Applying Coatings Using Spray Methods qualifications and training courses

Last Updated: 20 Aug 2026

The Level 3 Award in Applying Coatings Using Spray Methods has been developed to help address a recognised skills gap within the construction and finishing sectors, where demand for efficient, high-quality spray application techniques continues to grow.

This qualification is designed to develop learners’ practical spray coating skills through structured, hands‑on training in core spray paint applications. Learners will gain experience using either HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) and airless spray systems, enabling them to confidently apply coatings across a range of surfaces in line with industry standards.

In addition to practical competence, the programme enhances learners’ knowledge and understanding of spray equipment, materials, preparation processes and application techniques. This ensures they can consistently deliver smooth, even and high‑quality spray‑applied finishes.

By combining technical knowledge with real-world application, this qualification equips learners with the skills required to work effectively, safely and productively, supporting improved quality and efficiency across the construction industry.

This qualification is designed for tradespeople who already have some experience in painting & decorating and are looking to expand their skill set into applying coatings using spray methods. It is ideally suited to painter & decorators, who are confident in carrying out basic hand‑applied tasks and are familiar with standard tools, surface preparation techniques and safe working practices.

Learners should have a solid foundation in painting and decorating, enabling them to build on their existing capabilities and progress quickly to more advanced finishing techniques. As the programme is focused on developing and refining existing skills through practical application, it is not suitable for complete beginners.

Available to deliver in the following:

England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

Learners will have the opportunity to chose between two separate pathways; HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) or airless spray painting.

Assessment for these qualifications is portfolio‑based, requiring candidates to demonstrate and/or present evidence for each assessment criterion within a learning outcome in order to achieve a pass.

Learners will generate their own evidence throughout the programme, drawing on their hands‑on training and practical experience. This evidence may include observed tasks, completed work products, and supporting documentation that reflect their ability to applying coatings using spray methods to industry standards.

The assessment process is designed to evaluate a combination of knowledge and skills, ensuring learners can not only perform key tasks but also understand the principles behind them.

All evidence is measured against assessment criteria provided by City & Guilds, ensuring a consistent, robust, and industry-recognised standard of achievement.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Award in Applying Coatings Using Spray Methods, learners can progress in several ways within the construction industry, building on both their practical skills and specialist knowledge.

This qualification supports the development of advanced finishing techniques, enabling learners to broaden their technical expertise and take on more complex interior systems work. It can open opportunities for progression into roles such as a craft painter & decorator, dryliner, or multi‑skilled operative specialising in finishes, as well as pathways into emerging areas such as retrofit, where high-quality finishing skills are increasingly in demand.

In the longer term, the knowledge and experience gained can also support vertical progression into more advanced/ supervisory roles within the construction sector. Overall, this qualification provides a strong foundation for career development, helping learners enhance their employability and respond to evolving industry requirements.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

To deliver these qualifications, centres must have appropriately qualified tutors and assessors with relevant occupational competence and experience in the painting and decorating sector. Suitable facilities and resources must also be in place to support effective teaching, learning, and assessment. Full details of these requirements can be found in the qualification handbook.

Assessment is designed to reflect real-world practice and will be carried out through a portfolio of evidence, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and competence over time.

This approach ensure that delivery is robust, applied, and aligned to professional standards, supporting learners to develop both operational expertise and sound decision making

Level 3

Level 3 Award in applying coating using spray methods (Painting and Decorating) (6721-13)

Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2029

Level 3 Award in applying coating using spray methods (Painting and Decorating)

Accreditation No: 610/7823/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/12/2030 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

Applying Coatings Using Spray Methods (6721)