The NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is a work-based qualification designed for health and safety professionals who want to demonstrate their skills and progress in their careers.
The diploma is aimed at people who are responsible for managing workplace health and safety. It provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and competencies the field requires.
In this post, we cover the essential information you need to know about this qualification.
What is the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
The NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is a nationally recognised qualification that reflects the responsibilities of people who oversee health and safety in an organisation. As a Level 6 qualification, it is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. As such, it is highly valued across various industries where health and safety management is essential.
Unlike traditional qualifications, the NVQ Level 6 is assessed through practical, real-world experience. There are no formal exams, so it is a great choice for professionals who already work in health and safety roles.
Who is the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety For?
The qualification is a good fit for people who already have health and safety responsibilities within their organisation. These people include:
- Health and safety managers.
- Health and safety advisors.
- Compliance managers.
- Risk assessors.
- Senior health and safety consultants.
It is particularly beneficial for professionals in sectors with stringent safety regulations. These include construction, manufacturing, engineering, and oil and gas. It is useful for candidates to have a few years of experience in a health and safety role in order to meet the qualification’s requirements.
If you’re considering a career in health and safety and would like some advice, please read our informative article How to Start a Career in Health and Safety, and feel free to get in touch if you would like any advice.
What Does the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Involve?
The NVQ Level 6 Diploma focuses on the development of practical skills through a portfolio of evidence collected in the workplace. Candidates will work through units covering a wide range of topics that are central to health and safety management.
The following table gives an overview of these key areas:
| Unit Number | Title | Level | Recommended Learning Hours |
| Unit 1 | Promote a positive health and safety culture | Level 5 | 27 |
| Unit 2 | Develop and implement the health and safety policy | Level 6 | 74 |
| Unit 3 | Develop and implement effective communication systems for health and safety information | Level 5 | 40 |
| Unit 4 | Develop and implement individual and organisational competence in health and safety matters | Level 5 | 49 |
| Unit 5 | Identify, assess and control health and safety risks | Level 6 | 73 |
| Unit 6 | Develop and implement proactive monitoring systems for health and safety | Level 6 | 52 |
| Unit 7 | Develop and implement reactive monitoring systems for health and safety | Level 6 | 74 |
| Unit 8 | Develop and implement health and safety emergency response systems and procedures | Level 6 | 46 |
| Unit 9 | Develop and implement health and safety review systems | Level 6 | 46 |
| Unit 10 | Maintain knowledge of improvements to influence health and safety practice | Level 5 | 51 |
These units will provide a comprehensive foundation in health and safety management. Covering areas like risk assessment and policy development to monitoring and incident response, candidates will get a thorough understanding of their key responsibilities.
How is the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Assessed?
The NVQ Level 6 is entirely assessed through work-based evidence. Candidates must put together a portfolio that shows their competence in health and safety practices covering all the units listed in the previous sections.
Here’s an overview of how the assessment process works:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Candidates compile documents like risk assessments, incident reports, policy documents and records of safety meetings to show their expertise
- Direct Observation: Assessors may sometimes visit the workplace to observe the candidate directly, evaluating their competence in real-world scenarios
- Professional Discussions: Candidates may take part in discussions with assessors regarding aspects of their experience and responsibilities.
Since no exams take place, the focus is entirely on demonstrating practical skills via evidence from daily work. By assessing the qualification in this way, candidates can learn at their own speed and complete the diploma whilst still working full-time.
What Are the Benefits of Completing the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
By completing the NVQ Level 6 Diploma, health and safety professionals can experience the following benefits:
- Career Progression: This diploma equips professionals for senior health and safety roles like health and safety manager or compliance director.
- Chartered Membership With IOSH: As a graduate of the NVQ Level 6 Diploma, you can apply for Graduate Membership (GradIOSH) with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This can lead to chartered membership after further professional development.
- Professional Recognition: A Level 6 qualification is widely recognised as a highly credible professional certification, so employers and clients will see that you possess health and safety expertise.
- Enhanced Skillset: You will gain a well-rounded knowledge of health and safety, giving you the skills to develop policies, lead risk management initiatives and influence organisational culture.
- Flexible Learning: With its work-based assessment style, the NVQ Level 6 can be completed at the candidate’s own pace whilst they are still in full-time employment.
How Does the NVQ Level 6 Diploma Differ from the NEBOSH Certificate?
Both the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and the NEBOSH Diploma are recognised qualifications in health and safety management. But there are some key distinctions:
- NVQ Level 6: This vocational, work-based qualification is assessed through evidence of practical experience.
- NEBOSH Diploma: This is a more academic qualification, assessed through written assignments and formal exams. It requires a more theoretical understanding of health and safety.
Ultimately, you will need to decide which style of learning and assessment is a better fit for you. You can learn more about the differences between the two qualifications in our informative article NVQ Level 6 vs NEBOSH Diploma -Which Course Should I Choose?
What Type of CSCS Card Will You Qualify for Upon Completion?
Once you have successfully completed the NVQ Level 6 Diploma, you will be eligible to apply for the Black CSCS Card, known as the Manager’s Card. This is recognised throughout the UK as a standard for management competence in health and safety. It will help you meet the criteria to work in senior health and safety roles on construction sites and other high-risk environments.
Holders of the Black CSCS card have the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to manage health and safety strategy. This is a key requirement of most leadership roles in construction and other industries.
You can learn more about CSCS cards in our helpful article CSCS Cards - Everything You Need to Know.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the NVQ Level 6 Diploma?
The time it takes to complete the NVQ Level 6 Diploma varies. The candidate’s experience, workload, and speed will all be key variables. For most professionals, it takes between 12 and 24 months to complete the qualification, but it is possible to complete it quicker if you are able to gather the evidence quickly.
The flexible nature of the diploma means candidates can progress at their own pace. This makes it a good fit for people who are balancing work with study.
Is There Funding Available for the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
If you are employed by a CITB-registered company, or another organisation that supports employee development, there may be funding options available. Some training providers also offer payment plans, so candidates can spread the cost over several months.
Employers may also provide financial support to employees who pursue the diploma. This is because the qualification enhances a company’s compliance with health and safety standards.
If you would like advice on funding options for your NVQ qualification please feel free to get in touch.
Why choose PIP Services for your NVQ training and certification?
We’re a ProQual approved NVQ centre as well as an accredited CITB training provider. We specialise in delivering NVQ training as well as a wide range of other health and safety training training such as NEBOSH. We offer NVQs from Level 1 to Level 7.
Since launching in 2005 we have rapidly progressed with thousands of clients coming through our training centre in the heart of Dagenham each year, as well as providing online options where available. We have helped countless people advance their career in construction and hope to do the same for you.
If you would like to speak to us about your NVQ training needs, please get in touch using the button below.
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“Really happy with PIP Services, I am currently doing a Health & Safety NVQ Level 6 with them. Ricky, Harry and the team are great, they are so supportive and helpful. I have previously undertaken NEBOSH & other H&S courses with them and find them consistently professional and efficient, I strongly recommend them.”
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"As military personnel with a high work load and traveling, with not much time on my hands I found PIP services with: Ricky, Harry and Jack where amazing they got me through my level 4 facilities management, Nebosh, and level 6 in occupational health and safety practices. I couldn't ask for more support and guidance as I've been out of education for 13 years. They are very professional and I highly recommend for anyone looking for further education and training and I have recommended this company to many military leavers looking for a new path in the civilian world."
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