What is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?
The ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice is a work-based qualification for experienced practitioners. You demonstrate competence across ten mandatory units through genuine workplace evidence, supported by knowledge workbooks and assessor feedback.
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 genuine workplace evidence for competence outcomes, with knowledge workbook answers for knowledge outcomes. Your assessor maps evidence to the criteria, provides feedback and agrees observation where required. Professional discussion and witness testimony are not used for competence outcomes.
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.
Do I need to attend classes?
SHEC supports portfolio submission and assessor contact remotely, so regular classroom attendance is not required. You still need genuine workplace activity and evidence, and your assessor agrees observation where required.
Does it automatically give me CertIOSH?
No. An appropriate Level 6 health and safety qualification may meet the qualification requirement, subject to IOSH acceptance. IOSH also requires at least two years of relevant professional experience and evidence of CPD; it makes the membership decision.
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.
What workplace evidence will I need?
Examples include policies you developed or implemented, risk assessments, audit and investigation reports, emergency arrangements, management reviews and CPD. Your assessor checks that each item is authentic, relevant, current and sufficient, and maps it to the required criteria. You do not need every example on this list; you do need evidence covering all required outcomes.
Can Level 6 support CMIOSH progression?
It may form part of the qualification route towards Certified membership and later Chartered progression. It does not automatically award CMIOSH: IOSH’s professional assessment, experience, CPD and ethical-practice requirements remain separate. Read the CMIOSH progression guide and check your exact eligibility with IOSH.
Should I take Level 6 or Level 7?
Choose Level 6 when you need to demonstrate broad occupational H&S competence through your current work. Consider Level 7 when your responsibilities and evidence are genuinely strategic. The higher number is not automatically the better fit. Compare Level 6 and Level 7 by role, evidence and progression before requesting a suitability review.
