A comparison of the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Professionals and the ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice.
RRC International have just launched the ProQual qualification so I thought this was an opportune moment for a comparison of these two qualifications. Can I say, they are distinctly different and yet very similar (new to blog writing so I hope I can make sense of that statement!!).
The NEBOSH Dip has been around in various forms for many years and NVQs have been around since 1987 – this is my way of saying ‘many years’. The first point I can make, therefore, is both these qualifications have a very serious pedigree and are well recognised by the health and safety industry. Both provide routes to the highest standards of membership at IOSH (The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) and other very excellent safety bodies.
Learning Hours
The Guided Learning Hours (or taught hours+ self-study+ assessment hours for NEBOSH) are 532 hours for the ProQual qualification and 415 hours for the NEBOSH National Diploma qualification (409 hours for NEBOSH International Diploma). This is more than 100 hours extra for ProQual but, (when I teach Health and Safety, I always say it’s what comes after the ‘but’ that’s important for example- I want the job done safely but it must be completed this week), the ProQual qualification is competency based. This means you are actively involved in the workplace and provide evidence of a range of activities to progress through the qualification.
To achieve the NEBOSH National qualification you need to have 415 hours (409 hours for NEBOSH International Diploma) where you can study a formal syllabus, as well as carry out the duties of your day job. The ProQual qualification is 532 hours of your time applied to health and safety topics – so it’s part of your day job.
Difference in qualification
The NEBOSH qualification is an academic achievement. You do not need any prior experience of health and safety. You do not need to be working in a health and safety role. While I would not recommend anyone starts learning about health and safety at a diploma level, which is typically equivalent to the final year of university, it can be done. The ProQual NVQ is based on practical experience. The qualification does not involve traditional exams or classroom attendance; progress is principally made through the completion of tasks, submission of evidence from your work experience and reflections on your professional practice. This does mean that you must be working in a role where health and safety is a key function of your duties. You will need to show evidence of how you influence health and safety in your organisation.
Time frame
I meet a lot of students who have the ambition of completing a NEBOSH diploma within a one-year time frame. It is possible to achieve this, but you do need to be totally dedicated to the academic requirements (reading and absorbing knowledge) as well as having the time to attend the taught (classroom) hours. Oh, and you must pass the exam as well. The ProQual qualification can more realistically be achieved within a year. This would require dedication on a similar level of commitment to NEBOSH, but, (remember my comments on ‘but’) you will almost certainly be doing tasks that make your workplace a safer environment. Your boss is likely to recognise this too. For those who are highly dedicated an even shorter timetable is possible.
Final Note
An NVQ may not be suitable for you. It is also true to say that many people find academia lacks appeal. This means there’s a choice to be made. Considering the differences in these two qualifications, they both offer a real opportunity to work in health and safety at the very highest level of responsibilities and rewards.
RRC have given the most serious consideration to how candidates can be supported through their ProQual journey. Registration on the ProQual diploma gives you access to a range of supporting materials and access to a highly skilled, highly qualified (OK, I will stop here) assessor to keep you on track.
Kevin Coley MSc, BA(Hons), Dip Nebosh, Dip ENV Nebosh, CMIOSH
RRC Lead Tutor