I have just completed my NVQ Level 5 Diploma and found it suited me well as producing evidence it also gave me a chance to revisit and update my company health and safety practices, the tutor I worked with was very helpful and gave good advice and encouragement.

No comment from my department as this discussion has been thrashed around over the years and has caused heated discussions. I do however have my own personal views on qualification and experience, they may be antiquated but well founded and tested. Years of hard study, get the qualification then get the experience as an understudy. My views only folks.

Having achieved Diploma Part 1 and studied all the Part 2 syllabus and achieved the 5 pieces of coursework only to fail the very last exam that you could sit the Part 2 (by 2%), and now having broke the back of my NVQ I am in a good position to give a view. Looking at the requirements of the new Diploma (lv 6) I wish I was doing that. Much easier than the 10 (2,400) worded assignments you had to do for the 2 Part Dip. I joke. I learnt so much from my Diploma studies and especially all the assignments as they forced me to painstakingly research and gain crucial knowledge.
I always was told (usually by people who had done the diploma) that the NVQ was just a cop-out and all you need to do is shove a portfolio together of stuff you've done. Well forget that. Its been really tough. I kick myself for not keeping records of things I've experienced in the past as although I can hold discussions and write about my experiences till the cows come home, I can't provide clear evidence which is what is required for the NVQ. Also the NVQ has forced me on occasions (as Linda mentions), to delve into criteria I haven't experienced and to push my employers to help me implement these requirements into our business.
In truth, if you've experienced a lot in the game, got the t-shirt and just want a qualification at that level, the NVQ's the boy for you. The diploma on the other hand will teach you specifics and give you knowledge on a very wide range of topics which has been invaluable. I still remember metallurgic failures which I never thought I'd need but guess what, I did. With all this said applying knowledge where it matters, whether that be factory floor or boardroom is what really matters. Its what works for you!

while i have been working for BAE i have done the list that Linda has put above. I am really not very good in class room things :P. how long would it take to actually do the NVQ? i have done 5 different audits on the site varying from ships movement to PUWER and slips, trips and falls. i carry out investigations on a day to day basis, sometimes having to do 1-4 a day.

Jake

It's horses for courses and everyone & their dog has a view... My 10 pence worth:
Take a step back and look outside the box. The scope of H&S in the workplace, in all the differing industries, is gigantic. The vast majority of Safety Practitioners I meet (and that's a lot) tend to stick to a specific industry / specialise within a specific industry. Although there is a large element of core safety skills required wherever you work, the question begs... why on earth would you want to put yourself through the ringer by studying everything under the sun... stuff you will never, ever, ever use! ..and to make matters worse, then have to answer questions on it in order to pass an exam!
I, and many, many others have little time for the NEBOSH route. Not only the pointless requirement of having to study such a wide and diverse amount of subject matter, but also the tone and language that comes with it... it does not fit in the workplace and is a hindrance to good communication, in my view.
The NVQ route forces you to do the disciplines required in order for you to fulfil your role in your workplace. Do that first, gain your experience, and then start looking at a wider field if that is what you desire... It is far better not only for you, the people you are supporting, and 'our' industry as a whole, for you to do this from a competent foundation as opposed to going in all guns blazing, armed with your NEBOSH Diploma.
Sadly, to progress through the IOSH ranks you'll eventually need to 'get on board' with the NEBOSH way of doing things as the open book exam is very much geared in this mould. Don't let that deter you or influence your decision though, I and many others went the NVQ route and succeeded without NEBOSH.
Depending on your experience and the level you are working at you can get through your NVQ in anything from 6 to 24 months... I did mine in 6 (but did an advanced diploma years before hand). It will depend on what evidence you have to hand of your activities, what you still need to learn, how dedicated you are, and how much time you can put aside to do the work.
Sorry Franky, can't agree with you, I would advocate that you gain experience and then get the qualifications.
Widodo, with you on that ?*?*?... I see far more adverts requiring NVQ4 or 5 than I do for NEBOSH Diplomas.
Final spin on this, an NVQ is recognised academically and can be directly scaled against other academic qualifications i.e. degrees.
All above = my opinion (but it's a good one!)

I see far more adverts requiring NVQ4 or 5 than I do for NEBOSH Diplomas.......

Not sure where you are looking, but it would appear to be the other way around to me. Pick up any copy of SHP and look at the back, for starters.

I am currently going through the NVQ process as we speak (completed 2 units). I also debated over which route to take. But found that the NVQ route was for me more flexible and gave me more freedom. I also suffer with sitting in classrooms getting bored to death by power point presentation and being drilled into a set way of learning. So for me it was a no brainer and I am really happy with ability to be able to put in all my work as apposed to set legislation that you get with the NEBOSH.
If you can put up with the intense learning that comes with the NEBOSH then fine but if you are not in a rush to get qualified and wish to be a little more adaptable and have a little more freedom the NVQ route is the way ahead. The tutor I have is first class and is always on hand to offer help and advice.
Good luck in what ever route you choose if I can offer any help or guidance please inbox me.

both are good! both will get you the same job! NVQ showsyou can do the job, Diploma means nothing to me without experience as if you went round trying to do every job by the book the job would never get done, you have to learn to be practical which the NVQ shows you have the ability to do just that!

I personally have both, i did the NVQ first then the Diploma only reason for the diploma as it does give you the technical knowledge, health and safety law is so open for interpretation that being practical is extremely important

but in a nut shell go for what suits you better, both will get you the same job