NVQ vs Diploma 

June 2011 - Patrick Frayne, Director, SHEilds Ltd

Patrick began by explaining that NVQ is a more practical based qualification compared to the Diploma (such as available from NEBOSH) which is more academic. He then outlined the merits of each route to obtaining a professional qualification. The talk was interactive with lots of questions and opinions from the audience based on their experience of persons and working with persons having each qualification and also whether one qualification was more valued than another. What was clear is that whichever route is used to become a safety professional then the key is to be a member of IOSH as it is the institute which is know around the world and accepted as a professional organisation. Similarly for those with international aspirations and career paths then the NEBOSH name is also known internationally as a body whose qualifications deserve merit. Unfortunately the NVQ qualification is a UK based qualification and is only recognised in the UK.

In terms of time and effort the NEBOSH Diploma takes approximately 250 hours study time and 250 hours work time including assignments and is followed by 3 X 3 hour exams. In contrast the NVQ candidate has up to 2 years to complete the necessary competence and documentation. Typically the NVQ level 6 is equivalent to the NEBOSH Health & Safety Diploma.

For those considering either route then there is no prerequisite qualifications but NEBOSH certificate is recommended for the Diploma route and NVQ level 3 for this route.

Patrick explained that there are many training providers out there and that SHEilds provide a range of accredited training courses from awarding bodies including NEBOSH, IOSH, OCR and City & Guilds, beginning at foundation level through to advanced. Also most training providers ask more for the diploma courses than the equivalent qualification based on the NVQ program which is a factor which may influence organisations if not individuals.

At the end of the talk there was a lively debate on the merits of academic qualifications as opposed to the practical skills to apply the academic knowledge and which type of person is best suited to becoming a Safety professional. One thing we all agreed upon was that anyone involved in safety needs to be competent and CPD demonstrates this competence.

The evening ended with the audience showing their appreciation to Patrick for presenting for 1.5 hours without any slides. View an overview of the differences between NVQ and Diploma.

Thanks for all those who attend this session and we hope to see you on 8th August 2011 for the “Integrating management systems for a sustainable business” by John Harvey of ITT Flow Control.

Philip Gallimore

Media Officer