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I'm currently in a Health and Safety role at work and have just completed my IOSH Managing Safely and wondering which course is best for me next? The NVQ Level 3 in Health & Safety or NEBOSH General Certificate? I always seem to be getting different advice to which is best. I understand NEBOSH is the most desirable for finding a job but I have only started this career in November 2015 and not wanting to move company anytime in the future so questioning which is best to help me learn and apply.
Thank you
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In my own humble opinion speaking as someone who started in a Facilities role knowing zero about safety and eventually ending up as an EHS advisor to a large global organisation I would definatley say go for the NEBOSH cert.
I dont care what anyone says you simply cannot go wrong with NEBOSH qualifications. Yes they are difficult, but they are difficult for a reason.
I never looked back once i got my NEBOSH qualifications best thing I ever did.
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Ok brilliant thank you for your advice :)
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It depends on your learning style and how you feel personally as well as financial aspects, time off work etc. I did the NEBOSH NGC because I don't mind exam conditions, I am glad I did two weeks of classroom learning with it, though I used holiday for this. If you are more comfortable with evidence based learning through works being undertaken, perhaps the NVQ would suit better, though I can't comment specifically on the NVQ you have mentioned, but I have undertaken NVQ's in the past.
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I am very lucky that my work are paying for my course so therefore the time off work is ok and they are also allowing me time in work to study up until the course.
I don't mind exams conditions so this doesn't put me off the NEBOSH I just keep getting conflicting advice from other people in H&S roles and with been new to the career it just a bit confusing! ha.... It seems to be like it is what suits my learning style. I am wanting to do NEBOSH Fire and NEBOSH Environmental so maybe best that I do NEBOSH General so I can continue to study other qualifications rather taking up my time doing the NVQ.
Thank you
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For me- It was the NEBOSH all the way.
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I have done the fire aswell, and the first part of your NGC can be transferred so you would only need to undertake a week on the fire course. Personally I loved these courses, and would like to go back to environmental when I have time, but am currently on Diploma with no time and have found a fire diploma which looks appealing too! I took the plunge with NGC without having worked in health and safety- I feel it gives you a bit of a wider picture of what goes on out there but that is purely my opinion
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Rank: Super forum user
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Steph, I can recommend the NEBOSH NGC, I did one day a week for 12 weeks at a local college.
It was my main step towards getting the knowledge of less familiar areas of H&S, meeting others on the course in the same line of work (very useful) and getting the confidence to become self employed in this sector.
This will come later.....
The exam is a proper exam - the main problem, for me and others in the course who had to resit one paper (!), was understanding the questions exactly, knowing the NEBOSH 'speak' in the questions, so that you ARE answering the question. You can write an essay, not answering the question, and get zero marks.
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Rank: New forum user
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JohnW wrote:Steph, I can recommend the NEBOSH NGC, I did one day a week for 12 weeks at a local college.
It was my main step towards getting the knowledge of less familiar areas of H&S, meeting others on the course in the same line of work (very useful) and getting the confidence to become self employed in this sector.
This will come later.....
The exam is a proper exam - the main problem, for me and others in the course who had to resit one paper (!), was understanding the questions exactly, knowing the NEBOSH 'speak' in the questions, so that you ARE answering the question. You can write an essay, not answering the question, and get zero marks.
A lot of people have said about the questions! - to make sure I have fully understood what it is that am been asked to answer it correctly. Looks like NEBOSH is the one then just need to put some good study time in and look at some previous exam papers to get me ready.
Thank you for your advice everyone its really appreciated!
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Rank: New forum user
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I would advise everyone to follow the Nebosh route, the networking with other students and tutors is very worthwhile. Equally tutors are usually very experienced in practical health and safety which helps with reviewing how good your internal safety systems are.
Hard work but definitely go for it.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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JohnW wrote:.
The exam is a proper exam - the main problem, for me and others in the course who had to resit one paper (!), was understanding the questions exactly, knowing the NEBOSH 'speak' in the questions,
This is an old myth!
Usually trotted out by folks who did not pay attention and failed.
I've been marking NGC exam papers for 7 years and still dont have a clue what NEBOSH speak is.
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walker wrote:JohnW wrote:.
The exam is a proper exam - the main problem, for me and others in the course who had to resit one paper (!), was understanding the questions exactly, knowing the NEBOSH 'speak' in the questions,
This is an old myth!
Usually trotted out by folks who did not pay attention and failed.
I've been marking NGC exam papers for 7 years and still dont have a clue what NEBOSH speak is.
I agree with Walker. Total myth. I personally think this myth was started by people who failed the exams and were forced to go down the easier and less demanding route of the NVQ ;0)
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stonecold wrote:walker wrote:JohnW wrote:.
The exam is a proper exam - the main problem, for me and others in the course who had to resit one paper (!), was understanding the questions exactly, knowing the NEBOSH 'speak' in the questions,
This is an old myth!
Usually trotted out by folks who did not pay attention and failed.
I've been marking NGC exam papers for 7 years and still dont have a clue what NEBOSH speak is.
I agree with Walker. Total myth. I personally think this myth was started by people who failed the exams and were forced to go down the easier and less demanding route of the NVQ ;0)
Sorry but jumped up I would call NEBOSH! and saying it is normally people who failed is also a myth, 'it's like saying anyone who doesn't see my new clothes is an idiot'!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thank you Invictus,
So, walker and stonecold, NEBOSH speak is a myth?
NEBOSH have long recognised that 'NEBOSH speak' IS a problem, refering to the 'command words' in questions; they have published guidance, see the list in section 4 of
http://www.nebosh.org.uk...20rew%29912201501118.pdf
There is always a reason for published guidance.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I'm on the side of walker here; the definitions NEBOSH give in their guidance are just general definitions and pretty close to those you'd find in any online dictionary. NEBOSH ascribes quite precise meanings to words, yes, but they're not particularly special or obscure meanings,
John
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I did O level english so I actually know what the command words mean. Maybe thats why I passed. lol
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Rank: Super forum user
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Ah, so, if I sat you a test to define each of the 'commands', precisely, you would pass that? ;o)
I have A level.
But seriously, it isn't a myth, and the guidance says tutors should ensure they include ecxpanantions - the guidance with examples is 8 pages long!!!!!!
Also there is a command definition list for Diploma students.... and yes, the definitions are DIFFERENT!!!!!!
https://www.nebosh.org.u...0DIPLOMA%20v3%20Dec15%20(261115%20rew)1012201554724.pdf
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I only had O levels, wasnt academic or smart enough to go to college or Uni.
Still passed all my NEBOSH exams years later though including the Dip via distance learning with no help from anyone.
Blaming so called nebosh speak is a cop out. If you study hard and long enough you will pass simple as that.
The thing with NEBOSH is that I genunily think some people just dont put in enough work to pass the sit down exams
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I did the diploma distance learning and NEBOSH couldn't understand their own definitions. They asked for assignments to be in a A4 clear fronted folder, the whole class sent them in them and some smart arse with serated scissors cut the folders down to the same size as the paper stappled all the pages together and returned them telling us to return them as instructed I just left mine how it was and put it in another one and sent it back. It was in the correct folder and they admitted it was an era but then wanted us to print it out again and send it back and they wouldn't extend the closing date.
Sorry did I use 'Jumped up' before sorry I meant 'complete arse's'
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oh dear calling people names over a forum, thats kinda pathetic. So im an arse for being proud of passing some exams lol
dear o dear. I would say that I can asusre you one million per cent that you wouldnt call me an arse to my face but I dont want to stopp to your level ;)
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stonecold wrote: Blaming so called nebosh speak is a cop out. If you study hard and long enough you will pass simple as that.
The thing with NEBOSH is that I genunily think some people just dont put in enough work to pass the sit down exams
stonecold, please understand the problem with NEBSOSH speak - students need to understand it in order to know how much to write. Students who know their stuff waste time writing too much in their answer or lose marks for not writing enough.
And, why are the NGC and Diploma definitions different? NEBOSH speak has different dialects??
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Rank: Super forum user
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JohnW wrote:
Also there is a command definition list for Diploma students.... and yes, the definitions are DIFFERENT!!!!!!
Well, yes, there are a lot more of them for a start. These are still just normal definitions though. Collins dictionary has different definitions to the Oxford, but they're still both useful and both correct,
John
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jwk wrote:JohnW wrote:
Also there is a command definition list for Diploma students.... and yes, the definitions are DIFFERENT!!!!!!
Well, yes, there are a lot more of them for a start. These are still just normal definitions though. Collins dictionary has different definitions to the Oxford, but they're still both useful and both correct,
John
Yes jwk, I agree the Diploma ones a simple/normal. The 'NEBOSH-NGC-speak' are not.
JohnW
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stonecold wrote:oh dear calling people names over a forum, thats kinda pathetic. So im an arse for being proud of passing some exams lol
dear o dear. I would say that I can asusre you one million per cent that you wouldnt call me an arse to my face but I dont want to stopp to your level ;)
Dito, Bullying well done, seen as no-one called anyone baring a institute!, but as they say I can hear my knees knocking! sorry jumped up arse applies, but not for NEBOSH! Whats your surname 'Steve aston' or is that wrestling.
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I did NEBOSH having no H&S experience what so ever....
I was a joiner and did NEBOSH 1 day a week at a local college at the end of 2014.
Now I have just been promoted to Health & Safety Manager.
Do not be afraid go for the NEBOSH.
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Karl Moore wrote:I did NEBOSH having no H&S experience what so ever....
I was a joiner and did NEBOSH 1 day a week at a local college at the end of 2014.
Now I have just been promoted to Health & Safety Manager.
Do not be afraid go for the NEBOSH.
I don't think people should be affraid of doing NEBOSH no matter what level or what course but don't always think it is the be all and end all of the profession.
All have there place more and more we see ads for people with a degree + H&S qualification.
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When I carried out my NEBOSH Certificate last year, the tutor clearly explained the terms NEBOSH use, and how to answer the questions e.g. outline, identify and so on. For someone who looks at the exam style questions before attending the course, may see it as slightly confusing however, a lot of emphasis is put on answering the question in the correct manner during the course - so I don't think its a major problem (providing you put in the work). I would say NEBOSH is the way to go - I really enjoyed the course!
I have a question if anyone can help.. I have the NEBOSH Cert and currently work in a HS role. I am very keen to move onto the Diploma, however what advantages are there with carrying out the Diploma? I understand the Diploma will help me become Chartered however will the NGC + experience take me to chartered level (with relevant experience etc)?
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Hi Jonathon,
To get your charter you will need to gain some kind of higher level qualification. However, what I'd say is this; there are (now) four routes you can choose: degree, NEBOSH or other Dip with exams, NCRQ Dip (no exams) or NVQ/SVQ. The point is, whichever of these you choose you will learn a great deal, about H&S, about how you work and about how you can best promote H&S within organisations.
Don't just think about your charter, think of further study as great opportunity, especially since the market for higher quals has never been broader,
John
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Other peoples NEBOSH experience is interesting. If you chooses the cert route you need to see whose supplying it and how and which learning route suits you. You will do things on the NEBOSH that seem pointless to your role without out a doubt. The NVQ 3 however, particularly with a good tutor will apply all that you do to all od the NVQ and usually enthuses candidates across a wider remit. NEBOSH cert allows for good progress to other NEBOSH disciplines but the jump to diploma is huge whilst once you are used to the NVQ process the jump to the level 5 is not so hard as long as its applicable to your role
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Rank: Super forum user
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I must have marked 1000s of NGC exam papers.
The reason people fail are:
They don't know the stuff.... very few actually less than 10%
They don't answer all the questions.........30% (of fails)
They answer a question they had hoped might be on the paper rather than the question asked..... 30%
They did not read the question correctly.
If you read the examiners reports (and you should) it tells you the same.
Folks write pages of drivel (scattergun approach) when all thats wanted is maybe 2 dozen well chosen words.
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It appears we have all had different experiences!
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walker wrote: They did not read the question correctly.
Folks write pages of drivel (scattergun approach) when all that's wanted is maybe 2 dozen well chosen words.
Thank you walker, you have acknowledged the whole point of this discussion - the difficulty in 'reading the question correctly' and answering the question correctly.
NEBOSH have recognised that problem and have published a 10-page guidance to command words in questions.
It clearly IS a problem if the guidance has to be 10 pages.
(though much of it is applying definitions/answers to non-syllabus subjects like microwave ovens and penny-farthing bicycles, which I'm sure some find either hilarious or patronising!).
John
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The post was hijacked, it wasn't what the OP originally asked.
Back to the OP: I believe the NEBOSH NGC is the first and most important step to a H&S career. There are others but this is the most common route.
Its fairly easy, the only downside is the time & expense unless your employer helps.
If you don't have the ability to pass this, then the other steps are pretty much out of your reach anyway.
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We didn't read the question properly!
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.......and answered the one we were hoping for ;-))
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walker, the subject of questions/commands continued because the original poster said:
StephMW wrote: A lot of people have said about the questions! - to make sure I have fully understood what it is that am been asked to answer it correctly.
So the subject IS on topic.
walker, I know you have 'marked 1000s of NGC exams', but did you ever SIT the exam yourself? :o)
John
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JohnW wrote:walker, the subject of questions/commands continued because the original poster said:
StephMW wrote: A lot of people have said about the questions! - to make sure I have fully understood what it is that am been asked to answer it correctly.
So the subject IS on topic.
walker, I know you have 'marked 1000s of NGC exams', but did you ever SIT the exam yourself? :o)
John
25years ago
distance learning (which I would not recommend)
Passed but no distinctions
Thought I knew it all, but have since realised I knew nothing.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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There's no two ways about it, the NGC is a difficult exam. I took it back in 1998 from distance learning and passed.
However, since this time I have seen my daughter go through A levels and university and the questions use the same language. I recently took what used to be PTLLS and the questions are phrased the same again using words such as:
Outline
Discuss
Describe
Justify
etc
Main reason for failure is, in my humble opinion, that people do not read these words properly and write everything they know about the subject which may actually be very good but totally miss the question being asked. It is important, when answering, that you keep returning to the question and ensure that the answer is actually answering what is asked, not what you think is being asked.
Reading the question and then rewriting it in your head to be the question you would like it to be will result in nil points. Read and understand what is being asked before you even put pen to paper.
But, back on topic and to answer the original question..... the NEBOSH General Certificate is the industry standard and unfortunately, there is no getting away from that one. While the Diploma/Degree/NVQ5 can all be substituted at a higher level, in my opinion these should all start from a firm base of the NGC.
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hilary wrote:There's no two ways about it, the NGC is a difficult exam. I took it back in 1998 from distance learning and passed.
However, since this time I have seen my daughter go through A levels and university and the questions use the same language. I recently took what used to be PTLLS and the questions are phrased the same again using words such as:
Outline
Discuss
Describe
Justify
etc
Main reason for failure is, in my humble opinion, that people do not read these words properly and write everything they know about the subject which may actually be very good but totally miss the question being asked. It is important, when answering, that you keep returning to the question and ensure that the answer is actually answering what is asked, not what you think is being asked.
Reading the question and then rewriting it in your head to be the question you would like it to be will result in nil points. Read and understand what is being asked before you even put pen to paper.
But, back on topic and to answer the original question..... the NEBOSH General Certificate is the industry standard and unfortunately, there is no getting away from that one. While the Diploma/Degree/NVQ5 can all be substituted at a higher level, in my opinion these should all start from a firm base of the NGC.
Don't disgree with you on the fact that it's reading the question and not about writing what you think they want, but I would disagree that all should start with NGC, what about the TUC level two course, it is a 40 week course, has exams and assisgnments, all moderated and with the final twist of you are given a subject and you have to produce a presentation that lasts 45 minutes which you present to your class.
I think that is worthy of being up there with any NGC, when I did it you applied for TECH level without having to wait 12 months to have experience. Us union reps, were well trained.
The unfortunate part people including employers are brain washed into believing that the only standards are NEBOSH and IOSH.
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Invictus, you have reminded me that my introduction to H&S was as a safety rep, and our union rep told me about the TUC Risk Assessment course - that's what took me on a new path of work, that and doing ISO 9000 auditing. I quickly got bored with R&D and persuaded my employer that I was better as zn 'Administrator' :o)
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