The decision to study for a high-level health and safety qualification can be a daunting one – but it’s also an investment in yourself, your career, and your future. One of the most popular options for those who may have already achieved a certificate-level qualification or similar, is a Level 6 Diploma. Achieving a Level 6 Diploma is equivalent to achieving a bachelor’s degree, and it can open doors across the health and safety industry, from working abroad to applying for a Master’s degree.

Therefore, it’s important to choose the path that works best for you. The two most prominent qualifications are:

• NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals
• NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice

Both of these qualifications are highly respected paths to senior health and safety positions, but which one is right for you? Read on to find out the difference between the two advanced qualifications.

What is the NEBOSH Diploma?

NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety) is a globally recognised provider of health and safety qualifications. Tens of thousands of people from more than 150 countries study for a NEBOSH qualification every year, and they have an expansive Alumni network. If you’re considering studying for a diploma, then you might already have achieved a NEBOSH Certificate. The NEBOSH Diploma is often seen as the natural next step.

Similarly to many of the NEBOSH Certificate qualifications, there are two versions of the qualification available – National and International. The main difference between these two versions of the qualification are the health and safety laws and standards that are included in the syllabus.

The National version of the Diploma is written with UK legislation in mind and is recommended for those who will be working in the UK. For those who will be working outside of the UK, the International version of the course refers to a range of global standards and best practices used by international safety organisations such as the ILO (International Labour Organisation) and ISO (International Standards Organisation). Both versions are assessed in the same way.

The Diploma is comprised of three units, with each one being assessed individually. They can be studied in any order but you must pass all three to achieve your Diploma.

 

Who is it designed for?

The NEBOSH Diploma is designed for those who are seeking to build a long-term career in health and safety or want to pursue further education in the form of a Master’s degree.
If you prefer a traditional classroom-based method of learning, then the NEBOSH Diploma is the ideal option over the NVQ, which is more based in practical work-based learning.

 

What is an NVQ Diploma in Health and Safety?

The City and Guilds NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice is a bachelor’s degree level qualification for those who are already working in a health and safety role.

NVQ’s are a way of formally recognising the skills and knowledge needed for a person to do their job. There is no taught element to the course, or formal examinations. Candidates put together an online portfolio containing evidence of workplace-based tasks and activities carried out in their day-to-day job that meet a set of qualification criteria. You cannot ‘fail’ an assessment task, if evidence does not fully meet requirements, then you can simply adapt your work and resubmit until it demonstrates what is needed.

Each learner is assigned a tutor – the tutor will have access to their online portfolio, and will carry out their induction over video call, provide regular support sessions, and assess the work that is submitted.

 

Who is it designed for?

This NVQ Diploma is ideal for those who already hold or will hold an independent role in managing health and safety policies and practices, often with direct reporting responsibilities or as part of the senior management team. It’s appropriate for all industries and sectors and especially those who don’t have the time or wish to attend a classroom-based course or take examinations.

 

Which Diploma course is right for me?

To main differences between the two qualifications is the method of delivery and the assessment – it depends on whether you are looking for an academic or a practical approach to your learning.

• If you are already working full time in an established health and safety role and are looking for a way to formalise your skills without taking time away from work, then the NVQ is the ideal route.
• If you have already achieved a Level 3 qualification such as the NEBOSH General Certificate and want to increase your knowledge by studying a more advanced qualification, with a defined structure and assessment process, then the NEBOSH Diploma is the route that may work best.

Your choice may also be dependent on price. To study the NEBOSH National Diploma with ACT costs £6534 + VAT for the classroom option, and £2184 + VAT for the blended learning option. It costs £1950 + VAT to study for the NVQ with ACT. Flexible payment options are available for both courses when you study with ACT, including through Klarna.

If you’ve recently left the UK Armed Forces, you may be entitled to ELCAS credits to help you retrain. Find out more about eligibility at the ELCAS website.
Read ACT’s Blog – What is the ELCAS Scheme for UK Armed Forces?

Both courses allow completed learners to apply for Certified Membership of IOSH, as long as they meet the relevant requirements.

Find out more

Read our interviews with real ACT students to find out more about their experiences:

Case Study: Ryan Ramsden, Level 6 NVQ

Case Study: Adam Thorpe, NEBOSH Diploma

To find out more about which Level 6 Diploma is right for your career development journey, speak to one of our Customer Advisors today:
EMAIL: actsales@actassociates.co.uk
PHONE: 01384 447915