Hi gracam, I think that you will find that most consider the Certificate to be the first step on the ladder, not having done the Diploma myself I am unsure of the course entry criteria (if any). For my degree course there was a requirement to have the Cert before being allowed onto the course, it may well be the same for the Dip. The cert gives you a good broad grounding in H&S which then leads you onto further study, I am sure others will comment but I feel this grounding may well be needed before progressing further up the ladder qualification wise. HTH Stuart

hi thanks for the advice much appreciated

Welcome. Ooh, you're in a very fortunate position. :) There's more than 1 way to skin a cat. I didn't do the Diploma, for various reasons. 1) It was too expensive 2) It's got a very low pass rate 3) There was no environmental aspect to it 4) You get to wear a fancy Mortar board when graduating ;) I chose to do the Professional Diploma in Health, Safety and Environmental Management through NTU. (check on this website for approved courses, leading to GradIosh status). This course was not only cheaper, but also a better qualification in that you get the environmental aspect too (that part is done at post grad level, which is level 7). On the qualifications framework directive, this is a hybrid qualification and sits between levels 5 and 6. I *think* the diploma is level 5. Someone will be along shortly to correct me if I'm wrong, and please do, If I am.

As has been stated you need to consider your learnign style and do you prefer exams or would you prefer assignments (for the diploma or university diploma route). I think the certificate gives a good understanding and a base to build from but depends on financing options as well. I hold cert and diplomas and started MSc in Environmental Management. I was already registered and accepted on the MSc but had not really done Environmental from a studying persepctive so decided to place my self through the IEMA Environmental Cert. Pleased I did as I think it has made it easier for me to understand what is now beind discussed.

Hi I think you have a few options open to you and it all depends on what you are aiming for in your future career. If it’s to become a chartered member of IOSH there’s a few different routes open to you. I agree with the comments that some of my colleagues have made in this thread, the NEBOSH diploma is not easy, so starting with the NEBOSH certificate may be the best way forward. However, I must mention that the NEBOSH diploma is not the only route to CMIOSH status, if you are already involved in an health and safety role you may find the NVQ level 5 in Occupational Health and safety a more practical route. We now are going over an old debate, NEBOSH verses NVQ, so I’m going to leave it there. Last point:- If you are thinking of applying for Health and Safety positions in the future, check out the role requirements. You will find that most of them are asking for NEBOSH diploma, plus CMIOSH. Good luck Steve W