An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), and an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) is a qualification that recognises someone’s competence (the skills, knowledge and understanding they have in a work situation). The qualifications are based on national occupational standards. These standards describe the level and breadth of performance that is expected of anyone working in the sector that the standards cover. These qualifications consist mainly of units from the health and safety standards developed by the Employment NTO, the government-approved standard setting body for the health and safety sector at the time.
The OCR (Oxford and Cambridge RSA Examinations) health and safety NVQ’s/SVQ's are work-oriented and are suitable for those who have real work experience. They are open to candidates of any age, or gender and there are no entry barriers on grounds of race, creed or previous academic attainment or learning. Candidates are expected to have sufficient standards of communication and numeracy skills to carry out the work described in the standards.
These qualifications are designed to reflect the work of candidates with health and safety responsibilities. They recognise the candidate’s competence in the area of Health and Safety practice to national standards.
The standards not only provide the way towards a better practical understanding of health and safety practice but also a benchmark for good practice in this field. Both employers and practitioners can use these qualifications to improve health and safety practice within their organisation. This can be achieved by reviewing current practice against the standards, planning for improvement at individual and organisational levels, and then implementing the appropriate policies for better health and safety. The results will be seen in:
- Improved organisational image
- Safer working conditions
- Increased staff motivation and morale
- Raised standards of work
You cannot fail an NVQ / SVQ.
We do not grade your results.
You are either competent or not yet competent.
As a SHEilds NVQ/SVQ candidate, you are provided with a Portfolio Manager and an Assessor, who will guide you through your NVQ or SVQ, SHEilds aim to get each candidate through their NVQ or SVQ within 9 Months however you have up-to 24 Months to complete it.
To gain a full NVQ or SVQ you must collate enough evidence to prove you are competent in the required units. You can then claim a full certificate. If you cannot finish all of the units for the full qualification, you may claim a ‘unit certificate’ that lists the unit or units that have been signed off by your assessor. You may do more than the necessary number of units in which case the additional units will be shown on your unit certificate.
Some of the units in these NVQs appear in other NVQs (such as B5 and C13). If you have already achieved any of the units through another awarding body, please tell your assessor and they will arrange for this to count towards your full NVQ. You will need to present to your assessor your original unit certificate issued by the other awarding body.
You may find that a unit or part of a unit matches something you did some time ago, perhaps in a previous job. Tell your assessor about this. While past achievements may only be acceptable if they reflect what you can do now, you may be able to use your past achievements as evidence for your NVQ or SVQ.
The awarding body for these qualifications is Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) and the regulatory body is the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
OCR Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety
The OCR scheme code for this qualification is 3943
OCR Level 4 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice
The OCR scheme code for this qualification is 3944
OCR Level 5 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice
The OCR scheme code for this qualification is 3942
