Defence Awarding Organisation
Level 3
QN: 603/0915/5
Curriculum Active
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Defence Awarding Organisation. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 1054 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
Defence Awarding Organisation
Syllabus Units
30 Units
Guided Hours
1054 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Advise on standard draughtsman tasks and capabilities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Advise on draughtsman capability.Liaise with task authority.Liaise with other trades.Advise on safe working procedures.
2
Apply principles of building technology to produce construction and engineering drawings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify building elements.
- Identify organisational design process and responsibilities.
- Apply principles of construction material technology.
- Apply principles of building technology to structural beam and column design tasks.
- Apply principles of structural finish technology to drawing tasks.
3
Carry out design analysis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Determine fire resistance design parameters.
- Determine thermal insulation design parameters.
- Determine sound insulation design parameters.
- Determine durability design parameters.
- Determine structural stability design parameters.
- Determine access and egress design parameters.
- Determine the design parameters for optimum building location and orientation.
- Determine design parameters for environmental conditions.
- Determine the parameters of ergonomic design.
- Determine the design parameters for the characteristics of construction material.
- Determine the design parameters for appropriate appearance of buildings and structures.
4
Damp proof courses and membranes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce Damp Proof Course / membrane elements drawings.
5
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce Construction Schedules
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret architectural drawings to accurately extract data for door and window schedules.
- Compile finishing schedules that detail surface treatments and materials for all building elements.
- Produce decorations schedules including paint colours, wall coverings, and application methods.
- Apply industry standards and organisational protocols when creating construction schedules.
- Verify the consistency and completeness of schedules against general arrangement drawings.
6
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce drawings of existing structures
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the suitability of surveying methods for capturing as-built data in various construction scenarios
- Apply industry drawing conventions to produce accurate plans, sections, and elevations from field measurements
- Analyse site conditions to identify critical features affecting the structural representation
- Interpret and integrate measurement data into computer-aided design (CAD) models
- Assess the accuracy of as-built drawings against specified tolerance limits and quality standards
7
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Wall design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the functional requirements of walls in military structures.
- Evaluate material choices for wall assemblies considering structural, thermal, and protective properties.
- Demonstrate accurate wall detailing through construction drawings and specifications.
- Apply relevant building regulations and military standards to wall design.
- Assess the impact of environmental factors on wall performance and durability.
8
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Foundation design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse site investigation reports to determine bearing capacity and ground conditions for foundation design.
- Design reinforced concrete pad and strip foundations to meet structural loading requirements and relevant codes.
- Produce detailed cross-section drawings showing formation levels, blinding, and damp-proofing arrangements.
- Generate reinforcement bending schedules with bar marks, shapes, and quantities from design drawings.
- Apply building regulations and military standards to foundation depth, cover, and durability requirements.
- Coordinate foundation layouts with below-ground services, access points, and tactical construction constraints.
9
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce drawings of reinforced concrete
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret structural engineers' reinforcement specifications and translate them into detailed drawings.
- Produce accurate bar bending schedules in accordance with BS 8666.
- Apply correct concrete cover and spacing details considering exposure conditions.
- Use standard hatching, symbols, and abbreviations for reinforced concrete elements.
- Coordinate reinforcement layouts with building services and architectural openings.
- Verify reinforcement detailing against structural design requirements and project specifications.
10
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce electrical and mechanical services information
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce detailed electrical services drawings from specifications, including lighting, power, and communications systems
- Develop mechanical services layouts incorporating heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and fire protection systems
- Design cold water supply and distribution schematics, including rising mains and storage
- Apply coordination techniques to integrate building services within structural and architectural constraints
- Utilise industry-standard CAD software to create layered and annotated service drawings
- Review and revise service drawings to ensure compliance with military and statutory regulations
11
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Work safely during Draughtsman tasks
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret and apply key health and safety legislation (e.g., HASAWA, COSHH) to draughting activities in military settings.
- Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for a draughting task, prioritizing hazards and control measures using a standardised matrix.
- Develop a documented safe system of work that integrates safety precautions into every step of the draughting process.
- Select, fit, and justify appropriate PPE for identified hazards in draughting environments, ensuring compliance with military standards.
- Demonstrate correct actions during simulated accident and emergency scenarios, including first aid, fire response, and incident reporting.
- Evaluate and implement safe storage solutions for materials and consumables, preventing unauthorised access and environmental damage.
- Inspect and prepare traditional draughting tools (e.g., drawing boards, set squares) to eliminate physical and ergonomic risks.
- Configure ICT draughting workstations for optimal safety, addressing electrical hazards, screen glare, and musculoskeletal strain.
12
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Use computer aided design (CAD) software
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce accurate 2D construction drawings using CAD software, demonstrating effective use of drawing and editing commands.
- Generate plots to appropriate scales and formats for technical documentation.
- Apply blocks and attributes to standardise drawing components and manage data.
- Organise drawings using layers to control visibility and properties of elements.
- Utilise inquiry and display commands to verify drawing accuracy and navigate complex models.
- Insert dimensions and annotations to clearly communicate design intent and specifications.
- Incorporate 3D views within 2D drawings to enhance visualisation of construction details.
- Diagnose and remedy common CAD operating faults to maintain project efficiency.
13
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Use Draughtsman trade equipment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify and select appropriate draughtsman trade equipment and materials for specified tasks
- Inspect and maintain draughtsman trade equipment to ensure serviceability and accuracy
- Operate manual draughting equipment to produce technical drawings
- Use measuring devices to obtain accurate dimensions for construction plans
- Operate ICT devices required for draughting tasks, including hardware setup and connectivity
- Utilise trade-specific ICT software to create, modify, and manage draughting projects
- Apply safe working practices when using trade tools and equipment, adhering to health and safety regulations
14
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Preliminary works
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the relationship between site reconnaissance data and the accuracy requirements of location drawings.
- Synthesise gathered information to produce coherent assembly drawings that reflect component interactions.
- Evaluate the suitability of annotated information for dimensional accuracy in component and assembly drawings.
- Apply appropriate scaling conventions when compiling dimensioned information for varied drawing types.
- Generate preliminary working sketches that effectively capture site and component details.
- Assess the completeness of compiled data before proceeding to final draughting activities.
15
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce drawings for operational infrastructure
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce production drawings for force protection works
- Produce general arrangement drawings for Forward Operating Bases (FOB)
- Produce general arrangement drawings for operational accommodation
- Produce general arrangement drawings for field hospital
- Produce prisoner of war camp general arrangement drawings
- Apply operational infrastructure building technology to design tasks
16
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce drawings manually
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce accurate straight and curved lines using manual drawing instruments.
- Generate two-dimensional orthographic projections from three-dimensional objects.
- Construct pictorial projections (e.g., isometric, oblique) to represent objects in 2D.
- Draw sectional views to reveal internal details of components.
- Apply manual drafting standards for lettering, symbols, and abbreviations.
- Insert dimensions and annotations according to technical drawing conventions.
- Produce freehand sketches to quickly communicate design ideas.
- Draw objects to scale using appropriate reduction or enlargement ratios, applying solid and plane geometry as needed.
17
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce technical drawings of profiles, layouts and drainage for roads
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret survey data to determine road alignment and levels.
- Produce a detailed road layout drawing showing horizontal alignment, widths, and superelevation.
- Construct a longitudinal profile showing existing and proposed ground levels.
- Design and draw cross-sections for a road, including pavement layers and drainage features.
- Produce a drainage layout drawing indicating gullies, pipes, and outfalls.
- Apply standard conventions and symbols in road and drainage drawings.
- Check drawings for accuracy and compliance with specifications.
18
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Sanitary Fittings and Pipework
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Draw sanitary components accurately to scale
- Produce production drawings for sanitary systems
- Apply relevant British Standards to sanitary drawings
- Interpret architectural and engineering information for sanitary design
- Communicate design intent through annotated drawings
19
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Floor design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret building technology principles to specify appropriate floor construction types for given scenarios.
- Develop detailed floor layout drawings that incorporate structural elements, finishes, and services.
- Apply appropriate detailing techniques to resolve interfaces between floor components and adjacent building elements.
- Evaluate compliance of floor designs with relevant building regulations and military engineering standards.
- Produce annotated floor sections that clearly communicate material layers, dimensions, and installation sequence.
20
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Produce graphical presentation products
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Use graphical presentation software to produce presentations.Produce presentation diagrams using computer aided design.
21
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Plan a standard Draughting task
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse briefing documents and verbal instructions to define the exact scope and constraints of a draughting task.
- Synthesise information from multiple technical drawings, specifications, and sketches to resolve inconsistencies and ensure coherent understanding.
- Apply geometric, trigonometric, and scale conversion methods to perform accurate task-related calculations.
- Develop a comprehensive technical plan that sequences activities, estimates durations, and allocates personnel and material resources.
- Evaluate the feasibility of a draughting task by considering technical standards, available resources, and operational timelines.
- Communicate a complete task solution to a task authority using clear, concise, and professionally formatted documentation appropriate to military engineering contexts.
22
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Finishes, Fixtures and Fittings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply the design process to fixtures and fittings for draughtsman tasks.
- Draw finishes, fixtures, and fittings to industry standards.
- Interpret specifications for finishes, fixtures, and fittings.
- Produce detailed drawings that integrate with overall construction plans.
- Ensure drawings comply with relevant safety and regulatory requirements.
23
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Design and produce working drawing packages for single storey buildings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Design working drawings for single storey buildings that comply with relevant standards and project specifications.
- Produce a complete working drawing package including plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.
- Calculate quantities of construction materials for single storey building projects using appropriate methods.
- Interpret architectural and engineering information to inform drawing production.
- Apply building regulations and industry conventions to working drawings.
- Communicate design information effectively through drawings and schedules.
24
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Design layouts and produce working drawings for single building drainage systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce working drawings for drainage systems for single buildings.
- Interpret relevant building regulations and standards for drainage design.
- Select appropriate drainage system components for a given scenario.
- Apply correct symbols and notation in drainage drawings.
- Coordinate drainage layouts with other building services.
25
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Damp proof courses and membranes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret design specifications to determine DPC/membrane requirements
- Select appropriate DPC/membrane types based on construction context
- Produce detailed DPC/membrane element drawings using correct conventions
- Apply relevant building regulations and standards to DPC detailing
- Communicate DPC/membrane design intent clearly through drawings
26
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Door and Window design & detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to window design tasks.Apply building technology to door design tasks.Produce window drawings.Produce door drawings.
27
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Supervise and mentor draughtsman personnel
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate different supervisory styles and their impact on team performance.
- Apply mentoring techniques to support the professional development of draughtsman personnel.
- Coordinate team activities and allocate tasks effectively within an office environment.
- Communicate technical information clearly to team members and stakeholders.
- Monitor and review work quality against project specifications and standards.
- Implement health and safety procedures in the supervision of draughting tasks.
- Resolve conflicts and address performance issues within the team.
- Reflect on own supervisory practice and identify areas for improvement.
28
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Structural Steel Detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret structural engineers' general arrangement drawings and design specifications for steel structures
- Produce detailed fabrication drawings with accurate dimensions, welding symbols, and bolt schedules
- Create erection drawings showing assembly sequences, temporary works, and safety requirements
- Apply relevant British, European, and military standards (e.g., BS EN 1993, Defence Estates specifications)
- Calculate and verify material take-offs and bolt quantities from detailed drawings
29
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Stair design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret relevant building regulations for stair design
- Calculate rise, going, and pitch to ensure ergonomic compliance
- Specify appropriate materials and fixings for stair construction
- Produce scale drawings including plans, sections, and details
- Design balustrades and handrails in accordance with safety standards
30
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Fire protection detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce details for fire protective measures and materials within construction drawings.
31
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Roof design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to traditional roof design tasks.Produce roof drawings.
32
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Advise on standard draughtsman tasks and capabilities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Advise on draughtsman capability.Liaise with task authority.Liaise with other trades.Advise on safe working procedures.
33
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Carry out design analysis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Determine fire resistance design parameters.Determine thermal insulation design parameters.Determine sound insulation design parameters.Determine durability design parameters.Determine structural stability design parameters.Determine access and egress design parameters.Determine the design parameters for optimum building location and orientation.Determine design parameters for environmental conditions.Determine the parameters of ergonomic design.Determine the design parameters for the characteristics of construction material.Determine the design parameters for appropriate appearance of buildings and structures.
34
DAO Level 3 Diploma for Construction Draughtsman (Military Engineering)
Apply principles of building technology to produce construction and engineering drawings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify building elements.Identify organisational design process and responsibilities.Apply principles of construction material technology.Apply principles of building technology to structural beam and column design tasks.Apply principles of structural finish technology to drawing tasks.
35
Design and produce working drawing packages for single storey buildings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Design and produce working drawing packages for single storey buildings.
- Calculate quantities of construction materials for single storey building projects.
36
Design layouts and produce working drawings for single building drainage systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce working drawings for drainage systems for single buildings.
37
Door and Window design & detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to window design tasks.
- Apply building technology to door design tasks.
- Produce window drawings.
- Produce door drawings.
38
Finishes, Fixtures and Fittings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply design process to fixtures and fittings for draughtsman tasks.Draw Finishes, Fixtures and Fittings.
39
Fire protection detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce details for fire protective measures and materials within construction drawings.
40
Floor design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to floor design tasks.
- Produce floor drawings.
41
Foundation design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to foundation design tasks.
- Produce foundation drawings.
42
Plan a standard Draughting task
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Establish task requirement from briefings.
- Interpret information from technical drawings.
- Interpret specifications.
- Interpret free hand sketches.
- Carry out task related calculations.
- Determine task resources.
- Produce a technical plan for the task.
- Communicate task solution to task authority.
43
Preliminary works
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Compile information to produce location drawings.Compile information required to produce component drawings.Compile information required to produce assembly drawings.Compile information to accurately dimension drawings.Compile information to accurately scale drawings.Compile information to produce working sketches.
- Identify annotated information.Conduct site reconnaissance to produce drawing task.
44
Produce drawings for operational infrastructure
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce production drawings for force protection works.
- Produce general arrangement drawings for Forward Operating Bases (FOB).
- Produce general arrangement drawings for operational accommodation.
- Produce general arrangement drawings for field hospital.
- Produce prisoner of war camp general arrangement drawings.
- Apply operational infrastructure building technology to design tasks.
45
Produce Construction Schedules
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce door schedules.
- Produce windows schedules.
- Produce finishing schedules.
- Produce decorations schedules.
46
Produce drawings manually
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Draw lines.Draw two dimensional (2D) representations of three dimensional (3D) objects.
- Produce drawings using pictorial projections.Draw sectional views.Draught lettering.Draw symbols.
- Use Drafting abbreviations.Insert dimensions into drawings.
- Produce sketches.Draw objects using solid geometry.Draw objects using plane geometry.Draw to scale.Draw Cut views.
47
Produce drawings of existing structures
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce drawings of as-built or existing structures.
48
Produce drawings of reinforced concrete
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce construction drawings of reinforced concrete (RC) elements.
49
Produce electrical and mechanical services information
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce drawings of electrical services.
- Produce drawings of mechanical services.
- Produce cold water system drawings.
- Integrate electrical and mechanical services into working drawings.
50
Produce graphical presentation products
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Use graphical presentation software to produce presentations.
- Produce presentation diagrams using computer aided design.
51
Produce technical drawings of profiles, layouts and drainage for roads
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Draw road layout and profiles.
- Produce road drainage technical drawings.
52
Roof design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to traditional roof design tasks.
- Produce roof drawings.
53
Sanitary Fittings and Pipework
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Draw sanitary components.
- Produce production drawings for sanitary systems.
54
Stair design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to stair design tasks.
- Produce stair drawings.
55
Structural Steel Detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce construction drawings for structural steel
56
Supervise and mentor draughtsman personnel
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to supervise trade task.Mentor trade personnel .
- Carry out team / office role.
57
Use computer aided design (CAD) software
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Use 2 dimensional (2D) CAD system.Generate plots.
- Use Blocks and Attributes within CAD drawings.
- Use Layers within drawings.
- Use Inquiry commands.
- Use Editing commands.
- Use Display commands.Insert dimensions to drawings.
- Produce drawn elements using CAD.Incorporate 3D views within a drawing.
- Create CAD construction drawings.Remedy CAD operating faults.
58
Use Draughtsman trade equipment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify draughtsman trade equipment and materials for task.Inspect draughtsman trade equipment and materials.
- Use manual draughting equipment.
- Use measuring devices.
- Use ICT devices.Utilise trade ICT software.Working safely with trade tools/equipment.
59
Wall design and detailing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply building technology to wall design tasks.
- Produce wall drawings.
60
Work safely during Draughtsman tasks
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret current health and safety legislation relating to trade.
- Determine a safe system of work.
- Carry out risk assessment for task.
- Prepare a safe working environment for the task.
- Determine correct personal protective equipment for task.
- Comply with accident and emergency procedures.
- Determine safe storage requirements for task materials and consumables.
- Prepare trade equipment for task.
- Prepare the use of ICT draughting equipment safely.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/0915/5
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Defence Awarding Organisation
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Jan 2017
- Operational End
- Jun 2026