Posted By Helen Smiddy Hi all. I wonder if anybody could give me some advice? I have been working in construction for a few years now, and have gained both the NEBOSH General, and Construction Certificate. I have TechSP status, and the company I work for are encouraging me to work towards MIOSH. I am trying to decide between the Dip 2, or NVQ 4, as both allow for full Membership of Iosh at present. I thought the NVQ route would be better, as it would be largely work based, (and is a lot cheaper!) but does anybody know if there are any disadvantages to the NVQ route? Why is it so much cheaper? is there a catch? I would be gratful for any information. Many thanks Helen

Posted By Alec Wood Nottingham Trent's diploma is apparently also worth considering, cheaper and much quicker than NEBOSH's. I am afraid that there appears to be no clear answer to the root of your question though, I am asking a very similar one in the "To Dip or not to Dip" thread. Good luck Alec Wood Samsung Electronics

Posted By Frank Macleod Hi Helen, My experience is such that my company put me through the NVQ 4 and then sponsored me for the Diploma. The reason I choose to do both types of qualification is the fact that the NVQ proves competence whilst the Diploma gives you the academic backbone to support your competence. Quite costly to do this but you may wish to consider a Career Development loan, if your company can't cover the costs. Your other option might be to consider a HSE Degree with one of the universities offering distance learning. What ever you decide good luck for the future. Regards Frank Macleod

Posted By Mike Shields Helen, SHEilds Ltd. is located in North East England we have many clients on board in this region however we have lots of further candidates utilizing our eLearning delivery of this qualification (these include other regions of the UK, Egypt, Gambia, Spain, United Arab Emirates etc.) General facts and figures regarding the NVQ 4 we offer can be found on our website: http://www.sheilds.org/training/NVQ4OHSP.htm SHEilds Ltd. is committed to offering the most flexible and practical solutions to your learning and successful completion of your portfolio. Systems currently in place include – • NVQ eLearning and on-line progress tracking for use by both candidates and assessors • web downloads including unit sections, guides, glossaries, examples of acceptable evidence and the initial candidate information pack (the how to do it - guide) • discussion forums and bulletin boards for candidates • and FREE access to shepro.co.uk (the ultimate safety resource website) which has sources of information to cover all the domain knowledge requirements. To start potential candidates off on the right track, we have devised a 'competence analysis' tool, this gives an initial indication as to how much work may be required on your behalf, feedback is instantly given in a percentage format. To undertake this competence analysis visit:- http://www.sheilds.org/s...ent/course/view.php?id=4 As this will be your first time here you will be asked to create an account (user name, password etc.) Please Note. This is only a taster website. The full eLearning section for enrolled candidates is within shepro.co.uk. Should you require any further information please contact our NVQ manager - Mike Watson on Tel: 01482 348353, Mobile: 07967 471208. Alternately email me directly, Regards and good luck with your continued professional development. Mike Shields

Posted By Barry Tovey Hi Helen, I took the NVQ 4 route which gained me MIOSH status. It was hard work, for me anyway. I think that the old argument regarding not actually covering pure law is the sticking point. It depends on your course director and the amount of time they allow you to go to seminars and the like. You do reference the legislation aspect but only to support your evidence. You do not study it. This doesn't mean you cannot attend further courses on this if finance allows. Or to use you experience to resolve such issues with a lot of reference and help from the wealth of material available. Theres lots to it good luck barry

Posted By Tim Corbett Go for the diploma. Unless you are already in a full time position. The NVQ4 will not give you MIOSH status if you are in a partime position and the NVQ won't get you that full time position. A bitter lesson dearly learnt. Tim

Posted By David Horenr Helen, If you have an ability to remember information under pressure, then take the NEBOSH route. However, as an H&S Professional would be extremely unwise to rely on memory under pressure, take the NVQ4 route, develop policy and complete your units in real time; I did David Horner MIOSH RSP MIIRSM MRSH