An NVQ — National Vocational Qualification — is a competence-based qualification that recognises your ability to perform a role to a national standard. Instead of sitting a single exam, you’re assessed on real evidence from your own work.
How NVQs work
You build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your actual job — documents, observations, and professional discussions — which an assessor reviews against the qualification standards. It’s ideal for people already working who want their skills formally recognised.
NVQ levels at a glance
- Level 3 — for those with operational responsibility for health & safety.
- Level 5 — for safety practitioners and managers; a widely respected professional benchmark.
- Level 6 & 7 — for senior and strategic safety leadership.
For a full breakdown, see Qualification Levels Explained, or explore our Health & Safety NVQ Courses.