Posted By Andy Wignall I'm nearing the end of my NEBOSH Certificate and im wanting to go further in my health and safety knowledge. Could someone tell me which diploma is seen as more desirable to employers? I'm considering the Nottingham Trent diploma. But before i considered that i read about the NEBOSH Diploma. Which one is more beneficial to myself and future employers? regards, Andy

Posted By anon1234 I disagree with the previous post - if you are only considering the NEBOSH Diploma and the Nottingham Trent Diploma I'd for the latter. Personally I wouldn't recommend the NVQ route - even though this option can be equivalent (assuming the right NVQ level is chosen) to the diploma, I think it is still generally perceived as inferior to the diploma, especially when expereience is the same.

Posted By Paul Harrison Andy, I would go for the PgDip OSH management at Trent if you can get accepted as you can also tag on the Environmental module if you wish (obviously a bonus for SHE jobs and it a 'level 5/6' qual). I found this course relatively easy if you put in the hours. I have heard good things from people who have done the diploma at Trent as well. Can't say much about the 'new' NEBOSH route, but heard bad things about the old route, hence the Pg.Dip. I would also stay away from the NVQ route (personal preference). As for equivalency, I have not had any problems getting interviews and/or jobs with the Pg.dip. I think the emphasis on NEBOSH is more to do with employers having little knowledge about other OSH quals. The British Safety Council also do an accredited level 6 qual now as well. Any info give me an email. Paul

Posted By CFT Andy In your case it should be the diploma (IMHO) as to who you take it with I will say Nebosh as I am suitably impressed with the way they provide it; be warned it is neither quick nor cheap and you MUST shop around for the best deal. Other thoughts may be BSc, or NVQ (I'm not recommending this route for you without much more information) dip via BSC or other are of course a consideration but this poster is sticking with Nebosh. Many adverts for our profession are now stating diploma or equivalent, a recent advert stated NVQ or equivalent but that was just a single advert, half don't have a clue though asking such ridiculous things as 'must be a member of Nebosh' or 'holding the IOSH diploma' !!! good luck with your progress CFT

Posted By DP Andy - at the end of the day it will be your call. Look and research all options and take the one most suitable to you. As for employer preference - a question debated many times on this forum. IMO and as someone who has been directly involved in the recruitment of Safety Managers. Many companies when employing a lone Safety Manager will do so via their HR department as the norn and the most recognised qualification is the Nebosh Dip so this is the one they ask for. They just don't understand the range of qualifications available in safety these days. If on the other hand its a company employing a SM with existing SM's on board. They will request CMIOSH, GradOSH or what ever the level they want on board. You will sometimes see in the adverts qualified by exam - this indicates to me that safety knowledge is in there and they would prefer someone with one of the many Dips or an Msc and not necessarily an NVQ candidate (bit naive IMO) Most experienced SM's are fully aware that its experience that counts not the route taken to qualification. One tip for you though is if you take a Dip other than the Nebosh. If a job is advertised for Nebosh Dip candidates only, take time to call them and explain your qualification and they will most likely except your application. Hope this helps.