NEBOSH Diploma vs Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice

Health & Safety

NEBOSH Diploma vs Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice

There are a number of routes to consider when you’re looking to develop your managerial career in health and safety including the NEBOSH Diploma and the Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational health and safety Practice.

Both of these courses are aimed at health & safety practitioners who have overall responsibility or involvement in the management of occupational health and safety within the workplace.

One of the most common questions we’re asked at CADUK is: “is the NVQ right for me, or should I look at the NEBOSH Diploma?”.

So, what’s the difference?
  • The NEBOSH National Diploma course is suitable for those that want to become a health and safety practitioner through a programme of learning. The course is typically delivered via the traditional classroom-based route with a combined total of 35 days classroom study and approximately 234 hours of private study and background reading, taken at a pace to suit up to a maximum of 5 years.

There are no formal entry requirements, however it is recommended that candidates complete the NEBOSH General Certificate prior to undertaking this qualification.

On completion, candidates can apply for GradIOSH (which can ultimately lead to CMIOSH).

Unlike the NEBOSH Diploma, the NVQ isn’t about exams, it’s about recognising the skills, knowledge and experience that a health and safety manager has developed, over time, in a real working environment.

Again there are no entry requirements, however (prior to enrolment) candidates will need to prove to one of our assessors that they have the experience required to be successful on the qualification.

We provide support for a period of 12 months, however experienced, confident health and safety managers can achieve this qualification within 1-3 months depending on their level of commitment to the programme.

On completion, candidates can apply for GradIOSH (which can ultimately lead to CMIOSH). Construction-based candidates also have access to the Black CSCS card and Membership of The Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).

In summary – which option describes you?
  • Option 1: I’m not working in a senior/managerial health and safety role at the moment, but I’d like to

In this case, the NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals will be the best choice for you.

The resulting qualification will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to perform as a leading health and safety professional of the future. You will gain confidence in your capabilities to recognise and solve everyday health and safety issues and take opportunities for improvement.

Further information can be found here, or you can find a training provider that offers the NEBOSH Diploma here.

  • Option 2: I’m already working working in a senior/managerial health and safety role

If you’re already working in a senior health and safety role and have the evidence to prove it (evidence will include items such as health and safety audits, action plans, health and safety policy, accident reporting procedure, meeting minutes, emails, safety notices, photographs, videos, witness testimony etc) you will likely have access to the Level 6 NVQ (competence-based assessment) which we offer here at CADUK.

To take the process forward you just need to click here and download our initial profile tool questionnaire and return the completed form back to us with a copy of your CV, then one of our specialist health and safety assessors will contact you for a brief telephone profiling session (to make 100% that the NVQ is achievable). Once our assessor has given the approval for you to enrol, you can start the process at any time. 

For more information on the Level 6 NVQ please Click here to download the brochure or visit the Level 6 NVQ page on our website.

Alternatively feel free to also give us a call on 01952 287 366 and we’ll be happy to help!

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