LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Structures (SUP)

LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Structures (SUP)

The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Structures (SUP) is a globally recognized qualification developed to provide learners with the essential knowledge and skills to understand, assess, and manage supporting structures used in various industrial and construction environments. Whether in scaffolding, temporary frameworks, rigging setups, or load-bearing assemblies, this course delivers the technical expertise required to ensure structural integrity, safety, and compliance with international standards. It is ideal for professionals involved in infrastructure projects, construction, engineering, or heavy lifting operations.

This comprehensive course covers the fundamentals of structural support systems, including types of supporting structures, material properties, load distribution, stress factors, and design principles. Learners will explore real-world applications in temporary works, scaffolding, bracing systems, staging, and shoring. The course also emphasizes understanding legal responsibilities, safety protocols, inspection procedures, and risk assessments—ensuring that learners are fully equipped to work confidently and safely with supporting structures on active worksites.

Combining both theoretical learning and practical application, the course trains participants to identify structural weaknesses, conduct safety checks, and assist in the setup, use, and dismantling of support frameworks. Real-life case studies and hands-on exercises reinforce learners’ abilities to apply engineering principles and safety standards in dynamic work environments. The curriculum also supports the development of communication and coordination skills essential for working with engineers, site managers, and safety officers.

The LICQual Level 3 SUP course is perfectly suited for scaffolders, riggers, civil and structural engineering technicians, safety inspectors, and site supervisors. It is also beneficial for individuals aiming to enter the construction or infrastructure sectors and who wish to build a strong foundation in structural safety and compliance. By enhancing technical competence and awareness, this course helps reduce site risks and ensures quality control in temporary and permanent structural support work.

Upon successful completion of the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Structures, learners receive a respected credential that enhances career prospects and workplace credibility. The qualification opens pathways to advanced training or supervisory roles in structural engineering, project management, and construction safety. As global infrastructure projects grow in complexity and scope, this course ensures you are well-prepared to meet industry demands with professionalism, precision, and confidence.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Structures (SUP)


Total Units

6

Total Credits

24

GLH

120

Qualification #

LICQ2200533


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Structures(SUP) applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Educational Requirements: A minimum of secondary school education or equivalent is required. This ensures participants have the basic literacy and numeracy skills necessary to comprehend technical materials, safety documentation, and assessment tasks.
  • Experience: While prior experience in construction, scaffolding, or related fields is preferred, it is not mandatory. Individuals with practical exposure to supporting structures or a strong interest in the construction industry will benefit most from the course content. Those new to the industry are welcome, provided they demonstrate a commitment to learning.
  • English Language Proficiency: Since the course is delivered in English, applicants must have a good command of written and spoken English, equivalent to at least CEFR Level B1. This proficiency ensures learners can fully understand safety instructions, technical language, and successfully complete assessments.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200533-1

Principles of Supporting Structures

4

20

LICQ2200533-2

Materials and Components in Supporting Structures

4

20

LICQ2200533-3

Installation and Erection Techniques

4

20

LICQ2200533-4

Health and Safety in Supporting Structure Operations

4

20

LICQ2200533-5

Inspection, Maintenance, and Quality Control

4

20

LICQ2200533-6

Legal, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance

4

20

By the end of this course, applicants will be able to:

1. Principles of Supporting Structures

  • Explain the fundamental concepts and types of supporting structures used in construction.
  • Analyze load distribution and structural stability in various support frameworks.
  • Apply international design standards such as Eurocodes and ISO to supporting structures.

2. Materials and Components in Supporting Structures

  • Identify different materials used in supporting structures and describe their properties.
  • Select appropriate materials and components based on project requirements and standards.
  • Demonstrate safe handling and storage practices for supporting structure materials.

3. Installation and Erection Techniques

  • Perform installation and erection of supporting structures following industry best practices.
  • Apply safe working methods compliant with OSHA, BS EN, and ANSI standards.
  • Adapt erection techniques to site-specific conditions and challenges.

4. Health and Safety in Supporting Structure Operations

  • Conduct risk assessments and identify hazards related to supporting structure work.
  • Implement health and safety procedures to minimize risks on site.
  • Comply with international occupational health and safety standards such as ISO 45001.

5. Inspection, Maintenance, and Quality Control

  • Carry out routine inspections to assess the condition and safety of supporting structures.
  • Identify maintenance needs and perform necessary corrective actions.
  • Ensure quality control in line with ISO 17020 and BS 5975 standards.

6. Legal, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance

  • Summarize the legal responsibilities and regulatory requirements for supporting structures.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and certification as required by industry regulations.
  • Apply sustainable and environmentally responsible practices during supporting structure operations.

This course is designed for professionals and newcomers who want to deepen their expertise and gain a recognized qualification in supporting structures within the construction and industrial sectors. It is ideal for:

  • Construction Supervisors and Site Managers who oversee supporting structure installations and want to ensure safety and compliance on site.
  • Scaffolders, Shorers, and Formwork Specialists seeking to formalize their skills and improve their knowledge of advanced techniques and safety standards.
  • Civil Engineers and Structural Technicians looking to expand their practical understanding of supporting frameworks and load management.
  • Health and Safety Officers responsible for monitoring structural integrity and implementing safety protocols related to temporary or permanent supports.
  • New Entrants to the Construction Industry aiming to build a solid foundation in supporting structure principles and practices to kick-start their careers.
  • Maintenance and Inspection Personnel who need to develop competency in assessing and maintaining the safety and quality of supporting structures.

Whether you’re looking to progress your career, improve site safety, or gain a professional edge in a competitive industry, this course provides the essential knowledge and skills to succeed.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.