Advancing Your Career in Health and Safety
Exploring Career Progression in Health and Safety
Upon completing the NEBOSH General Certificate and gaining industry experience, many health and safety professionals ponder their next steps. In this article, we'll delve into why numerous individuals opt for a level 6 health and safety qualification next, while others choose to specialize with another NEBOSH Certificate, examining the advantages of each route.
Post-NEBOSH General Certificate Pathways
After attaining the NEBOSH General Certificate, health and safety professionals often contemplate how to advance in their careers. For these individuals, two primary options emerge: pursuing a level 6, degree-equivalent qualification like the NEBOSH Diploma or opting for another NEBOSH Certificate, focusing on a specific area such as the NEBOSH Construction Certificate.
Pursuing a Level 6 Qualification
There are several reasons why health and safety professionals might consider pursuing a level 6 qualification. These qualifications offer more comprehensive knowledge on occupational safety compared to the NEBOSH General Certificate. The NEBOSH Diploma and the NVQ Level 6 are the two main level 6 health and safety qualifications professionals typically choose from. A level 6 qualification is often a prerequisite for senior roles in the industry, making it appealing to those interested in positions like health and safety officer or consultant. Upon completing either of these qualifications, individuals become eligible for IOSH Certified Membership, provided they have at least 2 years of industry experience. Additionally, a Diploma qualifies individuals for senior health and safety industry roles such as head of safety, as most employers require a level 6 safety qualification for these positions.
NEBOSH Diploma
Regarded as the gold standard in health and safety qualifications, the NEBOSH Diploma offers a comprehensive learning experience over 6 weeks, assessed through three exams. It covers all aspects of occupational health and safety, from monitoring systems to risk assessments and safety policy development.
NVQ Level 6
Designed for individuals with industry experience and a professional position, the NVQ Level 6 is a vocational qualification studied in the workplace. Candidates work alongside their NVQ assessor to compile evidence demonstrating their safety knowledge and skills. This evidence is then assessed, leading to the awarding of the NVQ qualification. As there are no exams, this qualification is suited for those seeking a more practical learning experience.
IOSH Membership
Attaining a level 6 health and safety qualification makes individuals eligible for IOSH Certified Membership, provided they have at least two years of relevant experience in the health and safety industry. Membership offers access to networking events, newsletters, and post-nominal letters, enhancing industry-wide recognition.
Specializing with a NEBOSH Certificate
Alternatively, some professionals opt to specialize by pursuing another NEBOSH Certificate instead of a level 6 qualification. This allows individuals to work in different industries or take on new responsibilities within their current roles, depending on the certificate chosen. It is common for professionals in new job roles to pursue a new certificate if their position requires a specific focus on a particular hazard or aspect of safety, such as fire safety or environmental management.
