In order to progress from a CPCS Red Card to a CPCS Blue card, you must complete an NVQ Level 2.

Under current CPCS scheme rules; you cannot progress to a Blue card without this.
 

Therefore, the NVQ is compulsory to keep your CPCS card for a given category.
which should be completed before your red card expires.

If your red card has expired in the last 12 months, you can get a 12 month extension once you register for an NVQ.

If your Red card has expired over 12 months ago, you will require to complete both the NVQ and the Technical Test for each category.