Posted By Hazel Harvey Martin, However, much you pay for the NVQ assessment, if you are looking for IOSH membership using it please ask the provider if they have had any previous candidates who have succesfully obtained this. Most providers are OK but there are some that are better than others- again ask if they can give you the name of a succesful candidate who you could contact to talk through their experience of the process. There is a wide variety in the cost of NVQs usually the price is determined by how much time you can expect from an assessor, so higher cost more assistance. This again can be checked and a reasonable programmes of work can be developed. Good providers will have no problem in supplying you with this information. Bear in mind that the current NVQ level 3 is only in Health and Safety not Practice and is designed for managers, supervisors etc. who have a responsibility for safety but not who are not practitioners. The minimum an aspiring practitioner should undertake is a level 4 in Health and Safety Practice.

Posted By Shane Johnston If your after IOSH membership, why not consider a Post Graduate Certificate with somewhere like Portsmouth Uni. Distance learning, about £2k and the qualification is more recognised. Shane.

Posted By Chris Abbott Hmm.. I would say MIOSH (That's what you can get with an NVQ L4 - albeit through their standard criteria route etc, as per the joinging guidlines) is recognised wildly too ? isn't it ?

Posted By Mike Shields Martin, 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. For NVQ level 4 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 professional development. Mike Shields

Posted By Paul Oliver Interesting response from Shane, I would have thought that qualifications and experience should go hand in hand. i have over 5 years expereince in H&S, 15yrs in construction and am a member of IOSH. however does that mean that someone just entering the proffesion with a post grad cert from portsmouth uni is a more competent practitioner than myself or others out there who have completed NVQ 4. NVQ 4 proves that you have the neccesary skils competence and experience to be able to attain this level of qualifiaction. although i am now studying for a degree, i feel i obtained more value from the NVQ 4 that i was able to utilise in my day to day activites than from 3 years of degree study (no i'm not studying for the wrong degree!). i also know a number of practitioners who have obtained senior managerial positions with NVQ 4. by the way i completed my NVQ with KT Associates for about £1750, very good value for money. if you require further details please e-mail me. thank you.