.

• Career opportunities as a Senior QA/QC Engineer, Civil Quality Manager, Construction Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Consultant or Project Quality Lead, subject to experience and employer requirements.

• Continuing professional development supporting progression into senior engineering and construction management responsibilities.