Hi all,

Sorry if I sound a bit dim, but what is the definition of a professional qualification?

Is it just a nebosh or equivalent, or can i include my EMS auditor training? RA training, DSE training, etc etc. only my EMS auditor training was marked the others I have just attended courses.

Thanks!

Ke, depends on whose EMS auditor training you did. Was it by a trainer accredited by e.g. International Registered of Certificated Auditors? If so, yes, if bespoke probably no. RA training etc no - no proof that this gave you professional competence.

NEBOSH make it quite clear that their certificates are not professional qualifications

Originally Posted by: walker

NEBOSH make it quite clear that their certificates are not professional qualifications

Hi Walker...This is a quote taken directly from the NEBOSH website....."Our qualifications are globally recognised and taken by people working in all types of industries, as well as national and local government organisations".

Surely this is then suggests it is a "Professional Qualification" or do you have something else from them that suggests otherwise?

Pete

Professional qualifications in the United Kingdom are generally awarded by professional bodies in line with their charters

Most, but not all, professional qualifications are 'Chartered' qualifications, and follow on from having been admitted to a degree 

DSE RA ..etc are not professional qualifications

SHV

Thanks for the replies ..

Jonathan I will go with your layout - that's a good idea. Currently they're all in the same 'box' on my CV so could do with seperating them out a little.

Where I find it difficult is the job applications where it only allows you to fill in 'professional quals' - I am just really tempted to wack all the courses I've ever attended as it shows a continual CPD process... But then again that shows lack of understanding of the question being asked!

Thanks all,

My definition of a professional is someone you can rely on to give a definitive unbiased opinion on something. To be a qualified professional you need both formal training eg a diploma AND practical experience.  

A few months ago a bridge collapsed on the M2 motorway. Half of it was removed as it was unsafe but the other half was left in situ.  A BBC reporter on the scene was talking about this to a colleague in the studio, who commented that the bit that was left standing did not look safe. The reporter on the science said that it had been checked by an engineer who was of the professional opinion that it was safe. The studio based reporter still sounded unconvinced and at this point I hoped that the one on  scene reporter was going to say something along the lines:” they bloke who said it was safe was a professional civil engineer -qualified and competent. The guys that fix your washing machine are not engineers, professional or otherwise; they are just engineers” but he didn’t, an opportunity missed.

So a professional is someone you can assume knows what they are talking about but of course the professional must behave in professional manner and earn that respect but that is a story for another time.

I work in an office with many "real" engineers (C.Eng)

The Office Admin "manager" put up a sign saying the photocopier wasnt working and an engineer had been called.

He (the Admin guy) nearly got lynched ;-))