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Ally Gray  
#1 Posted : 20 March 2014 12:22:11(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Ally Gray

I have 8 years working experience in the H&S experience field and hold a NEBOSH General Cert, my question now is which qualification should I progress on to? I often see job adverts asking for "NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent”, what’s the equivalent and what is the difference compared to NEBOSH?
Andrew W Walker  
#2 Posted : 20 March 2014 12:38:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Hi Ally.

If you are still working in H&S you could go for the NVQ 5. The difference being that the NVQ is skills based where the NEBOSH is academic. The NVQ route is the one I have taken- it suited me.

You could also look at a Uni degree as well.

Good luck in whatever way you go.

Andy
DP  
#3 Posted : 20 March 2014 12:41:21(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
DP

There are a couple of options to equivalent available to you

- A vocational qualification (NVQ Level 5)
- A University degree in Occupational Safety
- A University Diploma in Occupational Safety

You could consider a post graduate qualification and bypass the above such as

- Post Grad Cert
- Post Grad Diploma
- MSC (which via a pathway include the two above, I would recommend this myself)

However, due to the climate and demand for persons with safety qualifications some Universities have removed Risk Management Studies and one governing body has withdrawn NVQ 5 ( C &G's remain I think)

There are choices but not as plentiful as before.
piobaire  
#4 Posted : 20 March 2014 13:14:00(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
piobaire

I would look at the job adverts and get a feel for what employers are looking for as it will be different depending on the direction you wish to take.

There are many equivalents out there, however, I think you have hit the nail on the head when you say you have seen job adverts asking for "NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent". You only have to look at the jobs section in SHP to find that "NEBOSH Diploma" or "NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent" is what the majority of employers are looking for because that is what employers (rightly or wrongly) think their safety professionals need to hold.

I have heard of people with equivalents taking the NEBOSH Diploma to get the more recognised qualification. I even remember the British Safety Council (who offer an equivalent Diploma) advertising the fact that they were running NEBOSH Diploma courses.

My advice for general progression in the health and safety field is go for the NEBOSH Diploma because it is the most recognised and asked for qualification for safety professionals.

Hope this is useful and hope that I haven't offended everyone who has put in the effort in gaining an equivalent qualification.
Ally Gray  
#5 Posted : 20 March 2014 13:38:15(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Ally Gray

Some great comments to get me thinking and planning for my future. Thanks.
Angela1973  
#6 Posted : 21 March 2014 13:19:02(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Angela1973

stuart.webster wrote:
I would look at the job adverts and get a feel for what employers are looking for as it will be different depending on the direction you wish to take.

There are many equivalents out there, however, I think you have hit the nail on the head when you say you have seen job adverts asking for "NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent". You only have to look at the jobs section in SHP to find that "NEBOSH Diploma" or "NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent" is what the majority of employers are looking for because that is what employers (rightly or wrongly) think their safety professionals need to hold.

I have heard of people with equivalents taking the NEBOSH Diploma to get the more recognised qualification. I even remember the British Safety Council (who offer an equivalent Diploma) advertising the fact that they were running NEBOSH Diploma courses.

My advice for general progression in the health and safety field is go for the NEBOSH Diploma because it is the most recognised and asked for qualification for safety professionals.

Hope this is useful and hope that I haven't offended everyone who has put in the effort in gaining an equivalent qualification.


I'm not offended, I went down the NVQ route as I am a very practical person, but I would love to do the diploma NEBOSH route too. Worthwhile for a lot of people.
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