NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice – Overview
Qualification: ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice
Level: Bachelor’s Degree Equivalent
Study Mode: Work-Based Assessment (No Exams)
Delivery: Fully Online + Assessor Support
What Is the NVQ Level 6 Diploma?
The NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice is a bachelor’s degree-level qualification designed for professionals responsible for managing workplace health and safety. Unlike academic
classroom courses, this NVQ is assessed entirely through real-world evidence of your competence—allowing you to achieve a recognised qualification while working in your current job role.
NVQs are the UK’s leading vocational qualifications for practical learners who prefer an evidence-based approach rather than exams. This qualification is accredited by ProQual, a globally recognised awarding body, and is
widely respected across industries in the UK and internationally.
The Diploma focuses on your ability to apply health and safety knowledge in real workplace situations, review and improve
existing systems, and demonstrate leadership in health and safety management.
With 24/7 access to an online portfolio system, candidates anywhere in the world can complete this qualification remotely.
Why Choose the NVQ Level 6 Diploma?
Benefits for Learners
- Achieve a bachelor’s degree-level qualification in health & safety.
- No exams — assessed entirely through practical, work-based evidence.
- Study flexibly around your existing job role.
- Build advanced skills in health & safety leadership, communication, and risk management.
- Enhance your CV and progress toward senior HSE roles.
Benefits for Employers
- Strengthen your organisation’s safety culture and compliance.
- Reduce accidents, incidents, and associated costs.
- Demonstrate commitment to professional development.
- Improve employee retention and support internal career progression.
Who Is This Qualification For?
The NVQ Level 6 is ideal for individuals who hold significant responsibility for health and safety, such as:
- Health & Safety Managers
- HSE Advisors / Officers
- Site Managers / Supervisors
- Compliance & Operations Managers
- Health & Safety Consultants
- Those seeking progression to senior or chartered roles
Previous health and safety experience is essential, as the NVQ is not taught but assessed through evidence of
workplace practice.
Course Structure & Key Topics
The NVQ Level 6 contains 10 mandatory units, covering:
- Developing and implementing a health & safety policy
- Effective health & safety communication systems
- Identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace risks
- Establishing proactive and reactive monitoring systems
- Emergency response planning
- Reviewing organisational health & safety performance
- Promoting a positive safety culture
- Maintaining and developing organisational competence
- Ensuring continuous improvement in H&S practice
How You Study
- Study “on the job” while working full-time
- Submit evidence through an online portfolio
- Receive ongoing guidance from your allocated assessor
- Evidence may include:
- Policies and procedures
- Risk assessments
- Training records
- Investigations
- Audits and inspections
- Meeting notes
- Reports
- Witness testimonies
- Professional discussions
Duration
Typical completion time: 3 to 12 months, depending on your experience and availability.
You will receive 18 months of support as standard, with optional extensions available.
Entry Requirements
To enrol, you must:
- Be employed in a health and safety role
- Be able to provide workplace evidence demonstrating your competence
- Have basic IT skills and good written/spoken English
- Have access to a witness or supervisor who can confirm your competency
Self-Assessment Checklist
You are likely suitable if you can evidence involvement in:
- Promoting a positive safety culture
- Writing or reviewing H&S policies
- Delivering training and managing competence
- Conducting risk assessments
- Workplace audits and inspections
- Incident investigations
- Emergency planning
- Evaluating safety performance
- Your own CPD activities
If unsure, our team can help assess your suitability.
Assessment Method
Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence, including:
- Practical workplace documents
- Answers to knowledge questions
- Recorded or written witness testimonies
- Professional discussions
- Audit, training, investigation, and monitoring records
There is no pass or fail—your assessor works with you until all criteria are successfully met.
Once your assessor signs off your portfolio, it undergoes internal quality assurance before certification.
ProQual (the awarding body) is regulated by Ofqual.