Should You Take the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?
When looking to advance your career in the field of health and safety, qualifications can play a critical role. The Level 6 NVQ in Health and Safety is one of the most respected work-based qualifications that are available to professionals in the industry- but how are you supposed to know if it’s the right qualification for your career? In this blog, we’ll be breaking down what the course involves, who it’s for, the benefits of completing the qualification, and whether it’s a smart move for your career progression.
What is the Level 6 NVQ in Health and Safety?
The Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety is a work-based qualification designed for individuals who are already working in a health and safety role. Rather than sitting in a classroom, this NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) allows you to demonstrate your competence in your own real-world working environment. It’s considered equivalent to a full bachelor’s degree, and can also lead to Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH).
Throughout the NVQ, you complete an online portfolio of evidence showcasing your experience, competence, and understanding of health and safety legislation, risk management, audits, emergency procedures, and more. It’s not an exam-based qualification; instead, it focuses on practical, on-the-job evidence and assessment.
Who is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ For?
Because you need to have considerable experience in health and safety before undertaking this NVQ, the qualification is most ideal for:
- Health and Safety Officers
- Health and Safety Advisors
- Safety Coordinators
- Site Managers or Supervisors with health and safety responsibilities
- Professionals who are working in similar roles to those listed above
If you’re already in a job where you handle health and safety responsibilities and want to take the next step in your career, this NVQ is likely a good fit for you.
Is an NVQ a Classroom-Based Course?
The Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ is not a classroom-based course, due to the nature of all NVQs. It’s a vocational qualification based on your current job role, and your day-to-day responsibilities. Rather than attending lectures or sitting exams, you’ll be working alongside an assessor to compile evidence from your day-to-day work that proves your competence. Your assessor will remotely assess this evidence.
You won’t need to take time off to attend lectures or workshops. Instead, you’ll be demonstrating your capabilities through real projects, risk assessments, reports, and procedures that you’re already involved in at work.
Should Health and Safety Managers Take the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?
If you’re already working as a Health and Safety Manager or you’re working in a similar role, this qualification can strengthen your credentials. Here’s why:
- It meets the academic requirements for Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH)
- It demonstrates your practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge
- It positions you as a highly competent and qualified professional in your field
For those looking to solidify their management-level status or move into senior advisory or consultancy roles, the NVQ can serve as a key stepping stone.
What are the Entry Requirements for the NVQ?
To enrol in the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ, you typically need:
- A current role with substantial health and safety responsibilities
- Experience in conducting risk assessments, investigations, and managing health and safety systems
- The ability to produce documentation and evidence for your online portfolio
There are no formal educational prerequisites, but you should already be operating at or near a managerial level within your role.
Can You Complete the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ While Working Full-Time?
NVQs are designed with full-time professionals entirely in mind. Since the NVQ is assessed based on your existing work, you don’t need to take time off for classes or exams. You can collect evidence and complete tasks during the normal course of your working day.
Assessment is flexible, and you can take as long as you need to complete your portfolio. This makes it an ideal qualification for those who are working full-time and can’t commit all of their working hours to the NVQ.
Do You Learn Theory from NVQs?
While NVQs are primarily based on practical experience, they also incorporate theoretical knowledge.
- You’ll need to show that you understand legislation, regulations, and best practices
- You’ll be expected to reflect on why certain procedures are carried out in specific ways
- Evidence must demonstrate both your knowledge and your ability to apply it practically
In essence, NVQs ensure that you not only know what to do, but also why it needs to be done that way.
Is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ an Online Course?
The qualification is assessed through your workplace activity, but your portfolio is submitted online. That means:
- You work in your usual environment
- You collect evidence such as reports, audits, minutes from meetings, photos, videos, etc
- Your assessor reviews and provides feedback online
This hybrid approach provides both convenience, and immediate relevance.
Can the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ Help You Earn More?
Many professionals who complete the Level 6 NVQ go on to secure higher-paying roles due to their advanced qualifications and proven competency. Roles that typically require or favour this NVQ include:
- Health and Safety Manager
- Head of Safety
- Compliance Manager
- Health and Safety Consultant
Employers are often willing to pay more for someone with Chartered IOSH membership, which this qualification helps you achieve.
Benefits of Taking the Level 6 NVQ
- No exams or classroom requirements
- Fully work-based, completed at your own pace
- Recognised as a route to Chartered IOSH membership
- Enhances your CV and professional credibility
- Flexible assessment that fits around your job
- Opens doors to senior-level roles in safety and compliance
Why Employers Value Level 6 NVQs
Employers appreciate NVQs for several key reasons:
- They show that a candidate has real-world experience, not just academic knowledge
- It ensures that safety professionals have a high level of competence
- It boosts internal compliance with health and safety laws and standards
- It increases the company’s chances of passing inspections or audits
For more about why employers value this NVQ, have a read of our blog: Is NVQ Level 6 Health and Safety Recognised by Employers?
Is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ Worth Taking?
The NVQ is particularly worth it if:
- You are working in a senior health and safety role or a role with similar responsibilities
- You want to gain Chartered IOSH status
- You prefer a qualification based on practical work rather than exams
- You need a flexible study route that works around a full-time job
The NVQ requires commitment, but the rewards in terms of professional development, recognition, and job opportunities are significant.
The Flexibility of the Level 6 NVQ
One of the most appealing aspects of the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ is its flexibility. Unlike traditional courses, there’s no rigid timeframe or mandatory classroom attendance. Everything is designed to fit around your existing work commitments.
Develop Your Leadership Skills with the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ
Pursuing the Level 6 NVQ isn’t just about recognising your current skills; it’s about building new ones. Throughout the qualification, you’ll hone your leadership and management skills as they relate to health and safety.
You’ll learn how to implement and monitor safety strategies across different teams, communicate policies effectively, and motivate others to engage with safety initiatives. These are valuable skills for anyone aiming to take on senior management or consultancy roles.
Boost Your Professional Standing in the Health and Safety Field
Standing out in the competitive field of health and safety can be challenging, but the Level 6 NVQ helps you do just that. Achieving this qualification signals to employers and colleagues that you’re serious about your career and committed to upholding the highest standards.
It also opens the door to networking opportunities within professional organisations like IOSH. These connections can enhance your career prospects, and provide support as you continue to grow in your role.
Pathways After Completing the NVQ
Once you’ve achieved the Level 6 NVQ, your career progression opportunities don’t stop there. Many professionals use it as a springboard to pursue roles with global organisations, or industries requiring advanced safety expertise.
Additionally, the qualification keeps the door open for further education. Some individuals move on to complete a master’s degree in occupational health and safety or related fields, leveraging the NVQ as a strong foundation. This flexibility makes it a smart investment for the long term.
How to Stay Motivated While You’re Completing the NVQ
Like any professional qualification, completing the Level 6 NVQ requires dedication and effort. Here are some tips to stay motivated:
- Break the portfolio tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Set clear, realistic timelines for completion
- Maintain regular communication with your assessor for feedback and guidance
- Keep reminding yourself of your end goal, whether that’s a promotion, higher salary, or professional recognition
Conclusion: Should You Take the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?
The Level 6 NVQ in H&S is a versatile and career-enhancing qualification that offers extensive benefits, both after completion and during. From building practical skills to opening doors to senior roles, the opportunities it presents make it a valuable choice for health and safety professionals, at any stage of their careers.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, taking your first steps toward Chartered IOSH membership, or simply wanting to refine your expertise, this qualification could be the key to unlocking your next professional milestone. Take the step, and invest in your future today.
If you still have any questions regarding the NVQ, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
