How you’d get it

How you’d get this certificate

  1. Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
  2. You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer Pearson Education Ltd has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
  3. The centre assesses, and Pearson Education Ltd awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from Pearson Education Ltd.

More on studying for a qualification

01What it is

BTEC Firsts allow level 2 learners to develop their knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context.

These are the units Pearson Education Ltd registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work.

Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with Pearson Education Ltd. It does the teaching and the mapping. Pearson Education Ltd sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.

02The units

What each unit actually teaches you to do

Construction Drawing Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles and techniques of construction drawing, including orthographic projection, line types, scales, and the production of plans, elevations, and sections. You'll also interpret construction drawings and specifications.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of construction drawing
  • Understand different construction drawing techniques
  • Produce construction drawings using appropriate techniques
  • Interpret construction drawings and specifications
Construction Processes and Operations Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of various construction processes and operations, including foundations, bricklaying, roofing, and drainage. The unit also addresses health and safety requirements and the use of plant and machinery in construction.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand different construction processes used in the construction industry
  • Understand different construction operations used in the construction industry
  • Understand the health and safety requirements for construction processes and operations
  • Apply knowledge of construction processes and operations in practical contexts
Construction Technology Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study construction technology principles, including load-bearing, structural stability, material properties, and construction methods. The unit enables application of this knowledge in practical construction contexts.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of construction technology
  • Understand different construction materials and their properties
  • Understand different construction methods and techniques
  • Apply knowledge of construction technology in practical contexts
Construction and Design Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to understand construction design principles, including structural integrity and sustainability. You'll interpret construction drawings and specifications, apply design principles, and identify construction materials and their properties.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of construction design.
  • Interpret construction drawings and specifications.
  • Apply design principles to construction projects.
  • Identify different construction materials and their properties.
  • Explain the importance of sustainability in construction design.
Exploring Brickwork and Blockwork Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles and techniques of brickwork and blockwork construction. You'll identify types of bricks and blocks, understand mortar mixes, demonstrate practical laying skills, and recognise common defects and remedial methods.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the fundamental principles of brickwork and blockwork construction.
  • Identify different types of bricks and blocks used in construction.
  • Demonstrate practical techniques for laying bricks and blocks.
  • Explain the importance of mortar mixes and their application.
  • Recognise common brickwork and blockwork patterns and bonds.
Exploring Building Services Engineering Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study building services engineering systems, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, drainage, and fire protection. They will understand system components, principles, and the importance of energy efficiency in creating comfortable, safe buildings.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the range of building services engineering systems
  • Describe the principles of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • Explain the principles of electrical systems in buildings
  • Understand the principles of plumbing and drainage systems
  • Describe the principles of fire protection systems
  • Understand the importance of energy efficiency in building services engineering
Exploring Carpentry and Joinery Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces learners to the fundamental principles and techniques of carpentry and joinery. You'll explore wood properties, joinery types, tools, equipment, and safe working practices, developing basic woodworking skills and understanding structural factors.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the fundamental principles of carpentry and joinery.
  • Explore a range of carpentry and joinery techniques.
  • Investigate the tools and equipment used in carpentry and joinery.
  • Apply safe working practices in a carpentry and joinery environment.
Exploring Civil Engineering Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of civil engineering scope and societal role. You'll identify project types, describe materials and structural design principles, and consider sustainability and environmental impacts within civil engineering practice.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the scope of civil engineering and its role in society
  • Identify different types of civil engineering projects, such as roads, bridges, and dams
  • Describe the materials used in civil engineering and their properties
  • Explain the principles of structural design and construction
  • Understand the importance of sustainability in civil engineering
  • Recognise the environmental impact of civil engineering projects
Exploring Electrical Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore fundamental electrical principles, identify common electrical components, and apply basic wiring techniques. The unit also emphasises safe working practices and the importance of electrical regulations and standards within construction contexts.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand fundamental electrical principles.
  • Identify common electrical components and their functions.
  • Demonstrate safe working practices when dealing with electrical systems.
  • Apply basic electrical techniques, such as wiring circuits.
  • Explain the importance of electrical regulations and standards.
Exploring Facilities Management Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop an understanding of facilities management, its scope, and key functions such as maintenance, property management, and health and safety. The unit also explores space management and sustainability principles within facilities management.

What you'll be able to do

  • Define facilities management and its scope
  • Identify the key functions of facilities management
  • Explain the importance of maintaining building infrastructure
  • Describe the role of facilities management in ensuring health and safety
  • Understand the principles of space management and utilisation
  • Explain the importance of sustainability in facilities management
Exploring Painting and Decorating Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain foundational knowledge of painting and decorating principles, including colour theory and surface finishes. They will identify various paints, coatings, and wall coverings, and demonstrate practical skills in surface preparation and material application.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the fundamental principles of painting and decorating.
  • Identify different types of paints, coatings, and wall coverings.
  • Demonstrate practical techniques for preparing surfaces for painting and decorating.
  • Apply paint and wall coverings using appropriate tools and methods.
  • Recognise different painting and decorating styles and finishes.
Exploring Plastering and Dry lining Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces learners to plastering and dry lining principles, materials, and techniques. It emphasises surface preparation, basic application skills, and recognition of common problems and their remedies.

What you'll be able to do

  • Describe the principles of plastering and dry lining
  • Identify different types of plaster and dry lining materials
  • Explain the importance of surface preparation for plastering and dry lining
  • Demonstrate basic plastering and dry lining techniques
  • Recognise common plastering and dry lining problems and their solutions
Exploring Plumbing Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with foundational knowledge of plumbing systems, including water supply and drainage principles. You'll explore plumbing tools, equipment, and safe practices, demonstrating basic techniques such as pipe cutting and fitting installation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the fundamental principles of plumbing systems.
  • Explore a range of plumbing techniques.
  • Investigate the tools and equipment used in plumbing.
  • Apply safe working practices in a plumbing environment.
Exploring Roofing Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study roofing principles and techniques, identifying different roofing systems, components, and materials. They will demonstrate practical skills in roofing tasks, understand safety requirements, and explain principles of roof design, drainage, insulation, and ventilation.

What you'll be able to do

  • Identify different types of roofing systems and their components
  • Explain the principles of roof design and construction
  • Demonstrate practical skills in roofing techniques, such as laying tiles or felt
  • Understand the importance of safety when working on roofs
  • Describe the materials used in roofing and their properties
  • Recognise common roofing problems and their solutions
Exploring Surveying Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the principles and importance of surveying in construction. They will identify surveying instruments, demonstrate basic techniques such as levelling and distance measurement, interpret survey data, and understand relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of surveying and its importance in construction
  • Identify different surveying instruments and their uses
  • Demonstrate basic surveying techniques, such as levelling and measuring distances
  • Interpret survey data and create basic plans
  • Understand the legal and regulatory requirements related to surveying
  • Explain the role of a surveyor in a construction project
Exploring Wall and Floor Tiling Principles and Techniques Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles and techniques of wall and floor tiling, including tile types, surface preparation, and basic tiling skills. The unit also covers common tiling problems and their solutions.

What you'll be able to do

  • Describe the principles of wall and floor tiling
  • Identify different types of tiles and their uses
  • Explain the importance of surface preparation for tiling
  • Demonstrate basic tiling techniques
  • Recognise common tiling problems and their solutions
Scientific and Mathematical Applications for Construction Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the application of scientific principles and mathematical concepts in construction. You'll analyse material properties using scientific methods and apply mathematical formulas to calculate quantities and dimensions relevant to construction projects.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the application of scientific principles in construction.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to solve construction-related problems.
  • Analyse the properties of construction materials using scientific methods.
  • Use mathematical formulas to calculate quantities and dimensions in construction.
  • Explain how scientific and mathematical principles contribute to the structural integrity of buildings.
Sustainability in Construction Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of sustainability in construction, covering environmental impacts, sustainable materials and techniques, waste reduction methods, and the importance of energy efficiency in buildings.

What you'll be able to do

  • Define sustainability in the context of construction
  • Explain the environmental impacts of construction activities
  • Identify sustainable materials and construction techniques
  • Describe methods for reducing waste in construction
  • Understand the importance of energy efficiency in buildings
Tendering and Estimating Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand the principles and processes of tendering and estimating in the construction industry. They will describe the tendering process, prepare estimates using appropriate methods, analyse costs, and consider legal and contractual requirements.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of tendering in the construction industry
  • Describe the tendering process from initial enquiry to contract award
  • Understand the factors that influence the preparation of estimates
  • Prepare estimates for construction projects using appropriate methods
  • Analyse the costs associated with tendering and estimating
  • Understand the legal and ethical considerations related to tendering and estimating
The Construction Industry Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces learners to the structure of the UK construction industry, including its sectors, roles, and responsibilities. It also covers health and safety importance, different types of construction projects, and the industry's broader impact.

What you'll be able to do

  • Describe the structure of the construction industry in the UK
  • Identify different roles and responsibilities within the construction industry
  • Explain the importance of health and safety in the construction industry
  • Recognise the different types of construction projects
  • Understand the impact of the construction industry on the economy
By email

Free, by email

Is this the right qualification for you?

One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

Your employer, or 'self-employed'

Study the units online with a personal AI tutor, for £70 a month. Your first Future Fluency module is free.

03Where it leads

The jobs these credits are mapped to

A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.

Showing 6 roles, drawn from 21 job records mapped to this qualification. Near-identical records are folded together, and each row says how many it stands for.

Where this can lead

Junior Facilities Coordinator

This work can lead to a senior facilities specialist role, a facilities supervisor role, or a facilities manager role.

See the whole journey
Still deciding?

One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

04The credits

The credits, and who awards them

Level 2 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by Pearson Education Ltd rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.

What you would be collecting

Construction Drawing TechniquesConstruction Processes and OperationsConstruction TechnologyConstruction and DesignExploring Brickwork and Blockwork Principles and TechniquesExploring Building Services EngineeringExploring Carpentry and Joinery Principles and TechniquesExploring Civil Engineering

Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.

How you’d practise it

You don’t watch this. You do it.

You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.

The Coach The Coach · your practice partner Illustration
The Coach Make the case from “Tendering and Estimating” to me in thirty seconds. I am the person who signs it off and I am already late.
You It would improve engagement and bring us in line with best practice.
The Coach Neither of those costs me anything to say no to. Open with the number that changes if I do nothing.
The same lesson on the real thing: the conversation in the middle, the thinking ladder on the left, and the criteria each answer is evidencing on the right.
  • Pitch it Evaluate

    “Tendering and Estimating” gets practised as a pitch. You make the case out loud, Zavmo asks the question the room would ask, and you make it again.

  • Lead it Apply

    “Exploring Facilities Management” is practised on the team you actually have. You talk through the call you are about to make, and Zavmo makes you say it the way you would say it to them.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Construction Drawing Techniques, one of this qualification's own units.

Construction Drawing Techniques Level 2

Applied to your work in any of these jobs

This unit covers the principles and techniques of construction drawing, including orthographic projection, line types, scales, and the production of plans, elevations, and sections. Learners will also interpret construction drawings and specifications.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.

Your Plan Illustration

Built for Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment

20 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Pearson Education Ltd.

  1. Construction Drawing Techniques
  2. Construction Processes and Operations
  3. Construction Technology
  4. Construction and Design
  5. Exploring Brickwork and Blockwork Principles and Techniques
  6. Exploring Building Services Engineering

and 14 more in the full unit list below.

These are the real units of this credential, in its own order. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.

Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.

Start my free AI Fluency module

No card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.

The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.