The New Year has arrived and we’re back to work. As New Year’s Eve slides away into distant memory and the detox commences (and ends just as swiftly), it’s important to look to the future – and we’re not just talking about New Year resolutions.
In fact, New Year resolutions are notoriously short sighted and often hard to commit to – typically involving unrealistic weight loss programmes or taking up new hobbies. Instead, focusing on something which by default you apply yourself to day-in, day-out and you might just get somewhere – your job.
By improving one’s career prospects and skill-set, a person can enjoy long-term gains. With this in mind professionals within health and safety should look to progress their understanding and experience of health and safety legislation and best practices by undertaking a relevant qualification – in this instance – the NEBOSH Diploma.
Why the NEBOSH Diploma?
The NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is the flagship NEBOSH qualification and is the first UK vocational qualification to be developed specifically for health and safety professionals. Since its introduction in 1988 it has become established as the most popular qualification of its kind, currently held by over 10,000 OSH professionals.
The NEBOSH Diploma provides the core health and safety knowledge (transferable across industry, commerce and the public sector) which, combined with understanding and appropriate application, underpins the competent performance of an occupational health and safety practitioner.
Who’s the course for?
The course is designed for aspiring health and safety professionals, building directly upon the foundation of knowledge provided by the NEBOSH National General Certificate. It will provide students with the expertise required to undertake a career as a safety and health practitioner as well as a sound basis for progression to postgraduate study.
There are no formal entry requirements for the NEBOSH Diploma, however candidates should consider that this is a professional level qualification, approximately equivalent to Level 6 (degree level). Achievement of the NEBOSH General Certificate or direct equivalent prior to undertaking this Diploma course is highly recommended.
How’s the course structured?
The NEBOSH Diploma course is divided into four main units, which you can see below:
- Unit A: Managing health and safety
- Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace
- Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety
- Unit D: Application of health and safety theory and practice
Each unit is assessed separately, consisting of 3 x three hour written exams and a written assignment for the final unit. All questions within this course examination are compulsory and papers are marked externally by certified NEBOSH appointed examiners.
How long does the NEBOSH Diploma take?
The course is delivered over 30 days in one week blocks (a total of 6 weeks). As well as the 30 tuition days, candidates should be aware that there is a significant element of private self-study required to successfully obtain the qualification. NEBOSH estimate this to be 257 hours spread over the duration of the course; however this will vary from candidate to candidate depending on past experience and knowledge.
There’s also an optional 2 day NEBOSH Revision course held at the completion of the course and prior to the exams, which can be booked either at the time of booking or at any time during your course.
Where could a NEBOSH course take you?
So, where will NEBOSH take you? NEBOSH courses are seen as the benchmark of a health and safety professional and as a result are closely linked with career progression. Not only that, NEBOSH qualifications are recognised by professional membership bodies such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
It’s also an opportunity for learners to increase their knowledge and skills, giving them the tools to meet the changing demands within health and safety, and provide the skills to mentor and develop those around them.
Moreover, it’s mandatory to maintain a good competency level to practice health and safety. The NEBOSH Diploma provides the main legal requirements of health and safety within the UK, ensuring businesses and staff are meeting their legal responsibilities.
If you’re interested in learning more about the NEBOSH Diploma, call us on 0121 248 2233, email or visit our website.