AAQ BTEC National in Construction and the Built Environment

Applications Open: 9th October 2025

How to Apply:

Internal students - Apply via Applicaa using this link - https://waterfront.applicaa.com/year12-20262027

External students - Apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Construction and the Built Environment (Extended Certificate), is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students interested in the Built Environment and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Building and Construction as part of a study programme alongside A Levels.

The qualification has been developed in consultation with universities and professional bodies to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to and thrive in higher education.

The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:

· Construction Principles: Properties of construction materials, how they perform and the underpinning scientific principles; mathematical techniques used to solve construction problems

· Construction Technology: Principles and methods of the construction of new buildings; sustainability of construction practice and the impact on the natural environment

· Design for Construction and the Built Environment: Stages and processes involved in designing buildings, including factors that influence the process.

· Students have a choice of two from three optional units, covering the following topics:

· Construction Commercial Management: Commercial management in construction projects, cost management techniques, commercial risk and procurement

· Retrofit in Construction and the Built Environment: Sustainability solutions for buildings, including surveying and specification of efficiency measures

· Modelling in Construction: Principles and use of building information modelling (BIM) technologies; project information models and digital data in collaborative design.

Each external assessment for a BTEC National is linked to a specific unit. All of the units developed for external assessment are of 60, 90 or 120 GLH to allow students to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. Students are permitted to resit the examination twice. This equates to three attempts in total: one inclusive of registration, the remaining two attempts as resits. If students resit an examined unit, the best grade achieved will count towards their overall qualification grade, not necessarily the most recent sitting. External assessments are available twice a year.

Internally assessed units are assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), which is set by Pearson, marked by you and subject to external standards verification.

x5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 - including Mathematics and English.