CITBs role

CITB, the Standards Setting Body for the construction industry, develops and maintains the standards and frameworks through direct engagement and consultation with industry practitioners and stakeholders to meet real workplace needs.

Standards and frameworks are regularly reviewed and updated so that they stay up to date.

What are standards and frameworks?

Standards set the level of competence expected for the broad range of construction functions. Frameworks are a collection of standards with a specific purpose or aim and may include other related elements.

Why are standards important?

• Employers can be confident that training based on the standards aligns to an agreed benchmark for good practice, skills and knowledge across their industry.

• The standards enable workers to identify, gain and maintain the right skills and knowledge to support their career, and to be better prepared for future changes in the sector.

• Other stakeholders can use the standards in a variety of ways, from recruitment to training development.

Types of standards and frameworks

Competence Frameworks

Competence Frameworks will set out the core competence criteria for occupations across the Built Environment.

Learn more about Competence Frameworks

Short Duration Training Standards

Short Duration Training Standards are used to underpin Competence Frameworks, for revalidation and Continued Professional Development (CPD). They cover occupational areas as well as a broad range of Health and Safety topics.

Search for Short Duration Training Standards

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

National Occupational Standards (NOS) outline key performance and knowledge criteria for specific functions and are grouped by occupation. They can provide the building blocks for qualifications.

Learn more about National Occupational Standards

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

As a Standards Setting Body, CITB develop and maintain nationally recognised qualifications based on the NOS. These are then deployed by Awarding Organisations across the UK.

Find out more about CITB's work on structures for NVQs and SVQs

How are standards and frameworks developed?

CITB’s Standards Team support the development and review of standards and frameworks.

We use the following process:

1. Initial research

2. Forming a working group

3. Drafting a standard or framework for working group members to review

4. Facilitating consultations

5. Gathering and incorporating feedback

6. Updating standard and framework documentation

7. Publishing new and updated standards and frameworks