For a number of years, the NCRQ level 6 diploma has been an excellent course for health and safety practitioners, looking to work towards their graduate and chartered iosh status. It has offered a great combination of learning and real-life application of health and safety, which produces exceptionally competent graduates.
However, as of October, NCRQ closed their doors, leaving its current students unsure as to what to do next. Although a phoenix company was started to continue offering the NCRQ qualification, it looks increasingly likely that future graduates of the qualification will be unable to achieve graduate/cert and chartered iosh status following completion of the course.
The NCRQ has been iSAFE’s go-to course for training our consultants for some time and we currently have consultants who currently undertaking the course. As such we have been left scratching our heads (along will the rest of the NCRQ community), trying to figure out what to do next and what course to select for our current and future consultants to undertake going forward.
So in the interest of community spirit, we have decided to publish our analysis of the courses and routes available for those seeking a course which will lead to grad/cert iosh and beyond.
Disclaimer: We are not paid by any training provider or accrediting body, nor do we offer any of the courses on this list. This article is written to let you know some of the options available to you (there may be others) and we have attempted to be as unbiased as possible. Please don’t sue us!
Nebosh Diploma
NEBOSH is probably the most sought-after qualification when it comes to health and safety. It has been and remains the qualification that springs to mind when we think of health and safety professionals. However, being awarded a gold standard course means it is notoriously difficult to obtain and the chances are that the reason you enrolled on the NCRQ was to avoid the nebosh diploma. However, due to recent changes, the qualification may be more attainable for people who do not fair so well in exams.
Historically the diploma was a very exam-based qualification, which required candidates to complete three, three-hour examinations as well as a project showing you can apply your knowledge in a workplace situation. However, as of 2021, the nebosh diploma has become much more coursework based and is now assessed via the completion of assignments and scenario-based case studies, making the assessment style similar to the NCRQ. Despite the changes, the nebosh diploma remains a sizable undertaking and in order to pass, you are expected to undertake a minimum of 191 taught hours and 144 hours of self-directed study according to nebosh.
There are various methods of studying for the diploma, with e-learning, distance and face-to-face options available through a wide range of training providers. The cost depends largely on your method of study, with e-learning courses available for as little as £1000+vat and face-to-face courses demanding up to £6000+vat.
NVQ Level 6.
NVQ Level 6 courses are a great option for people who are currently working in a health and safety position, as the qualification is based on, on-the-job training and evidence collated from your real-world work.
There are no examinations required to pass the course, so if you aren’t great at taking exams, this could be the route for you. Instead, you can obtain this qualification by building a professional portfolio, which is typically made up of 140 pieces of evidence which demonstrate your competence in 12 areas of health and safety. During the course, you will be assigned a mentor to help you in your development.
NVQs typically give a time limit of 2 years to complete the course however, candidates typically complete the course within 6 to 12 months of enrolling.
From our research, we have found NVQ courses start at around £1200 + Vat, so this could be a cost-effective alternative to the NCRQ qualification.
Master's Degree.
For those who want to go above and beyond and go for the level 7, completing a Masters Degree may be a good option. However, unlike other qualifications on this list, you will likely need to have completed a bachelor’s degree or be able to demonstrate extensive experience in health and safety before you can enrol.
Much like the NVQ route some Masters level courses, are totally exam free. Some are assessed through work-based projects, whereas others are assessed through the submission of coursework and practical assessments. However be aware that these are more academic qualifications, meaning you will have to brush up on your academic writing and referencing skills.
Different universities offer different styles of learning, some offering distanced learning (ideal for those who are currently in work) and others offering part and full-time options if you want to experience the full uni experience. Naturally, the route you take will affect the duration with full-time courses taking around a year and distance learning options taking up to 3 years to complete.
N.B. If you want to be super hardcore you can even take on a level 7 nebosh qualification (Yikes!).
NCRQ Level 6.
You’re probably thinking the whole purpose of this article is because the NCRQ no longer gets me grad/cert iosh status and you are entirely correct, at this moment it won’t. However, this course has been praised for years and although I am speculating here, It will eventually regain its accreditation. This may be through resolving the politics between NCRQ’s new persona and the governing bodies or it could be through the syllabus and course content being purchased by a totally different provider.
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking but I really don’t think we’ve seen the end of the NCRQ and I feel it may be worth waiting it out to see what happens in the coming months.
Whatever happens, I hope this article has helped you find an option that works for you and we wish you the best with your health and safety studies.
Looking for training?
iSAFE doesn’t offer level 6 courses, however, we do offer iosh managing safely and iosh managing safely refresher courses, which are great for increasing the health and safety awareness of your managers and supervisors. We also offer coaching which blends health and safety consultancy with practical on-the-job training in your point of work, to get your business compliant, whilst teaching you how to keep it that way.
Check out our range of services for help with all your health and safety needs.
