Posted By Kieran J Duignan Whether the NEBOSH diploma is worth the paper it's written on, depends on what you want to achieve. I don't have it but achieved RSP status on the basis of other qualifications and experience that assessors rated good enough. My observations of highly effective safety professionals is that they combine sound technical understanding with first class diplomatic, political and other social skills. Some of them demonstrated these skills in their communications with 'annoying' and other kinds of tutors as well as those they perceived as heckling and patronising. They also demonstrated care about what they intended to achieve in the manner in which they voiced questions and comments. On this webite and elsewhere.

Posted By Bev Mark, In my experience, there are two sorts of people who put themselves forward for extra training. There are those who do it to gain extra knowledge in their chosen subject, thus making them more effective in their job. The qualification gained from this just serves to show others their ability to study and learn and also goes some way to show their depth of understanding of the subject. Then there are the ones who do a course just to gain the qualification. These I liken to boy scouts collecting badges on their sleeves. They often do the minimum required to sit and pass an exam, then they seldom put what they have learned into practice and do not serve any useful purpose from having gained the qualification, other than to look good on a CV. I wouldn't dare to presume which camp you fall into - this is for you to decide. Armed with this, pick the course that will give you your desired outcome.

Posted By Andrew Cartridge Is this a "windup" ? Andy

Posted By Adam Jackson At the risk of falling for a wind-up... I did my Diploma with the University of Portsmouth. They sent the (very large) pack and then I was on my own - you set your own timetable, no coursework and no contact with a tutor. (I think tutor contact was there if I needed it, I just never contacted them). When you're ready you can sit your exams anywhere - I did mine with UGCS (now CHSS) and turned up for just the exam days. Distance learning has its advantages and disadvantages. Its easy to keep putting doing anything off as there's nobody chasing you, then again, you can fit it around your work and social life much more easily.

Posted By Keith Archer. Mark, Unfortunatly Mystic Meg sends out a word of caution and gives out the words "corporate" "man" and "slaughter" could be heading your way, heed her words as she is never wrong (she once told me I would win the lottery and i did win a tenner). The diploma can be done by distance learning and I sincerely hope you go for it and obtain the diploma. Have you thought of doing the NVQ4 route.

Posted By Tom Clark I think we could do with a speil cheeker on this site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Sheila Godfrey I was interested from a specialist group meeting yesterday is that the new IPD requirement is for core skills which apparently NEBOSH do not cover in their syllabus. The new skills are based on NVQ Level 4 H&S Practioner. If this is the case is the NVQ route not the better option?

Posted By AGT Mark I am surprised with you are you going soft in your old age ! I have come to expect much more controversial postings than this. Come back the old Mark you were much more fun. PS Its good to see you have finally come round to the idea that actually learning about this subject might be of some benefit to you. Alan

Posted By Mike Craven Since first registering about 18 months ago, I have made a number of contributions to this site. Although I have submitted the odd frivolous comment - always with good humour intended - I believe that I have provided some valuable input and have assisted a large number of people by responding to requests for info, etc. In return, I have been pleased to accept advice and assist from fellow professionals. However, if the moderators see fit to threaten those contributors who provide certain "contributors" with the responses they deserve to the wind-ups, provocative statements and tedious postings they chose to waste our time with, then I for one won't be making any further contributions Mike

Posted By MarkSMark Thank you for responses. Is there anywhere I can pay to just do the exam- without course notes? Also is anyone willing to sell me their course notes for about £200 or best offer? Thanks Marky