Q. With the myriad of academic qualifications available, why are you limiting yourself to a NEBOSH course? Think NVQ; university courses e.g. Degree; Post-Grad; MSc etc; distance learning; open university…. the list goes on and on! Worth noting that if you contact IOSH they can provided a comprehensive list of providers of recognised courses. Good Luck! Feel free to PM me if you need more advice/help.

Putting aside the cost issue. Yes there are other ways other than NEBOSH Diplomas such as NVQ other Diplomas etc BUT. Take a gander at the back pages of SHP. There is one common thread NEBOSH, NEBOSH and NEBOSH. It’s your money you decide, but for me that NEBOSH logo “currently” carries more weight than many others. When it’s a toss up between you with Dip-NEBOSH and the other geezer with Dip-outer Mongolia, who will the employer often go for? I can almost hear the tutting around the UK now because yes in a real and fair world it would not happen. But we don’t live in a real and fair world. At the end of the day NEBOSH is the recognised brand, it has the Kudos. That is why I did my H/S dip with NEBOSH. And then; I did my EM Dip with the British Safety Council. Why? Because it was more acceptable to IEMA without me having to sit an entrance exam. There is one provider that stands out and its where I recommend people that I know go. Have PMd you.

Betta - interesting opinion! Is that based on being recruited or as a recruiter?

I agree with Space Ninja. When I took mine hundreds of years ago, it was the NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ or, I think, Nottingham Trent offered a diploma, but that was it. I think too much emphasis is placed on the NEBOSH Diploma as although I am sure it delivers a first class knowledge of health and safety law and requirements, there is little or no practicality in it. Sometimes the application of health and safety is in the intent and spirit rather than in the word of law, hence the term "reasonably practicable". As Space Ninja says, take your time, look at all the options and find something suitable for you. Each of us is different and one size does not fit all.

Firstly ARDEN.E, I hope you have contacted IOSH regarding your next move and get some professional advice. Having been in this profession 20+ years I can tell you the following: The diploma that is being promoted is only well known in the H&S world, many employers are not that aware of it. Secondly, when it was first introduced and up until fairly recently this was one of the lower academic qualifications available for corporate, now graduate membership of the institution. It has over the last few years been raised academically to a degree level, it is not a degree! Some universities actually have this qualification as one of numerous modules as part of a degree course. Many of the people attaining chartered membership are not going down this route, many going through the OA route or higher academic routes, IOSH will confirm that this is the case. I also know this as I also reside as a peer review interviewer. Worth also noting that people with higher level qualifications get paid more, check the last few IOSH surveys! I have actually looked at copies of SHP from 10+ years ago, most of the jobs were direct employers and we see 35-65 pages of jobs. We now see a great reduction in jobs and most are agencies, only some specify the diploma mentioned? Also worth noting that some universities are still offering courses that are still subsidised and can be done part-time, by distance learning and let’s not forget the NVQ route. Again worth noting that HSE inspectors are sent on PgD university courses, not the diploma mentioned. I’m not for one second saying don’t go down this diploma route, but you do need to look at ALL the options clearly and concisely before you commit finances and time. Good Luck!

Thanks Betta – I don’t agree with you overall, not theses days. I think your point was maybe valid about 10 years ago but not now – I can recall when the Gen Cert carried a lot of weight in the job market too. The fact is the vast majority of employers do not know one qualification from another and the dip is and I agree with you here a ‘recognised brand’ that’s why you see it on the adverts – not recognised for being better just better known. I have recently been through recruitment twice and I request a level 6 safety qualification from candidates, I don’t specify which. Personally no specific qualification carries any more weight for me – the quality of the candidate does though. I have never been in a position where employing a person came down to what qualification they hold made the difference in the final decision. I can’t imagine a situation where it would. I know a lot of senior safety managers who head up teams and I don’t know one who shares your opinion either… For me – there are 101 more important things about a candidate than his / her route to CMIOSH. Hence, why I asked the question. The qualification in one small part of many things your need to be a good rounded safety professional.