Yes. This is a competence-based NVQ assessed through workplace evidence.

Do I need to be employed?

You need a suitable workplace role (employed or otherwise) where you can generate the required evidence.

Construction Trades and Building Envelope

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction)

Confirms advanced workplace competence in roof slating, roof tiling or combined pitched-roof installation.

Overview

The Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction) is a work-based competence qualification for experienced pitched-roof operatives. It confirms that a learner can plan and organise roofing activities, select appropriate resources and complete advanced slating or tiling work safely and to the required specification.

The qualification serves the roof slating and tiling sector of the construction industry. Its practical scope includes preparing roofing backgrounds, installing underlay and battens, fitting weathering components, stripping and reclaiming roof coverings and completing complex slate or tile details. Depending on the selected pathway, learners may work with natural slate, artificial slate, single-lap tiles, plain tiles or a combination of these materials.

Level 3 work extends beyond routine installation. Learners must deal with non-standard or technically demanding features such as mitred hips and valleys, vertical surfaces, diminishing margins, curved or swept roof details and work involving new or reclaimed materials. They are also expected to contribute to work planning, resource decisions, quality control and coordination with other occupations.

This is a competence qualification rather than a classroom-only roofing course. Occupational performance must be demonstrated through genuine roofing work on live projects. It gives employers structured evidence that the worker can apply technical knowledge consistently under real site conditions, including work at height, changing weather, programme pressures and interaction with other trades.

Multiple approved versions of the qualification are available. Current structures share the same principal occupational pathways and competence outcomes, although unit wording, material endorsements and the availability of additional units can differ. Earlier QCF versions have been withdrawn and should not be used to determine the structure of a current registration.

Who It’s For

This qualification is primarily intended for experienced roof slaters and roof tilers who already perform advanced pitched-roof work and need their occupational competence formally assessed. It is not designed as a substitute for the supervised development needed by someone who has never carried out roofing work.

It is suitable for people working as:

Experienced roof slaters
Experienced roof tilers
Combined roof slaters and tilers
Pitched-roof operatives undertaking complex or non-standard work
Self-employed roofing specialists and bona fide roofing subcontractors
Roofing operatives taking responsibility for planning, resources or quality checks within their own work area

Learners normally work on new-build, refurbishment or re-roofing projects. Suitable environments may include domestic housing, commercial buildings, traditional properties and other pitched-roof structures where the selected pathway’s advanced details can be completed.

A learner must have access to genuine occupational opportunities involving the required roof coverings, details, materials, tools, access systems and working information. Employment, self-employment or a legitimate subcontracting arrangement is therefore normally necessary. The assessment provider must confirm that the learner’s work will generate sufficient evidence for every mandatory unit and any required material endorsement.

Pathways and Specialisms

The qualification is structured around the roofing materials and advanced details that form part of the learner’s normal occupation. Current approved versions commonly provide three pathways, although an individual assessment provider may not offer every route.

Some versions also record endorsements for selected units involving new or reclaimed materials. The required endorsement should be agreed before assessment begins so that the learner is observed using the appropriate materials.

Roof Slater

This pathway is for operatives whose advanced work is principally based on natural and artificial roof slate. It includes routine roof preparation and weathering work as well as technically demanding natural-slating activities.

Distinctive work includes:

Installing double-lap artificial roof slates
Grading, sizing, holing and fixing natural slate
Forming mitred hips and valleys
Slating vertical surfaces and associated junctions
Installing random natural slates with diminishing margins
Working with new or reclaimed natural slates where required

Roof Slater and Tiler

This combined pathway is for operatives who regularly install both slate and tile roof coverings. It includes the advanced natural-slating requirements of the Roof Slater route together with single-lap and plain-tile installation.

The learner must have genuine access to a sufficiently broad range of both slating and tiling work. Occasional or minor contact with one material is unlikely to provide adequate evidence for the combined route.

Roof Tiler

This pathway is for experienced operatives who specialise in single-lap and double-lap roof tiles. It covers standard installation foundations together with complex tile formations.

Distinctive work includes:

Installing single-lap tiles to a fixed gauge
Forming mitred hips and valleys
Tiling appropriate vertical surfaces
Installing double-lap tiles to curved and swept details
Completing features such as eyebrow dormers, swept or laced valleys and curved roof areas where required
Using new or reclaimed materials in accordance with the applicable endorsement

Workplace Requirements

The qualification requires sustained access to real pitched-roofing operations. The learner must be able to produce authentic evidence from work that reflects the selected pathway, including its advanced and non-routine details.

Suitable workplace opportunities will normally need to include:

Live new-roof, re-roofing or refurbishment projects
Safe access systems, working platforms and collective fall protection
Underlay, battens, counter-battens and relevant roof components
Natural slate, artificial slate, single-lap tiles or plain tiles appropriate to the pathway
Pre-formed lead or proprietary weathering products
Hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment and ancillary roofing equipment
Drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments and manufacturers’ instructions
Opportunities to inspect roof interfaces and report unsuitable substructures or resources
Work at eaves, verges, ridges, hips, valleys, abutments, openings and penetrations
Advanced details such as mitred, vertical, diminishing-margin, curved or swept work
Opportunities to coordinate with supervisors, customers, scaffolders and other construction occupations
Arrangements for sorting, reclaiming, storing and legally disposing of removed materials

The learner must perform work under appropriate health and safety arrangements. Being registered for the qualification does not authorise someone to erect access equipment, handle hazardous materials or undertake specialist leadwork beyond their competence and workplace authority.

Learning Outcomes

A successful learner can:

Interpret roofing drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments and manufacturers’ information.
Confirm the roofing activities required and plan an effective sequence of work.
Assess labour, materials, components, tools, equipment and time requirements.
Review how weather, access, other occupations and resource availability may affect the programme.
Establish a suitable method of work that meets contractual, statutory and organisational requirements.
Apply controls for work at height, manual handling, material cutting, dust, equipment use and site emergencies.
Inspect the roof substructure and interfaces before installation and report defects outside their authority.
Calculate quantities, lengths, areas, laps, gauges and anticipated material wastage.
Install underlay, battens, counter-battens and associated roofing components to the required layout.
Fit pre-formed weathering flashings at roof junctions, penetrations and openings.
Strip existing coverings, recover reusable materials and prepare the roof for renewed work.
Install advanced slate or tile coverings appropriate to the selected pathway.
Form technically demanding roof details while maintaining the necessary laps, gauges, fixing patterns and weather resistance.
Use and maintain roofing hand tools, power tools and ancillary equipment.
Protect completed work and surrounding property from damage and adverse weather.
Check completed roofing against working instructions and report faults or non-conformities.
Communicate progress, changes, safety issues and coordination requirements to relevant people.
Complete work within the planned programme while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards.

Units

Every pathway contains common competence areas covering health and safety, work planning, working relationships and the occupational method of work. These are combined with practical units selected through the Roof Slater, Roof Slater and Tiler or Roof Tiler structure.

The units described below represent the current common and pathway-specific structures. A learner completes the units required by one pathway rather than every unit listed on this page. Some versions allow additional units that do not replace the mandatory units for the selected route.

Follow site inductions, safety briefings, risk assessments, method statements and warning notices.
Use collective protection, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection and other relevant control equipment correctly.
Recognise hazards associated with work at height, fragile surfaces, materials, equipment, services and changing site conditions.
Report uncontrolled hazards, incidents and changed circumstances through the correct procedures.
Know when work should stop because of serious or imminent danger.
Respond appropriately to fires, spillages, injuries, evacuations and occupational emergencies.
Maintain safe storage, workplace security and welfare arrangements.
Dispose of waste and consumable materials in accordance with environmental and organisational requirements.

Identify the roofing activities required and establish an effective sequence.
Assess the people, materials, components, tools, plant and ancillary equipment needed.
Seek clarification or suitable alternatives when specified resources are unavailable.
Evaluate the effects of weather, access, other occupations, customers and health and safety requirements.
Coordinate interdependent activities to make effective use of available resources.
Monitor progress against contract requirements and the work programme.
Identify changed circumstances and justify necessary programme alterations.
Consider how material selection, waste reduction and work methods affect environmental and low-carbon requirements.

Communicate programme, coordination and safety information with appropriate urgency and detail.
Work effectively with colleagues, employers, customers, contractors, suppliers and other occupations.
Offer relevant advice about roofing activities and proposed methods of work.
Encourage questions and clarify instructions or technical proposals.
Discuss alternative methods where conditions or resources change.
Resolve differences of opinion while maintaining goodwill, trust and respect.
Apply equality and diversity principles when working and communicating with others.

Extract relevant information from drawings, specifications, schedules, manufacturers’ information and programmes.
Interpret required quantities, timescales, safety controls and the scope of roofing work.
Obtain additional information from customers, suppliers, technical literature or regulatory sources when project information is insufficient.
Compare methods according to safety, quality, resources, environmental impact and contract requirements.
Organise people, materials, tools and equipment around the selected method.
Produce or confirm clear information describing the work sequence and required controls.
Communicate the method to the people responsible for or affected by the work.

Interpret roof details, specifications, risk controls and manufacturers’ requirements.
Inspect the substructure and roof interfaces, identifying defects that could affect the installation.
Establish datum points and calculate the required batten gauge and overhang.
Measure, cut, position and fix underlay, battens and counter-battens.
Install undercloaks, eaves ventilation, support trays, verge components, hip irons and fire-stopping components where specified.
Form underlay details around eaves, verges, hips, ridges, valleys, abutments, openings and penetrations.
Calculate material quantities and anticipated wastage.
Protect installed components from damage and adverse weather.
Use and maintain the relevant hand tools, power tools and ancillary equipment.

Interpret the roofing and weathering information for junctions, openings and penetrations.
Assess the suitability of the substructure and report defective roof interfaces.
Select compatible flashings, soakers, fixings, sealants and pointing materials.
Cut, fit, position, secure, dress, point and finish pre-formed weatherings.
Install flashings at chimneys, abutments, vent pipes, junction saddles, valleys and roof openings.
Form or install step flashings, aprons, back gutters, pipe flashings and proprietary weatherings where specified.
Apply appropriate sealing or patination treatments.
Protect adjacent roof coverings and recognise work requiring specialist leadworking competence.

Interpret the stripping sequence and identify materials, components and weatherings to be removed.
Establish safe removal, lowering, storage and disposal arrangements.
Protect the structure, occupied areas, surrounding property and reusable materials.
Remove coverings and associated components without avoidable damage.
De-nail, clean, sort, resize or re-hole suitable reclaimed materials.
Distinguish reusable products from damaged, contaminated or unsuitable materials.
Remove or manage natural slate, plain tiles, single-lap tiles or stone slates as required by the assessed work.
Prepare exposed surfaces and retained materials for re-roofing.
Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with site and environmental requirements.

Confirm lap, gauge, setting-out and fixing requirements.
Select artificial slates, fittings, fixings, ventilation components and finishing systems.
Measure, mark, cut, fit, position and secure the covering.
Install slates at general areas, eaves, top courses, abutments and roof openings.
Complete dry-fix verges, ridges, hips and valleys where specified.
Maintain alignment, headlap, fixing security and visual consistency.
Identify unsuitable substructures, defective materials or interfaces and report them.
Protect completed work and use cutting controls appropriate to the material.

Grade, size and hole natural slates for the specified arrangement.
Determine lap and gauge requirements according to pitch, exposure, slate size and fixing method.
Set out and install natural slate to battens or boarded backgrounds.
Form mitred hips and mitred valleys, including accurate cutting and fitting of soakers.
Slate vertical surfaces, gable ends, corners, openings and penetrations.
Complete eaves, top courses, abutments, verges, ridges and other finishing details.
Install high-level or ridge ventilation where required.
Adapt methods appropriately when using reclaimed or imperial-sized slates.
Maintain weather resistance, alignment and the specified visual finish.
Recognise traditional or historically significant work requiring further specialist authority.

Grade and organise slates by length, width, thickness and suitability.
Determine course sizes, headlaps and side laps for diminishing margins.
Prepare, hole and fix centre-nailed or head-nailed slates.
Set out diminishing courses while maintaining weathering performance and visual balance.
Install the covering at general areas, eaves, top courses, abutments and openings.
Complete specified verge, ridge, hip and valley details.
Account for the effects of roof pitch, geographical exposure and reclaimed imperial materials.
Calculate quantities and wastage for random-sized materials.
Protect sorted and installed slates from damage.
Identify when historic-building or specialist conservation knowledge is required.

Determine an appropriate lap and gauge from the roof dimensions and product requirements.
Set out courses to achieve acceptable alignment at eaves, ridges and intermediate areas.
Install tiles, fittings, fixings and ventilation components to general roof areas.
Complete abutments, openings, verges, ridges, hips and valleys.
Use dry-fix or wet-fix finishing methods as specified.
Cut and fit tiles around penetrations and roof interfaces.
Adapt setting-out where approved reclaimed or non-metric materials are used.
Check fixing security, coursing, weather resistance and completed appearance.
Report unsuitable substructures, incompatible components or work requiring specialist input.

Calculate lap and gauge and set out the covering from suitable datum points.
Select plain tiles, fittings, fixings, ventilation products and finishing materials.
Install tiles at general areas, eaves, top courses, abutments and openings.
Form specified verge, ridge, hip and valley details using wet-fix or dry-fix systems.
Install tiles to vertical surfaces, gable ends, corners, openings and penetrations where required.
Measure, mark, cut, fit, position and secure tiles and associated components.
Maintain bond, coursing, alignment, fixing patterns and weather resistance.
Recognise the implications of reclaimed, imperial-sized or handmade clay tiles.
Protect the finished covering and report substrate or interface defects.

Confirm the specified lap, fixed gauge, setting-out points and fixing method.
Install tiles and components to general areas, eaves, top courses, abutments and openings.
Complete verges, ridges, hips and valleys using the specified dry-fix or wet-fix method.
Install ventilation and associated high-level components.
Cut and fit tiles around roof lights, windows and penetrations.
Use reclaimed or handmade products only where suitable and permitted by the specification.
Maintain consistent coursing, alignment and mechanical fixing.
Inspect completed work and report defective materials, unsuitable interfaces or departures from the specification.

Interpret drawings and setting-out information for curved or swept work.
Select plain or peg tiles, boards, split battens, wedges, fillets, soakers, fittings and fixings.
Establish suitable laps, gauges and course arrangements for changing roof geometry.
Fix boards, fillets, wedges and split battens where required.
Install tiles to specified details such as eyebrow dormers, swept valleys, laced valleys, curved vertical surfaces, cones or apse ends.
Cut and fit tiles and soakers accurately around changing lines and radii.
Maintain weather resistance, visual flow and secure fixing throughout the curved detail.
Identify limitations in the background, material or proposed method before installation.
Complete and protect the work in accordance with the programme and specification.

Determine lap, gauge, bond and fixing requirements for the tile system.
Set out and install tiles to general areas, eaves, top courses, abutments and openings.
Form mitred hips and valleys, including measuring, cutting and fitting soakers.
Install double-lap tiles to vertical surfaces, gable ends, corners and penetrations.
Complete verges and ridges using the specified wet-fix or dry-fix method.
Install ventilation and other related roofing components.
Account for reclaimed, imperial-sized or handmade materials where applicable.
Maintain accurate junctions, consistent alignment and effective weathering.
Report substrate defects or specialist requirements outside the learner’s authority.

Interpret specifications and establish the required lead or proprietary weathering details.
Select sheet lead, pre-formed products, fixings, pointing materials and patination treatments.
Measure, mark out, cut, fit, dress, boss, secure, point and finish leadwork.
Prepare and install weatherings at chimneys, abutments, pipes, valleys, hips, ridges and openings.
Form aprons, back gutters, pipe flashings, saddles, soakers and secret gutters where required.
Carry out lead-welding activities only when competent, authorised and required by the selected unit.
Protect adjoining coverings and control risks associated with work at height, manual handling, tools and substances.
Apply the material or work-type endorsement required by the approved version.

Assessment

Assessment establishes whether the learner can perform the selected roofing occupation consistently to the standards expected in a real workplace. Every required learning outcome and assessment criterion must be achieved. The qualification is normally graded as pass or not yet achieved rather than through comparative grades.

Workplace Observation

Direct observation by an occupationally competent assessor is the principal evidence for practical roofing competence. The assessor may observe activities such as:

Setting out battens and roof coverings
Installing underlay and ventilation components
Forming mitred, vertical, diminishing-margin, curved or swept details
Cutting and fixing slates or tiles
Installing roof weatherings
Stripping coverings and sorting reclaimed materials
Applying work-at-height and material-handling controls
Inspecting completed work and responding to defects

Observation should cover normal working conditions and demonstrate that the learner can work safely, accurately and without inappropriate assistance.

Portfolio and Work Products

A portfolio brings together evidence showing how the learner has met the requirements over time. Relevant evidence may include:

Assessor observation records
Authenticated photographs or videos of work in progress
Drawings, specifications and roofing schedules used by the learner
Method statements and risk-assessment information
Material calculations, gauge calculations and setting-out records
Delivery records and product information linked to assessed jobs
Work diaries, timesheets and progress records
Quality checks, snagging information and defect reports
Records of stripped, reclaimed, stored or disposed materials
Toolbox-talk or site-coordination records
Completed roof coverings and associated work products

Photographs and documents must be attributable to the learner. Generic downloaded guidance, blank forms or company policies do not by themselves demonstrate occupational competence.

Questioning and Professional Discussion

Oral or written questioning is used to confirm knowledge that may not be fully visible during observation. This can include:

The relationship between roof pitch, exposure, lap and gauge
Material characteristics, defects and compatibility
Fixing requirements and weathering principles
Responses to unsafe access or unsuitable substructures
The use and limitations of cutting and dust controls
Environmental responsibilities and waste disposal
Work sequencing and coordination with other occupations
Reasons for selecting a particular slate, tile or weathering method

Professional discussion may also be used to explore decisions shown in workplace evidence and establish that the learner understands the consequences of incorrect work.

Witness and Supplementary Evidence

Witness testimony may support evidence where a suitably knowledgeable person has directly observed the learner. Supervisors, site managers, experienced roofing colleagues or customers may provide relevant testimony, but it does not normally replace assessor observation of key practical competence.

Employer records, correspondence, meeting notes and job documentation may also be used where they are authentic, relevant and clearly connected to the learner’s own work.

Simulation Restrictions

The mandatory competence units require workplace assessment, and workplace evidence of practical skills cannot be simulated. Training rigs, workshop exercises and hypothetical projects do not establish competence in live roof conditions.

Any isolated allowance for simulation must be expressly stated within the applicable unit’s current assessment requirements. It must not be assumed from the general assessment strategy, and it cannot be used to avoid obtaining the normal workplace evidence required for the pathway.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Relevant previous learning and occupational experience may be recognised where it produces current, authentic and sufficient evidence against the qualification requirements. Previous experience does not automatically exempt the learner from assessment. Gaps in evidence, outdated practice or unverified claims must be addressed through further workplace assessment.

Career Progression

Achievement confirms advanced occupational competence within the pathway assessed. It can support continued development in pitched roofing, but it does not guarantee employment, promotion or authority to undertake work requiring separate training or appointments.

Skilled Roofing Roles

The qualification is directly relevant to work as an experienced:

Roof slater
Roof tiler
Combined roof slater and tiler
Advanced pitched-roof operative
Re-roofing and refurbishment operative
Self-employed roofing craftsperson or specialist subcontractor

The appropriate role depends on the pathway, material endorsements, workplace experience and the range of work demonstrated.

Specialist Craft Development

Experienced operatives may develop further competence in areas such as:

Traditional and heritage roof slating and tiling
Specialist lead and hard-metal roofing
Complex natural-slating work
Conservation and reclaimed-material roofing
Roof inspection, defect identification and repair
Technical installation support or quality assurance

These areas may require additional occupational qualifications, specialist training or evidence of experience.

Supervision and Management

A learner who later takes responsibility for people, programmes, resources and site coordination may progress towards qualifications in occupational work supervision or construction site supervision. Progression should reflect the person’s actual job duties rather than qualification achievement alone.

CSCS Card

An official occupation mapping has been verified for the Roof Slater pathway only. Completion of the qualification does not issue a card automatically, and the other pathways should not be assumed to have the same Level 3 mapping.

Roof Slater Gold Card Route

The Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction) – Roof Slater can support an application for the Gold Skilled Worker card under the Roof Slater occupation. This card is also associated with advanced craft competence.

Applicants must make a separate card application and meet all current scheme requirements. The occupation mapping specifies the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Specialist Work at Height test, which must have been passed within the required validity period.

The qualification certificate must show the appropriate Roof Slater pathway. Applicants with the Roof Tiler or combined pathway should check their exact occupational mapping through the official Card Finder rather than assuming that the Roof Slater route applies.

Card requirements and occupation mappings can change, so the current Card Finder should always be checked before applying.

FAQs

These questions address the pathway choices, workplace evidence and advanced roofing activities that commonly cause uncertainty for prospective learners.

Level 2 roofing qualifications generally concentrate on competent performance of routine installation activities. This Level 3 Diploma includes advanced or non-standard work such as mitred and vertical details, diminishing-margin natural slating or curved and swept tile work. It also places greater emphasis on planning, resource decisions, work methods, coordination and quality.

The pathway must match the roofing work you perform regularly. Choose Roof Slater for advanced slate work, Roof Tiler for advanced tile work or the combined route when your normal job provides substantial evidence across both occupations. The widest pathway is not automatically the most appropriate.

A genuine workplace arrangement is normally necessary because practical competence must be assessed on live roofing projects. This may be through employment, self-employment or bona fide subcontracting, provided the learner has reliable access to all required activities and evidence.

No. The learner must demonstrate the advanced details required by the selected pathway. Routine underlay, battening and general-area covering work will not provide sufficient evidence for mitred details, diminishing margins, curved work or other pathway-specific requirements.

No. Training rigs may help develop or refresh skills, but mandatory workplace competence cannot be established through simulation. The required practical evidence must come from genuine occupational work.

Some approved versions formally record new-material or reclaimed-material endorsements for selected units. The applicable requirement depends on the registered version and pathway. It should be confirmed before assessment so that suitable jobs and materials can be identified.

No. Its principal pathways concern pitched-roof slating and tiling. Waterproof membrane roofing, thatching, roof sheeting, cladding and specialist metal roofing are separate occupational areas with different qualification structures.

The Roof Slater pathway has a verified route to the Gold Skilled Worker card for the Roof Slater occupation, subject to a separate application and the Specialist Work at Height health, safety and environment test. The same mapping should not be assumed for the other pathways; applicants should check their exact qualification and occupation through the current Card Finder.

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