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RRC Training >  NVQs in Health and Safety
 

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Occupational Health and Safety

Courses

NEBOSH DIPLOMA 

NEBOSH CERTIFICATE 

NEBOSH AWARD 

NVQ 

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IEMA 

CIEH 

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RRC Online 

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NVQ Certificate and Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety 

RRC are accredited by Oxford, Cambridge and RSA examinations board (OCR) to offer two NVQs in health and safety.  Both are nationally recognised on the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF): 

  • NVQ Certificate (QCF level 3)

  • NVQ Diploma (QCF level 5)

NVQs are different from traditional exam-based qualifications (like NEBOSH certificate or diploma).

  • No Formal Examinations
  • Evidence Based as Part of Your Everyday Work
  • Complete in 6 Months

Watch this short video introduction where Bob (NVQ Assessor and Verifier) explains what they are all about.

NVQ Brochure

You'll need to complete a short self-assessed questionnaire (called a "Skill Scan") before we can accept you on an NVQ. The questions are framed around the NVQ units (mandatory and optional). It's just to help decide whether NVQs are right for you and if they are, which one. It will also help you identify any skills gaps, areas where you might have difficulty and the best areas to start your evidence gathering. It gives you a head start and even forms part of your portfolio of evidence!

Download the Brochure and
Complete Your Skill Scan NOW!

What are NVQs?

How NVQs are different - the features and benefits of NVQs:

An NVQ isn’t a course of study
– it’s a way of proving your competence

But we provide our acclaimed e-Books so you can do some background reading if you need to fill a knowledge gap.
 

There are no exams with NVQs

Not many people like exams, so if exams aren’t your thing either, that’s a big advantage.  For you it means no revising, no cramming, no sweating.  That’s bound to save on sleepless nights and fingernails.
 

An NVQ is work-based

It’s part of your day job.  That means you don’t have to do much different from what you normally do, except make sure you evidence it.
 

An NVQ is competence-based

It’s practical - you will be given real tasks to perform (like doing a risk assessment).  That means doing these tasks will directly help you in your job.
 

An NVQ is evidence-based

You build a collection of evidence (a ‘portfolio’) to demonstrate competence.  The same bit of evidence may be used to support several areas of competence and will demonstrate that you can actually do your job.
 

An NVQ is flexible

The evidence you need to provide is not fixed, only the standard/quality.  That means the evidence relates to what you’ve done and no-one else.  It fits in with your work.
 

An NVQ is respected and valued by IOSH

 

It helps you get IOSH membership, getting you the respect and professional standing you deserve.   For membership purposes, it’s equivalent to NEBOSH qualifications:

 

Which NVQ is right for me?

Here's a simple rule of thumb to help you choose: 

NVQ Certificate 

if you lack any existing health and safety qualifications at this level but have some (limited) health and safety responsibility, authority and autonomy, we recommend starting here first.  You can always progress to the Diploma later
 

NVQ Diploma

if you already have the NVQ certificate or equivalent qualification (like the NEBOSH certificate) and you have specific health and safety responsibilities, together with significant authority and autonomy and can influence organisational policies/procedures.  So, you'll typically already be a health and safety manager/advisor within a senior management team.  
 

 NVQ Flow Diagram - Image

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for NVQs but:

  • You need to have a good level of English language
  • You need to be working in a health and safety role so that you can gather the evidence you need.
  • You should ordinarily be resident (i.e. home address) in England or Wales (Scotland have their own SVQ system)
  • Your workplace should preferably be in England, Wales or Scotland as it may be necessary for an assessor and/or verifier to directly observe you in your own workplace.  If you work outside of the UK, an NVQ may still be possible but we will need to seek OCR approval

How do I complete my NVQ?

NVQs consist of a number of units, covering core health and safety topics. Each unit has its own assessment criteria.  You gather evidence to demonstrate you’ve met the criteria.  You will be assigned an NVQ assessor who will guide you on what you need to do and what evidence you need.  Your assessor may set you tasks to help you gather the right evidence so you won’t be on your own.  We’ll even provide you with a full electronic copy of our course book for the NEBOSH Certificate (for the NVQ Certificate) or the NEBOSH Diploma (for the NVQ Diploma) as an essential knowledge resource.  So, if you need to brush up your knowledge to help you complete a task, you can just dip into the reference guide.

Evidence must be all your own work but is typically things such as documents, video, photographs,  witness statements and so on.  We provide an e-Portfolio system for you so you can upload evidence from anywhere at a time that suits you – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You don’t need any special software.  All you need is a computer, internet connection and a web browser (like Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).  So, you can be sure it will keep your evidence safe, secure and accessible.  It’s easy to navigate too, so you won’t have to spend ages learning how to use it.  After you upload your evidence to our approved e-Portfolio system, your assessor can view and mark it online.  That saves you time, piles of paperwork and gets a faster response.  You’ll achieve your NVQ when you’ve covered the required number of units and your achievements have been confirmed by internal and external verifiers. 

How easy is it to use an ePortfolio to store my evidence?

To find out how easy it is, take this quick video tour of the OCR-approved ePortfolio system we've chosen for you.  It's called Learning Assistant and was created by a division of City and Guilds.  It's far more than a simple file storage area.  But, see for yourself what it can do and how easy it is to use (starts automatically, but you can pause it using the controls at the bottom of the video pane).

 

When can I start and how long does it take?

It’s up to you when you start; you’re in control.  Start anytime.  Whether it’s the Certificate or the Diploma, it typically takes 6 months to complete your NVQ.  We've included 6 months assessor/verifier support in the cost.  Extra charges may apply if you need to take longer than this.

Why should I do my NVQ with RRC?

Not all NVQ providers are the same.  We believe these benefits make RRC Unique:

  • You achieve your NVQ quickly - our assessors aim to help you complete in 6 months or less
  • You'll only use an ePortfolio system - we don't do paperwork that can easily be lost or misplaced.  That means peace of mind for you.
  • You'll use a premium ePortfolio system that does far more than store your evidence - it gives you control and it helps you see where you are, view assessment criteria, contact your assessor, make appointments, view progress.  That means less wasted effort, more focus.
  • You'll get a copy of our NEBOSH eBooks to fill knowledge gaps. These are market leading reference books that we throw in, in case you need them.  That saves you money
  • You don't hand over any money until we're sure NVQs are right for you.  Even then, you get another 14 days in which to cancel.
  • Don't take our word for it - here's what our customers say

I want an NVQ - How do I sign up?

Complete the skill scan for your choice (or both if you like) - see "Which NVQ is right for me" above to help you choose, or contact us to discuss if you are still unsure.

Once completed - email it to us and we'll get back to you asap about enrolling.  We won't let you hand over any money until we're sure NVQs are right for you.

DATES AND PRICES

OCR NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (level 3)

COURSE LENGTH

Typically 6 Months, start anytime

£1495 + VAT (inclusive of OCR Registration fees and 6 months support)

CONTACT US

OCR NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice (level 5)

COURSE LENGTH

Typically 6 Months, start anytime

£1795+ VAT (inclusive of OCR Registration fees and 6 months support)

CONTACT US

FIND OUT MORE

27-37 St George's Road, London, SW19 4DS  T: +44 (0)208 944 3100  F +44(0)208 944 7099  info@rrc.co.uk  Skype rrctraining
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