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NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Diploma Level 5 in Occupational Health and Safety?

Posted On : Dec-19-2011 | seen (1936) times | Article Word Count : 475 |

Article looking at the differences between the NEBOSH Diploma and the NVQ Diploma Level 5 in Occupational Health and Safety qualifications.
For those wishing to acquire an extensive knowledge of health and safety, one of the most frequent questions asked is which professional health and safety qualification is the best - mostly between the NEBOSH Diploma and the NVQ Diploma Level 5 in Occupational Health and Safety Practice (formerly the NVQ Level 4).

Firstly, it is worth pointing out that these are not the only options. IOSH maintain a list of qualifications they consider suitable for Graduate Membership which is well worth giving full consideration towards. Many universities now offer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in health and safety.

However, the big two players still remain the NEBOSH Diploma and NVQ Level 5 Diploma.

So, is one better than the other?

Short answer: no. A lot of health and safety practitioners have a preference towards one or the other, and they usually prefer to recommend the route they themselves undertook. But the reality is no one is better than the other. The difference is all about the learning process.

The NEBOSH Diploma is an excellent qualification for those wanting to learn - it relies on the traditional method of teaching the student and then testing that the knowledge is understood through exams. Therefore the NEBOSH Diploma is great for those wanting to learn - maybe a new practitioner wanting that knowledge for the first time, or an experienced practitioner wanting to top up or refresh their knowledge whilst obtaining the qualification to enhance their career.

The NVQ Diploma Level 5 is specifically designed for those who are already in a health and safety practitioner role and who have already achieved a high degree of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. It relies on the student proving their competence through the submission of high quality evidence. The current standards expect that the student has an autonomous role for managing health and safety in an organisation with complex risks.

Whichever route is best for a student is very much an individual choice as to what they want to get out of the qualification. Contrary to popular myth no one is easier then the other - the NEBOSH Diploma has some tough exams that require hard work to pass, whilst the NVQ Diploma Level 5 expects you to be able to present a good selection of high quality evidence showing an equal amount of knowledge. Likewise no one is quicker than the other, as it all depends on where you are in your career and how much time you can commit to study.

For those considering either of these courses, careful research into each one is extremely important. Make a considered decision as to which is going to give you the most valuable learning experience. It's not just about the end result, but also what you learn and experience on the way there.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Diploma Level 5 in Occupational Health and Safety?_121263.aspx

Author Resource :
ATC Risk Management Ltd offer accredited health and safety training courses including the NEBOSH Diploma and the NVQ Diploma Level 5 in Occupational Health and Safety, as well as health and safely consultancy services.

Keywords : nebosh diploma, health and safety, nvq diploma level 5 in occupational health and safety practice, nvq, consultancy,

Category : Reference and Education : Adult

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