Proqual Level 7 Diploma in Construction Project Management

Introduction

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Construction Project Management provides a nationally recognised qualification for professionals seeking to enhance their

expertise in managing complex construction projects. This qualification is suitable for:

  • Experienced Professionals: Senior managers, project leaders, or engineers who are already working in construction and want to refine their project management skills.
  • Aspiring Leaders: Individuals aiming to take on advanced roles in construction project management or progress into strategic positions within the industry.
  • Career Switchers: Professionals from related fields, such as architecture or civil engineering, looking to transition into construction project management.
  • Entrepreneurs: Those managing construction-related businesses or intending to develop their own construction enterprises

This qualification has been designed to incorporate principles of best practice inn construction project management in including NOS, PRINCE2, PMBOK and Agile practices.

The aims of this qualification are:

  • To develop advanced management skills including in-depth knowledge of

project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure in construction projects.

  • To enable candidates to handle complex decision-making and strategic planning in construction project environments.
  • To provide a thorough understanding of construction methods, sustainability, risk management, and compliance with industry standards.
  • To provide opportunity for candidates to develop leadership,communication, and teamwork skills essential for managing multidisciplinary teams in construction projects.
  • To position candidates for advanced career opportunities or progression into postgraduate studies, such as MSc or MBA programs in construction or project management.

The awarding body for this qualification is ProQual AB. This qualification has been approved for delivery in England. The regulatory body for this qualification is Ofqual, and this qualification has been accredited onto the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF), and has been published in Ofqual’s Register of Qualifications.

Qualification Profile

Qualification Title:ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Construction Project Management
Qualification Number:610/5252/8
Level:7
Total Qualification Time (TQT):1200 Hours 120 Credits
Guided Learning Hours (GLH):600 Hours
    Assessment:Pass / Fail
Internally assessed and verified by centre staff
Externally verified by ProQual Verifiers
Qualification Start Date:27/01/2025
Qualification Review Date:27/01/2028

Learner Profile

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this qualification. Centres should carry out an initial assessment of candidate skills and knowledge to identify and gaps and inform the assessment plan.

Candidates must be aged 19 years or older on the day they are registered for this qualification. Centres are reminded that no assessment should take place before candidates are registered.

Candidates who successfully complete this qualification may be eligible to progress to MSc top-up programs in related disciplines.

Qualification Structure

This qualification consists of five mandatory units. Candidates must complete all mandatory units to complete this qualification.

Unit NumberUnit TitleLevelTQTGLH
Mandatory Units – Candidates must complete all units in this group.
A/651/4614Strategic Construction Project Management7200100
D/651/4615Leadership and Management in Construction7200100
F/651/4616Financial and Legal Frameworks in Construction7200100
H/651/4617Sustainable Practices and Environmental Management in Construction7300150
J/651/4618Advanced Construction Risk and Quality Management7300150

Certification

Candidates who achieve the requirements for this qualification will be awarded:

  • A certificate listing all units achieved, and
  • A certificate giving the full qualification title:

Level 7 Diploma in Construction Project Management

Claiming certificates

Centres may claim certificates for candidates who have been registered with ProQual and who have successfully achieved the qualification. All certificates will be issued to the centre for successful candidates.

Unit certificates

If a candidate does not achieve all of the units required for a qualification, the centre may claim a unit certificate for the candidate which will list all of the units achieved.

Replacement certificates

If a replacement certificate is required a request must be made to ProQual in writing. Replacement certificates are labelled as such and are only provided when the claim has been authenticated. Refer to the Fee Schedule for details of charges for replacement.

Assessment Requirements

Each candidate is required to produce a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.

Evidence can include:

  • Observation report by assessor
  • Assignments/projects/reports
  • Professional discussion
  • Witness testimony
  • Candidate product
  • Worksheets
  • Record of oral and written questioning
  • Recognition of Prior Learning

Candidates must demonstrate the level of competence described in the units.

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s skill, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.

Centre staff assessing this qualification must be occupationally competent and qualified to make assessment decisions. Assessors who are suitably qualified may hold a qualification such as, but not limited to:

  • ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Teaching, Training and Assessment.
  • ProQual Level 3 Award in Education and Training.
  • ProQual Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment.

(Suitable for assessment taking place in a working environment only.)

  • ProQual Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

(Suitable for assessment taking place in a simulated training environment only.)

Candidate portfolios must be internally verified by centre staff who are occupationally knowledgeable and qualified to make quality assurance decisions. Internal verifiers who are suitably qualified may hold a qualification such as:

  • ProQual Level 4 Award in the Internal QA of Assessment Processes and Practice.
  • ProQual Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal QA of Assessment Processes and Practice.

Occupationally competent means capable of carrying out the full requirements contained within a unit. Occupationally knowledgeablemeans possessing relevant knowledge and understanding.

Enquiries, Appeals and Adjustments

Adjustments to standard assessment arrangements are made on the individual needs of candidates. ProQual’s Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Special Consideration Policy sets out the steps to follow when implementing reasonable adjustments and special considerations and the service that ProQual provides for some of these arrangements.

Centres should contact ProQual for further information or queries about the contents of the policy.

All enquiries relating to assessment or other decisions should be dealt with by centres, with reference to ProQual’s Enquiries and Appeals Procedures.

Units – Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes: Understand the principles of strategic construction project management

Assessment Criteria

  1. Discuss the key principles and practices of strategic construction project management.
  2. Analyse the role of strategic planning in achieving project objectives.
  3. Analyse how external factors impact construction project strategy, including:
    • Economic factors.
    • Social factors.
    • Environmental influences.
    • Stakeholder engagement
  4. Compare various project management methodologies and their suitability for strategic applications.

Learning Outcomes: Understand how to Lead and manage construction project teams strategically

Assessment Criteria

  1. Analyse leadership styles suitable for managing construction project teams.
  2. Evaluate the role of communication and collaboration in team performance.
  3. Discuss the impact of organizational culture and ethics on team performance and project outcomes.

Learning Outcomes: Apply advanced risk management techniques in construction projects

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Evaluate advanced risk assessment tools and techniques applicable to construction projects.
  2. Identify potential risks in construction projects and assess their impact on project outcomes.
  3. Develop strategies to mitigate and manage risks effectively.
  4. Assess the implications of risk management on project sustainability and profitability.

Learning Outcomes: Develop strategic plans for construction projects

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Produce a comprehensive strategic plan for a construction project that includes objectives, timelines, and risk management.
  2. Evaluate resource allocation strategies in line with project goals.
  3. Assess the use of innovative technologies and digital tools in strategic construction planning.
  4. Examine the impact of misrepresentation and mistake on contract validity.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the financial management of strategic construction projects

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Discuss the principles of financial management within construction projects.
  2. Evaluate budgeting and cost-control techniques in relation to strategic objectives.
  3. Assess the impact of financial risks on project outcomes and propose mitigation strategies.
  4. Develop a financial performance review system for strategic construction projects.

Learning Outcomes: Ensure compliance with legal, environmental, and sustainability standards

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Identify key legal and regulatory requirements affecting construction projects.
  2. Assess the impact of environmental and sustainability standards on construction strategies.
  3. Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards.
  4. Evaluate the benefits of integrating sustainability into strategic construction projects.

Learning Outcomes: Understand how to monitor and evaluate the performance of construction projects.

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Develop performance metrics to measure the success of construction projects.
  2. Evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance and control systems in construction projects.
  3. Assess methods for continuous improvement in construction project management.
  4. Create a post-project evaluation framework to Analyse lessons learned.

Additional Assessment Information

This unit is knowledge based.This means that evidence is expected to take the form of candidate’s written work and/or records of appropriate professional discussions.

The following assessment criteria ask the candidate to apply their knowledge to “real word” scenarios:

  • Assessment criteria 3.2 and 3.3.
  • All of learning aim 4.
  • Assessment criteria 5.2 – 5.4.
  • Assessment criteria 6.2 – 6.4.
  • All of learning aim 7.

Where a candidate is asked to apply their knowledge, evidence could come from the candidate’s real working environment or could be generated through the use of case studies and centre devised simulated scenarios.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the principles of leadership and management in the construction industry

Assessment Criteria:

  1. Describe key leadership and management theories applicable to construction project management.
  2. Explain the role of effective leadership in achieving project goals and objectives.
  3. Evaluate different leadership styles and their impact on construction teams.
  4. Analyse the importance of ethical leadership in construction projects.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the role of strategic management in construction projects

 Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the concept of strategic management and its application in construction projects.
  2. Assess the role of risk management in strategic planning.
  3. Evaluate methods for aligning project objectives with organizational strategy.

Learning Outcomes: Analyse the management of resources in construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Identify key resources required for successful construction project delivery.
  2. Evaluate strategies for effective resource allocation and utilization.
  3. Assess the impact of resource shortages or surpluses on project outcomes.
  4. Recommend sustainable resource management practices for construction projects.

Learning Outcomes: Understand team management and communication in construction

 Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the importance of team dynamics and collaboration in construction projects.
  2. Analyse the role of communication in managing diverse project teams.
  3. Identify strategies for conflict resolution and problem-solving within teams.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate risk and decision-making in construction leadership

 Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the process of risk identification, assessment, and management in construction projects.
  2. Evaluate decision-making models applicable to construction leadership.
  3. Analyse the impact of leadership decisions on project success.
  4. Recommend strategies for effective risk-informed decision-making.

Learning Outcomes: Develop leadership skills for construction project management

 Assessment Criteria

  1. Evaluate personal leadership strengths and areas for improvement.
  2. Develop a professional development plan to enhance leadership competencies.
  3. Engage with training, employment or volunteer experiences in order to develop own personal leadership strengths.

Learning Outcomes: Explore the impact of digital and technological innovations on leadership in construction

 Assessment Criteria

  1. Evaluate the role of digital tools and technologies in improving project management.
  2. Discuss how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other innovations influence leadership and decision-making.
  3. Analyse the challenges and opportunities posed by digital transformation in construction.
  4. Recommend leadership strategies for integrating technological innovations in construction projects.

Additional Assessment Information

This unit is knowledge based. This means that evidence is expected to take the form of candidate’s written work and/or records of appropriate professional discussions.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the principles of financial management in construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the key concepts of financial management in the context of construction projects.
  2. Discuss the importance of budgeting and cost control in project management.
  3. Analyse the relationship between project financing and organizational financial goals.
  4. Identify financial risks and propose mitigation strategies for construction projects.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the financial performance of construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Apply financial analysis tools to evaluate the performance of construction projects.
  2. Discuss the role of cash flow management in maintaining project continuity
  3. Analyse cost overruns and recommend strategies for cost optimisation.
  4. Evaluate the impact of financial performance on project outcomes.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the legal frameworks governing construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the key legal concepts relevant to construction contracts and agreements.
  2. Identify statutory requirements and regulatory frameworks applicable to construction projects.
  3. Discuss the implications of construction-related legislation on project delivery
  4. Discuss the role of contract law in mitigating disputes and ensuring compliance.

Learning Outcomes: Assess the management of construction contracts

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the different types of construction contracts and their applications
  2. Analyse contract management processes, including tendering, negotiation, and execution.
  3. Evaluate dispute resolution methods within the context of construction contracts.
  4. Recommend strategies to manage contractual risks and enhance compliance.

Learning Outcomes: Explore the role of procurement in financial and legal frameworks

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the procurement lifecycle and its role in construction project management.
  2. Evaluate procurement strategies and their impact on project financial outcomes.
  3. Discuss the legal considerations in procurement processes for construction projects.
  4. Recommend sustainable and cost-effective procurement practices

Learning Outcomes: Analyse the integration of financial and legal strategies in project risk management

Assessment Criteria

  1. Identify financial and legal risks in construction projects and propose mitigation measures.
  2. Discuss the role of insurance and bonding in managing project risks.
  3. Analyse the interplay between financial and legal strategies in risk management.
  4. Develop a risk management plan that integrates financial and legal considerations.

Learning Outcomes: Investigate the impact of digital technologies on financial and legal management in construction

Assessment Criteria

  1. Evaluate the role of digital tools in financial management, such as cost tracking and forecasting systems.
  2. Discuss the use of digital platforms in legal compliance and contract management.
  3. Analyse the challenges and opportunities of using technology in financial and legal frameworks.
  4. Recommend strategies for integrating digital tools into financial and legal management practices.

Additional Assessment Information

This unit is knowledge based. This means that evidence is expected to take the form of candidate’s written work and/or records of appropriate professional discussions.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the principles of sustainability in the construction industry

Assessment Criteria

  1. Define sustainability and its significance in the construction sector.
  2. Explain the significance of sustainability in the construction sector.
  3. Explain the three pillars of sustainability (economic, environmental, and social) and their integration into construction projects
  4. Assess global trends and standards in sustainable construction practices.
  5. Evaluate the impact of sustainability initiatives on the construction industry.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate the environmental impacts of construction activities

Assessment Criteria

  1. Identify the environmental challenges associated with construction projects.
  2. Analyse the effects of construction activities on natural ecosystems, including air, water, and soil.
  3. Evaluate strategies to minimize the carbon footprint of construction projects.
  4. Develop a plan to assess and mitigate environmental impacts during project execution.

Learning Outcomes: Analyse the role of environmental management systems (EMS) in construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the components and objectives of an environmental management system.
  2. Evaluate the relevance of ISO 14001 and other international EMS standards to the construction industry.
  3. Assess the benefits and challenges of implementing an EMS in construction projects.
  4. Develop an EMS framework tailored for a construction project.

Learning Outcomes: Explore the role of renewable energy and sustainable materials in construction

Assessment Criteria

  1. Identify renewable energy sources applicable to construction projects and operations.
  2. Assess the benefits and limitations of using sustainable materials in construction.
  3. Recommend energy-efficient technologies and materials for specific construction scenarios.
  4. Analyse case studies of projects utilizing renewable energy and sustainable materials.

Learning Outcomes: Assess the role of waste management in sustainable construction

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the principles of the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle) in construction.
  2. Evaluate waste management practices and policies in the construction industry.
  3. Propose strategies to minimize construction waste and maximize material recovery.
  4. Develop a waste management plan for a construction project.

Learning Outcomes: Examine the integration of sustainability into construction project management

Assessment Criteria

  1. Identify the key stages in the project lifecycle where sustainability can be incorporated.
  2. Analyse the role of leadership in promoting sustainability within construction teams.
  3. Evaluate tools and frameworks for integrating sustainability into project planning and execution.
  4. Propose a sustainability strategy for a construction project that aligns with organizational goals.

Learning Outcomes: Investigate the use of digital technologies in promoting sustainability in construction

Assessment Criteria

  1. Discuss the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in achieving sustainable outcomes.
  2. Evaluate the potential of digital tools to monitor and report on environmental performance.
  3. Analyse challenges and opportunities in using technology for sustainable construction practices.
  4. Recommend innovative digital solutions to enhance sustainability in construction projects.

Additional Assessment Information

This unit is knowledge based. This means that evidence is expected to take the form of candidate’s written work and/or records of appropriate professional discussions.

The following assessment criteria ask the candidate to apply their knowledge to “real word” scenarios:

  • Assessment criteria 2.4.
  • Assessment criteria 3.4
  • Assessment criteria 4.3 and 4.4.
  • Assessment criteria 5.4.
  • Assessment criteria 6.4.

Where a candidate is asked to apply their knowledge, evidence could come from the candidate’s real working environment or could be generated through the use of case studies and centre devised simulated scenarios

Learning Outcomes: Understand the principles of risk management in construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Define risk management.
  2. Explain the importance of risk management in the construction sector.
  3. Identify types of risks commonly encountered in construction projects, including:
    • Financial.
    • Operational.
    • Environmental.
  4. Evaluate risk management frameworks and standards.
  5. Analyse the role of stakeholders in identifying and managing risks.

Learning Outcomes: Develop risk assessment and mitigation strategies for construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Conduct a detailed risk assessment using appropriate tools and techniques
  2. Evaluate risk prioritization methods, such as likelihood-impact matrices or Monte Carlo simulations.
  3. Propose risk mitigation strategies tailored to specific construction scenarios.
  4. Develop a risk management plan for a construction project.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the principles of quality management in construction projects

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the concept of quality management and its significance in the construction industry.
  2. Evaluate key quality management frameworks, such as ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management (TQM).
  3. Discuss the role of quality assurance and quality control in construction projects.
  4. Analyse the impact of quality management on project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.
  5. Evaluate the relationship between the EU and its member states.

Learning Outcomes: Evaluate tools and techniques for effective quality management

Assessment Criteria

  1. Identify tools for monitoring and maintaining quality standards in construction projects.
  2. Discuss the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in quality management
  3. Analyse case studies demonstrating the successful application of quality management tools.
  4. Propose a quality improvement plan for a construction project.

Learning Outcomes: Integrate risk and quality management processes in construction project management

Assessment Criteria

  1. Explain the interrelationship between risk management and quality management in construction.
  2. Analyse how integrated risk and quality management contributes to project success.
  3. Evaluate tools for combining risk and quality management processes.
  4. Develop an integrated risk and quality management framework for a construction project

Learning Outcomes: Examine the role of technology in risk and quality management in construction

Assessment Criteria

  1. Evaluate digital tools and software for managing risks and quality in construction,
  2. Analyse the potential of real-time monitoring and reporting systems in improving risk and quality management.
  3. Assess the challenges of implementing technology-driven solutions for risk and quality management.
  4. Propose innovative technological solutions to enhance risk and quality management practices.

Learning Outcomes: Assess the role of leadership and organisational culture in risk and quality management

Assessment Criteria

  1. Evaluate the role of leadership in fostering a risk- aware and quality-focused culture.
  2. Analyse how organizational culture influences risk and quality management practices.
  3. Propose strategies to improve communication and collaboration in risk and quality management.
  4. Recommend leadership approaches to promote continuous improvement in construction projects.

Additional Assessment Information

This unit is knowledge based. This means that evidence is expected to take the form of candidate’s written work and/or records of appropriate professional discussions.

The following assessment criteria ask the candidate to apply their knowledge to “real word” scenarios:

  • Assessment criteria 2.3 and 2.4.
  • Assessment criteria 4.4
  • Assessment criteria 5.4.

Where a candidate is asked to apply their knowledge, evidence could come from the candidate’s real working environment or could be generated through the use of case studies and centre devised simulated scenarios

Appendix One – Command Verb Definitions

The table below explains what is expected from each command verb used in an assessment objective. Not all verbs are used in this specification

ApplyUse existing knowledge or skills in a new or different context.
  AnalyseBreak a larger subject into smaller parts, examine them in detail and show how these parts are related to each other. This may be supported by reference to current research or theories.
ClassifyOrganise information according to specific criteria.
CompareExamine subjects in detail, giving the similarities and differences.
Critically CompareAs with compare but extended to include pros and cons of the subject. There may or may not be a conclusion or recommendation as appropriate.
DescribeProvide detailed, information about a subject.
DiscussGive a detailed account of a subject, including a range of contrasting views and opinions.
ExplainAs with describe but extended to include causation and reasoning.
IdentifySelect or ascertain appropriate information and details from a broader range of information or data.
InterpretUse information or data to clarify or explain something.
ProduceMake or create something.
StateGive short, factual information about something.
SpecifyState a fact or requirement clearly and in precise detail.