Hi Folks,

I am considering the NCRQ Diploma as I have a grant to use for a course over level 3. I have (some years back) completed the NEBOSH Gen Cert but forgotten most of it. I work as an EHO in a Local Authority and have limited H & S responsibilities and so I think for me the NEBOSH Diploma is not for me as I don't currently practice (a basic requirement for the NEBOSH Diploma surely), I like the competence based NCRQ mind set rather than learning to remember information than apply it.

I would be interested to hear from folks that are studying the NCRQ Diploma and especially those that have passed it. I want to start but feel that I need to wait to see the results and feedback from the course but would consider to start if I have the right 'feel' as feedback and from my own research..

Again I would love to hear from folks. I am based in Cannock, West Midlands and appreciate any response to guide me.

I am aware the course is accredited to IOSH and the IIRSM, any feedback also from recruitment and wanting to take on a NCRQ Dip the same as the NEEBOSH Dip??

Cheers Guys,

Chris
chriseley0516@googlemail.com

Chris,

The truth of the fact is that the full NCRQ Diploma is not available for a couple of months, therefore the feedback for this and as to whether employers will take this on board is all too early to determine.

However, the Certificate HSD1 has been available for a while and does form the first part of the larger diploma. It is still a level 6 qualification and given your current role may suit your requirements.

You could then choose to do the other two units at a later date should you role/ interests change, etc.

I'm sure those who have dont the Certificate will be able to give you some valuable feedback

A lot of people who prefer the NCRQ route seem to (just like the advert for it) make critical comments about the Nebosh route to learning.
I worked on a top tier COMAH site for over 20 years from an Operator to a Manager ,10 years as a union appointed safety rep.
My natural route would have been the NVQ with all the involvement I had in RAs,SWPs ,PTW ,accident investigations etc, I had evidence by the bucket load but the simple fact is assignment based study doesn't suit me so I chose the Nebosh route and if the NCRQ was available then would have done the same.
The first consideration if cost is not an issue is your learning style ,what suits you best and the time you have available for study which for the Nebosh Diploma is very considerable.Im assuming but dont know to what extent , the other routeds are time consuming as well.
The NCRQ gives you a work based qualification for the area you work in just like the NVQ but that hasn't stopped many excellent H/S Practitioners with NVQs successfully transferring their skills into other areas.
I have 3 Nebosh certs and the Diploma(now enrolled on the ENV Diploma) and are extremely proud of them all , I also respect anyone with the NVQs as they are not an easier alternative just a different way of study.
It remains to be seen how the NCRQ Diploma will be accepted as no one has got one yet.
What is not in dispute is the Nebosh is by a very long way the most widely known and asked for qualification in job adverts ,this fact by itself would if I was just starting out would make the most sense to me to go the Nebosh route
Have a nice weekend

Dear All,

Thanks for the kind reply. I think the NCRQ is a valid qualification and accredited by both IOSH and the IIRSM.

Although the NEBOSH Diploma is great for many (especially those currently working in the field) I think we will slowly move from intensive course based training (ie. simply put - learning to memorise) to that which offers a reflection based form of learning. This way I currently use in my role and actually in my professional reflections for CIEH membership portfolio (25 narrative/30k words). By this method as in Nursing and other fields learning is reinforced by experiences which is likely to be more relevant and longer lasting.

I feel that courses will develop and as Charles Darwin said: 'It is not the strongest that will survive, its those most adaptable to change'.

I am not in any way criticising the NEBOSH Diploma or any other such course but I think our way of thinking and working has to change.

I think this course WILL be for me and I await the results and much feedback to confirm my choice.

I DID contact a leading H & S national recruitment agency the other day after my first post and asked them about the NCRQ and they confirmed that completion of an accredited course and demonstration of experience/competency (on CV/application) is as rounded as you can get and likely to get a job.

How the industry consider the NCRQ Dip is something that will come but it all looks good for me and at £1000, 460hrs learning at my own pace is comparable to the NEBOSH Diploma and NEBOSH (although highly rated) need to change and adapt (re: Darwin) to the changes in H & S.

See what comes, thanks for your feedback folks, very interesting!

Not sure about the Darwin references, but it sounds like you have given it a lot of consideration.

It would be good to hear more feedback from those like you, who do the NCRQ when it is published.

I am hearing a lot of "its cheaper, quicker and has no exams".
I think it is promoting it as the easy route, which takes away.

It is a level 6 and so we should hear about the benefits this course provides. If it is good, then it will stand up to scrutiny.

It is currently cheaper, because it is new and needs to encourage people to take a punt. The costs will soon rise on a par with NEBOSH if it proves to be just as good a course.

Well if you are right and it is easier to obtain (and I'm not suggesting you are), then that is probably why employers would prefer the Nebosh Diploma.

I've completed the first part of the NCRQ Diploma, HSD1 which is principles of health and safety, and I very much recommend it, I'm currently 40 pages into the second book HSD2 which is personal injury liability and absence reduction which I am finding slightly harder already as understanding all the legal terminology is hard for me, but I'm sure it will come to me the further through the book I get.

It's mainly on you're learning style and what you're most comfortable with, I've completed NEBOSH General, fire and oil and gas exams and I know I'm not the exam type of person, I am more the course work type of person so it's just what you find best for yourself.

Im sure the NCRQ diploma will become more accepted and noticed by recruiters over time and eventually will challenge the NEBOSH diploma but like everyone else says, at the moment NEBOSH is the recognised one to have.

Sadly that list is wrong and needs to be revised. The NVQ level 5 is called NVQ level 5, because it is a level 5.

The NCRQ and the NEBOSH diploma are both level 6.

However, before we get into another drawn out argument about qualifications. They all result in GRAD IOSH so the decision is more about learning styles.

All have their strengths and all have their weaknesses. Broadly speaking, I would suggest this:

If you want to consolidate your knowledge and experience with a qualification then NVQ would suit.

If you want to learn at your own pace through assignments try NCRQ. Helpful to those with less experience as it covers soft skills.

If you want to learn through study and put your knowledge to the test then the NEBOSH award would be more suitable.

I'm studding for my NEBOSH Dip but with work and a new family (twins) I'm find it hard to find the time. I am about to start the NVQ L5 Dip as was informed this was a like for like qualification but just not as recognised and feel this is a more sensible way of gaining my Dip as evidence can be gained as part of my working day.

Is the like of like comment correct ?

I agree. An assignment is a test of someones ability. Which is why I'm confused as to why you are picking holes in my statement because I used (correctly) the term assignment.

I have passed both Modules so far the HSD1 and HSD2 just need to to the final one when it comes out in September. Its been delayed because of Changes to the HSE's stance on principal health Inspectors actually providing some of the work for the course, This has resulted in a small delay and some HSE inspectors have actually ad started working for the NCRQ full time.

The NCRQ offers a new way of learning which is so different to Nebosh, For starters all their certificates are Level 6's and the final one for the Diploma is Level 6 also. if your busy at work and want to do tis in your spare time then its idea, as you use really life experiences and your assessed by your assignments.

Now i know the Die hard Nebosh fans might say if you don't site exams you don't know nothing, but i'm looking at starting a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Safety, health and Environment by Distance learning and guess what - No exams :-)

Nebosh has been the H&S provider of qualifications, but now apart from the Level 5 NVQ, there a new way to get qualified which is accredited by IOSH, IIRSM and CIEH, so to be honest they must be doing something right??

The world is a different place than it was 30 years ago. Industry has changed. Teaching and education methods have changed. And society has changed.

NCRQ assessments are designed to reflect reality - where you will not be isolated in a room, but will have the time and resources to properly reflect on your work. Assessments take the form of written assignments, based on real workplace scenarios. Rather than write about the theory of risk assessment, you will do a risk assessment. Rather than give ten reasons why accidents should be investigated, you will do an accident investigation. And the focus is not on presenting the reports in a particular way, but writing them in a style that you are comfortable with, or suits your employer.

This method of learning suits my lifestyle and will definitely become more popular as time Progresses.

Everyone I've spoken to,that have taken the NCRQ route ave loved it, Its addictive, and they all want to aim to complete all the modules to get their Diploma and Gradiosh Membership.

The other Plus is the Cost the NCRQ Diploma is only £950 + Vat
The Full NEBOSH National Diploma costs £1195 + VAT + Examination fees are £388 (no VAT) for the full course. This is made up of a £60 enrollment fee and £82 per unit.

I guess everyone as their own preferred method, but as the NCRQ is being look as an Nebosh equivalent already by leading H&S practitioners it can't be all bad for the new kid on the block.

Ooooh It looks like ive ruffled some feathers ha Ha,

All i'm saying is some people prefer the NCRQ way of learning and thats more appropriate for me for the kind of work i'm doing.

The NCRQ is new and you will get people saying its better, but how many people have you seen ear that have actually Praised Nebosh and their exams ?? so much so that they will be happy recommending it to others??

Just pointing out that there is an alternative.

I have praised NEBOSH. And I have recommended it to others.

I don't think you've ruffled any feathers, by the way.

There's nothing wrong with challenging views

I had a look at this through the link and it seems very simplistic, I gather it gets more and more difficult as the course envolves or is it just me!

Hi folks,

Anyone outside of UK have taken NCRQ level-6 Diploma in H&S? Anyone have any idea if it's at all suitable for non-UK professionals or professionals working in or willing to work in non-UK companies? I am neither an UK citizen/resident nor working in a British company. Recently I've mailed to NCRQ authority with some queries and they did not strongly recommend it for international students out of UK as it's highly based on UK legislations etc. Rather they recommended to wait until late 2017 as they are planning to publish an International Diploma version of NCRQ, but that's too late for me to wait till that. Can anyone please help me with your thoughts?

The thread is about NCRQ v Dip not NVQ v Dip so your comments would be irrelevant in any case.

I assume you want this as you are thinking of moving abrod to work? If you want to do the NCRQ (as opposed to another qualification) then you will probably be best placed to wait until next years as they themselves have advised.

Or, if you don't want to wait, look for another suitable alternative qualification. I would suggest the Nebosh International diploma, but I guess theres reasons why you don't fancy this option. You also need to consider how well known/ respected internationally any qualification you do will be.

If you do the current one, which as they have said is based on UK regs and next year another comes out that would be more relevant, you may feel you have wasted your time.

Sorry I don't think there is an easy solution for you here