As CMS has stated the Biccs have for many years been the standard in which all exams are set, however the new and most common are now the NVQ level 1 and Level 2 in cleaning. The level 1 consists of 10 items which to most pros seem basics but to our staff they are the basics that they need, they consist of things such as basic polishing, vacuuming, cleaning toilets, etc, once this has been achieved then they can go for level 2 which are the likes of stripping and sealing, carpet cleaning etc, each made of 10 tasks.
Level1 is payable in full with no grants available
Level 2, it is possible to get a full government grant but there are a few conditions to be met.
These courses can be booked through your local college currently we use rossendale college as we are near blackburn in the north west, the couses can be split into small 1 or two sessions for an hour or 2 and can be done on the employees site of work, the courses last for 25hrs for stage 1 and the same for stage 2.
The biccs exams are more basic couses and can at the request of the college be run along side the NVQ exams this way the staff member is certified in both.
One thing that must be remembered when taking into consideration which course to attend is that even though the biccs is the most well known, the NVQ will in the future be as popular and the number 1 choice for people looking for these type of courses.
Hope this helps, try your local college maybe they can help
regards The Solar Team