What is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?
- steven mullan
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Written by Steven Mullan 07/07/2025
A Guide from SM Safety Training
If you’re looking to advance your health and safety career, gaining the right qualifications is essential. One of the most respected work-based qualifications in the industry is the Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety. But is it the right choice for you? In this guide, SM Safety Training breaks down exactly what this NVQ involves, who it’s for, the benefits, and how it could impact your career progression.
What is the Level 6 NVQ in Health and Safety?
The Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice is a nationally recognised work-based qualification. Unlike classroom courses, this NVQ allows you to prove your competence directly in your day-to-day work. It’s roughly equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and meets the academic requirements for Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH).
You’ll build an online portfolio showcasing your practical experience across key areas such as risk management, audits, emergency planning, compliance with health and safety legislation, and more. There are no exams—assessment is entirely evidence-based.
Who Should Take the Level 6 NVQ?
This NVQ is designed for professionals already working in health and safety roles. It’s ideal for:
Health & Safety Officers and Advisors
Safety Coordinators
Site Managers and Supervisors with health and safety duties
Anyone in a similar position looking to formalise and advance their skills
If you’re already managing health and safety responsibilities and want to take the next step—this qualification is likely a perfect fit.
Is the Level 6 NVQ a Classroom Course?
No. The Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ is a fully work-based qualification. You won’t sit in lectures or sit written exams. Instead, you’ll continue in your current role, gathering evidence—like risk assessments, investigations, meeting minutes and audits—that your assessor will review online.
This means you can complete the NVQ around your job, without taking time off for courses or workshops.
Why Health & Safety Managers Choose the Level 6 NVQ
Already in a managerial or senior advisory role? This NVQ can:
Help you achieve Chartered IOSH status
Prove your expertise through hands-on evidence
Enhance your professional credibility and open doors to higher-level roles such as Head of Safety or Compliance Manager
Employers look for this qualification because it demonstrates that you not only know health and safety theory—you can also apply it effectively in the real world.
Related reading. How ELCAS Can fund your NVQ Course
Entry Requirements for the NVQ Level 6
To enrol with SM Safety Training, you’ll typically need:
A current role with substantial health and safety responsibilities
Experience handling investigations, risk assessments, and managing H&S systems
The ability to produce documentation for your online portfolio
While there are no formal academic prerequisites, you should already be working at or near management level.
Can You Complete the NVQ While Working Full-Time?
Absolutely. The Level 6 NVQ is designed for busy professionals. Because you’re assessed on your existing work activities, you can build your portfolio during your normal working hours.
There’s no fixed completion time, so you can progress at a pace that suits you.
Does the NVQ Include Theory?
Yes—while the NVQ is practical, it also requires you to show an understanding of legislation, standards, and best practices. You’ll demonstrate not just what you do, but why you do it that way.
Is the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ an Online Course?
It’s a hybrid: you stay in your usual workplace, compile evidence, and submit your portfolio online. Assessors at SM Safety Training will then review and provide feedback remotely. This makes the process incredibly flexible and tailored to your real-world role.
Will This NVQ Help You Earn More?
Many professionals find that achieving this NVQ helps them secure higher salaries and senior positions. Roles such as Health and Safety Manager, Head of Safety, or Compliance Manager often require (or strongly prefer) this level of qualification.
Having Chartered IOSH membership can also significantly boost your earning potential.
Related reading: How to become a health and safety advisor.
Benefits of the Level 6 NVQ with SM Safety Training
No classroom attendance or exams
Entirely work-based, completed at your own pace
Recognised route to CMIOSH
Enhances your CV and credibility
Flexible assessment that fits around your full-time job
Opens doors to senior-level and consultancy roles
Why Employers Value the Level 6 NVQ
Employers appreciate this qualification because it guarantees you’ve demonstrated competence on the job. It also helps them maintain compliance and gives them confidence that their safety managers can lead inspections, audits, and robust H&S systems.
Is the NVQ Worth It?
If you’re serious about progressing in health and safety—especially towards Chartered IOSH—then yes. This NVQ is a smart choice if you:
Already work in a senior safety role
Prefer evidence-based assessment over exams
Need a qualification that works around your full-time job
Want to develop your leadership skills and stand out in the field
Build Your Leadership Skills
The NVQ doesn’t just prove your existing skills. Throughout the process, you’ll also develop leadership and communication techniques crucial for senior roles, from implementing H&S strategies to motivating teams.
What Comes After the Level 6 NVQ?
Once completed, many professionals use it as a launchpad to:
Move into global or high-risk industry roles
Pursue a master’s degree in occupational health and safety
Gain specialist accreditations
Tips for Staying Motivated
Break tasks into small, manageable steps
Set realistic deadlines
Keep in touch with your assessor for feedback
Remind yourself of your ultimate goal—whether that’s a pay rise, promotion, or professional recognition
Conclusion: Should You Take the Level 6 NVQ?
The Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health & Safety is an excellent investment in your future. It builds practical expertise, strengthens your CV, helps achieve Chartered IOSH, and positions you for senior roles. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or want to sharpen your existing skills, this qualification can be the key to unlocking your next career milestone.
Ready to Get Started?
SM Safety Training specialises in guiding professionals through their NVQs with personalised assessor support and flexible online systems.
📞 Call us on 07540057755 📧 Email steve@smsafetytraining.com
Take the next step in your health and safety career with SM Safety Training today.
FAQs
What level is the NVQ in Health and Safety equivalent to?
The Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health & Safety is equivalent to a full bachelor’s degree and meets the academic requirements for Chartered IOSH.
Is the Level 6 NVQ accepted by employers?
Yes. Employers highly value the Level 6 NVQ because it demonstrates proven, real-world competence—not just theoretical knowledge.
Can I complete the Level 6 NVQ while working full-time?
Absolutely. The NVQ is designed to be completed alongside your current role. There are no classroom hours or exams—assessment is entirely work-based.
How long does it take to finish the Level 6 Health & Safety NVQ?
It varies depending on your pace and workload. Most professionals complete it within 6 to 18 months, but there’s no strict deadline.
Does the Level 6 NVQ lead to Chartered IOSH membership?
Yes. This NVQ satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH), putting you on track for professional recognition.
What support does SM Safety Training provide for this NVQ?
SM Safety Training offers dedicated assessor guidance, flexible online portfolio systems, and personalised support to help you complete your NVQ efficiently.
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