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Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice

A work-based ProQual Level 6 NVQ for practising health and safety professionals seeking recognised progression toward CertIOSH.

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Run by Nigel Lewis

Nigel Lewis BA (Hons) CMIOSH OSHCR PIEMAShec Logo
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Professional recognition

BCSP QEP recognition — a pathway towards TSP®

The ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice has been recognised as a BCSP Qualified Equivalent Program (QEP), providing eligible graduates with a pathway towards the TSP® designation and CSP® certification. This recognition satisfies the qualified credential requirement; however, eligibility remains contingent upon meeting the applicable education and work experience requirements as well.

Eligible graduates can apply for TSP® once the programme appears on BCSP’s official QEP list, scheduled for October 2026.

Explore the BCSP TSP® pathway →

Awarding Body

ProQual

Skill Level

Diploma

Diploma

Level 6

Course Type

No exams

About Course

Develop Your Practice and Gain Recognition This ProQual-accredited Level 6 NVQ Diploma is designed for experienced Health & Safety professionals responsible for shaping and implementing safety procedures within their organisation. It is a recognised route toward Certified Membership of IOSH (CertIOSH) and replaces Graduate Membership. There are no exams, and assessment is based entirely on practical evidence. You’ll complete assignments aligned to your existing role, with expert assessor support. Because this is a vocational qualification, you should be working in a suitable health and safety role where you can provide workplace evidence. It’s ideal if you already hold a Level 3 qualification and want to formalise your knowledge and advance in the profession. If you are unsure whether your role is suitable, speak to an assessor before enrolling.

Accredited Certification

Earn a ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma.

Flexible Study

Start anytime. Learn at your own pace.

15 Months Access

Complete when it suits your schedule.

IOSH Recognised

Recognised route toward CertIOSH.

Portfolio Assessment

Workplace evidence, no exams

Download Level 6 Syllabus

Course Content

Build a professional portfolio of workplace evidence across 10 mandatory units. There are no exams, and your assessor supports you through online submissions and feedback.

Course Syllabus

10 Mandatory Units – Levels 5–6

Promote a positive health and safety culture

Level 5

Develop and implement the health and safety policy

Level 6

Develop and implement effective communication systems for health and safety information

Level 6

Develop and maintain organisational safety competence

Level 5

Identify, assess and control health and safety risks

Level 5

Implement proactive monitoring systems

Level 6

Implement reactive monitoring systems

Level 6

Implement emergency response procedures

Level 6

Implement safety review systems

Level 6

Maintain knowledge to influence safety practice

Level 5

L6 HS NVQ

Career Progression

This course is for you if...​

You’re a practising Health & Safety professional

Already working in the field and holding a Level 3 qualification? Level 6 is the next step for practitioners who want a recognised route toward CertIOSH. If you are newer to health and safety, compare the IOSH Level 3 Certificate first; if you already work at senior strategic level, consider the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health and Safety Leadership and Management.

You’re ready to take the next step

If you’re looking to formalise your experience and progress into more senior roles, this NVQ will give you the qualification and evidence needed to do so.

Skill Focus

Pro Qual Logo

Professional Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety for Experienced Practitioners

Secure a recognised qualification and formalise your expertise to progress in senior health and safety roles.

Professional Diploma for Practising Safety Practitioners

Formalise your competence with a nationally recognised NVQ designed to match your role and responsibilities.

Learn from Practising Experts

Our assessors are experienced professionals who stay active in the field. They offer mentoring that bridges theory and real-world practice.

Real-World, Evidence-Based Learning

You’ll complete practical assignments that reflect your workplace experience and build a credible, usable portfolio.

Tailored One-to-One Support

Enjoy ongoing support from enrolment to completion, with assessors available to help you through each module.

Progress to CertIOSH

A recognised route to IOSH Certified Membership, preparing you for more senior, strategic positions.

Ready to start your Level 6 NVQ?

FAQs

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health & Safety Practice?

This course is ideal for experienced practitioners in a health and safety role who already hold a Level 3 qualification. It is especially suited for Health & Safety Advisors, Consultants, and Managers who want to gain Certified Membership of IOSH (CertIOSH). You should be working in a role where you are responsible for implementing health and safety policies and procedures.

How is the Level 6 Diploma assessed, and what does the course entail?

What are the benefits and career progression opportunities after completing the diploma?

What’s the difference between eLearning, blended learning, and digital assessments?

Degree-level professional health & safety practice

ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice

Gain recognition for the professional practice you already deliver. Demonstrate your competence through genuine workplace evidence, with evidence mapping, portfolio support and assessor feedback from SHEC Learning®.

ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma · RQF Level 6 · Work-based professional competence

Is Level 6 right for you?

Your professional responsibilities are the starting point

This route suits experienced health and safety advisers, managers, consultants, HSEQ professionals, senior safety officers and compliance practitioners with substantial occupational health and safety responsibility.

Influence policy and systems

Develop or implement arrangements, advise management and make professional judgements.

Manage risks and competence

Control significant risks and help develop organisational health and safety competence.

Monitor and improve

Manage proactive and reactive monitoring, review performance and support improvement.

Demonstrate genuine practice

Provide evidence of communication, emergency planning and broad professional activity.

A job title alone does not establish suitability.We review your role, autonomy, experience, knowledge and access to evidence before enrolment.
Qualification at a glance

A regulated qualification built around professional practice

RQF Level 6Degree-level framework
ProQualAwarding organisation
10 unitsAll mandatory
PortfolioPass or fail assessment

Total Qualification Time: 1,064 hours. Guided Learning Hours: 532. These qualification measures are not a fixed calendar duration or a requirement to attend that many hours of classroom teaching.

Approved for learners aged 19 and over. No formal qualification prerequisite is specified; the centre must assess your existing skills, knowledge and suitability.

Degree-level does not mean the same as a degree.RQF Level 6 is also the level of bachelor’s degrees, but the NVQ recognises occupational competence through a different assessment model.
How assessment works

Use the work you already produce

Build an authentic portfolio

Policies, risk-management records, audits, investigations, reports, presentations, meeting records, improvement projects, emergency arrangements and CPD can demonstrate your practice.

Explain your professional decisions

Your assessor reviews evidence against the requirements, supported by professional discussion, questioning, witness testimony and other valid assessment methods where appropriate.

There is no traditional end examination, but every required outcome and assessment criterion must be achieved. Your assessor identifies gaps and agrees proportionate ways to demonstrate outstanding competence.

Portfolio submission and assessor contact can be managed online. The professional activity being assessed must come from your real workplace role.

What evidence might I need?

Evidence of broad organisational responsibility

Policy

Developing, implementing or reviewing health and safety policy.

Risk management

Risk assessments, control strategies and professional decisions.

Communication

Briefings, consultation, reports, meetings and information systems.

Organisational competence

Training-needs analysis, competency frameworks and development plans.

Proactive monitoring

Audits, inspections and monitoring before incidents occur.

Reactive monitoring

Investigations, trend analysis and corrective-action processes.

Emergency arrangements

Plans, exercises, response systems and review activity.

Performance review

KPIs, management reviews, audit reports and improvement decisions.

Professional development

CPD records showing how learning improves your professional practice.

Request a Level 6 Evidence Review →

Genuine evidence is essential.Do not fabricate policies, inspections, audits, investigations, meetings, witness statements or professional responsibilities. AI may support legitimate work but must not manufacture fictional activity. Handle confidential information with appropriate permission and redaction.
The qualification structure

Ten mandatory units for professional competence

UNIT 01

Promote a Positive Health and Safety Culture

Build and maintain positive health and safety behaviours and attitudes.

UNIT 02

Develop and Implement the Health and Safety Policy

Demonstrate your involvement in developing, implementing and maintaining organisational policy.

UNIT 03

Develop and Implement Effective Communication Systems for Health and Safety Information

Communicate health and safety information effectively across the organisation.

UNIT 04

Develop and Maintain Individual and Organisational Competence in Health and Safety Matters

Identify, develop and maintain individual and organisational competence.

UNIT 05

Identify, Assess and Control Health and Safety Risks

Demonstrate professional judgement in assessing risks and selecting suitable controls.

UNIT 06

Develop and Implement Proactive Monitoring Systems for Health and Safety

Monitor health and safety performance before adverse events occur.

UNIT 07

Develop and Implement Reactive Monitoring Systems for Health and Safety

Investigate incidents and failures, using the findings to drive improvement.

UNIT 08

Develop and Implement Health and Safety Emergency Response Systems and Procedures

Develop emergency planning and organisational response arrangements.

UNIT 09

Develop and Implement Health and Safety Review Systems

Evaluate and review health and safety performance and management systems.

UNIT 10

Maintain Knowledge of Improvements to Influence Health and Safety Practice

Maintain your professional knowledge and show how CPD influences your practice.

Choose by responsibility

Level 3, Level 6 or Level 7?

Level 3 · Operational competence

Contribute to risk assessments, inspections, incidents, procedures and day-to-day safety activity. Explore the Level 3 NVQ →

Level 6 · Professional practice

Develop and influence policy, systems, competence, monitoring, emergency arrangements and performance across an organisation.

Level 7 · Strategic leadership

For responsibilities involving governance, executive influence, organisational culture and long-term strategic performance. Explore Level 7 →

You do not automatically need Level 3 before Level 6. An experienced practitioner with suitable responsibilities and evidence may enter directly. If you are new to the profession or need foundational knowledge, consider the IOSH Level 3 Certificate.

Compare all health and safety qualifications →

Professional membership

Your pathway towards CertIOSH and beyond

Certified membership · CertIOSH

An appropriate Level 6 health and safety qualification can provide the qualification component. IOSH also requires at least two years of relevant professional experience and evidence of CPD. Membership is not automatic; IOSH makes the final decision. Check current IOSH requirements →

Chartered progression

Eligible Certified Members can work towards Chartered status through IOSH’s Professional Development Assessment route. Continue building professional experience and competence alongside your CPD. Explore the IOSH PDA route →

Considering the BCSP pathway?Read the dedicated guidance for the requirements and current application arrangements.Explore the BCSP TSP® pathway →

Level 6 can support development towards senior adviser, health and safety manager, HSEQ manager, consultant, regional lead or compliance roles. It does not guarantee promotion, employment or salary. Explore the career pathway →

Support from SHEC Learning®

Structured assessment around your professional role

Suitability and role review

Review your autonomy, experience, responsibilities, evidence access and professional objectives.

Experienced assessors

Work with assessors who understand occupational health and safety practice.

Evidence mapping

Identify how authentic work can support the ten units without creating unnecessary documents.

Assessment planning

Agree how to address genuine gaps using appropriate assessment methods.

Professional discussion

Explain the reasoning and knowledge behind your professional decisions.

Feedback and progression

Develop your portfolio with clear feedback and guidance on your next professional steps.

Fees and payment options

Choose the payment arrangement after suitability approval

£1,495 full payment

Discounted full-payment price. VAT may apply.

3 × £600

£1,800 total. VAT may apply.

6 × £300

£1,800 total. VAT may apply.

12 × £150

£1,800 total. VAT may apply.

The shop also lists a £750 upfront option, with the balance due on completion or within 12 months under its published terms. VAT may apply. Check the final balance, total price and current conditions before choosing this option.

Purchase only once SHEC Learning® has confirmed your suitability. Current checkout terms are authoritative, and applicable fees must be paid in full before certification.

After enrolment

From induction to quality-assured completion

1. Induction and role review

Understand the process and discuss your professional responsibilities and strongest evidence.

2. Mapping and planning

Map work to the ten units and agree assessment methods for genuine gaps.

3. Portfolio and discussion

Submit evidence, receive feedback and discuss your professional decisions where appropriate.

4. Completion and certification

Demonstrate competence across all units and complete the required quality-assurance process.

Frequently asked questions

Before you enrol

What is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?

A competence-based RQF Level 6 Diploma for experienced practitioners who demonstrate broad professional responsibility through authentic workplace evidence.

Who is it for?

Experienced advisers, managers, consultants, HSEQ professionals and other practitioners who develop and implement organisational health and safety arrangements.

Is Level 6 equivalent to a degree?

It sits at the same framework level as a bachelor’s degree. Its purpose and assessment differ, so degree-level does not mean it is the same qualification as a university degree.

Are there exams?

There are no traditional end-of-course examinations. You must still demonstrate every required outcome and assessment criterion through valid competence assessment.

How is it assessed?

A portfolio of workplace evidence supported by professional discussion, questioning, witness testimony and other appropriate assessment methods.

Do I need to work in health and safety?

You need access to genuine professional activities covering the required competence. Your role, responsibilities and evidence should be checked before enrolment.

Do I need Level 3 first?

Not automatically. There is no formal entry qualification prerequisite. Relevant knowledge, experience, professional responsibilities and evidence determine suitability. The qualification is for learners aged 19 and over.

How many units are there?

All ten mandatory units must be completed. They cover culture, policy, communication, competence, risk, monitoring, emergency response, review and professional development.

Can I use evidence I already have?

Yes, where your assessor confirms that it is authentic, relevant, current and sufficient for the assessment requirements.

Can AI write my portfolio?

AI must not fabricate professional practice or workplace evidence. Your portfolio must represent your genuine work, responsibilities and competence.

Can I complete it online?

Portfolio submission and assessor contact can be managed remotely. The competence itself must come from genuine occupational activity.

Does it automatically give me CertIOSH?

No. An appropriate Level 6 qualification supports the qualification component, while IOSH also requires relevant professional experience, CPD and a successful membership application.

What does it cost?

The discounted full-payment price is £1,495; VAT may apply. Three-, six- and twelve-month payment plans total £1,800; VAT may apply. Confirm the live checkout terms after suitability approval.

How long will it take?

Completion depends on your experience, available evidence, any assessment gaps and the time you can commit. Agree a realistic plan and support period with SHEC Learning® before enrolment.

What comes after Level 6?

Possible progression includes senior practitioner roles, CertIOSH, continuing professional development and Chartered progression. Level 7 may suit those with genuine strategic leadership responsibilities.

Your next step

Formalise the professional level you already operate at

Tell us what you do, the responsibility you hold and the evidence you can access. SHEC Learning® will help you decide whether Level 6 is the appropriate route.

Send a WhatsApp Enquiry →