NEBOSH Diploma vs NVQ Level 6 - Which is Better?
Which is better?
NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals or the NVQ Level 6 in Occupational Health & Safety Practice – which is better? Ultimately, there is no one answer to this question as the best route for you depends on your personal circumstances. Here are some things to keep in mind.
What do employers prefer?
NEBOSH courses are generally viewed as more prestigious, with the awarding body holding much weight and credibility. However, different employers may place different value on each qualification, and what is valued more highly by one employer may not be seen as important for another employer.
Exams and Learning Style
Whilst NEBOSH has an open book exam style these days, the NEBOSH marking scheme is still rigorous and without the correct exam technique, knowledge and experience alone are not enough to enable you to pass the assessments.
On the other hand, completing an NVQ does not involve undertaking any exams. NVQs involve collating evidence to build a portfolio that demonstrates your competence. It also involves submitting answers to questions, either in a written format or by means of a professional discussion.
NEBOSH courses are taught through classroom courses, online remote courses, or self paced eLearning, making them ideal for academically inclined learners. NVQs can be completed remotely with Compass, and in your own time, making them ideal for busy professionals who may not be able to dedicate as much time in a classroom environment.
Recognition With Professional Bodies
After completing the NEBOSH Diploma, you could obtain professional recognition with professional bodies such as IOSH, BCSP and IIRSM. With the NVQ Level 6, you could also apply for membership with IOSH. For those in construction, you could also be eligible to apply for a relevant CSCS card, and it can also be used towards MCIOB applications.
Amount of Time Needed to Complete
Depending on your learning method, a NEBOSH course typically involves 415 total qualification time, including assessments, which can only be taken at certain times of year. At Compass we typically organise our classroom courses to run over the duration of a year to fit in with these assessment dates.
On the other hand, NVQs can be started at any time and you determine the speed you complete at. Once you have completed your portfolio, your assessor will review your work and will then be passed to an internal quality auditor to review. In some cases, an external quality auditor may also review your work. Once all auditors are happy, your training provider can then claim for your certificate.
