Site inspector

How to become a site inspector

There are several routes to becoming a site inspector. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training. You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you. Usually, a site inspector will have had several years’ experience in the construction industry. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You could complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Entrants with other industry relevant qualifications might be considered, for example: 

• IOSH Working Safely
• IOSH Managing Safely
• CITB Site Safety Plus training courses.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

College/training provider

If you’re working on site or have experience in construction you could complete a college course such as Level 3 Diploma in Construction Site Supervisory Studies, Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision or Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Management.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. If you have some experience in the construction industry, you can start by doing a higher apprenticeship as a construction site supervisor. This may take up to three years to complete.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you’ve already worked in supporting roles within project teams and have proven management experience or qualifications, you may be able to apply directly for a role as a site inspector.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a site inspector. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a site inspector include: 

• An eye for detail and a logical approach to inspecting a site
• Project management skills
• Good organisational skills
• Be able to cope with working at height.

Qualifications

What does a site inspector do?

As a site inspector you could be: 

• Doing regular inspections of construction sites
• Liaising between different departments
• Monitoring the complete building process
• Safeguarding the quality of work
• Ensuring adherence to proposed plans
• Arranging meetings
• Predicting potential problems
• Ensuring adherence to legislation.

How much could you earn as a site inspector?

The expected salary for a site inspector varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained site inspectors can earn £25,000 - £30,000
• Trained site inspectors with some experience can earn £30,000 - £40,000
• Senior site inspectors can earn £40,000 - £50,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest site inspector vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Total Jobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a site inspector, you could progress in your career to become a contracts manager, compliance manager or construction director.