The short version
- Main routeNVQ in Occupational Health & Safety, Level 3
- Leads toGold Supervisor card
- HowAssessed on your own jobs. No classroom.
- You needCurrent work in the trade to show
- TimeOften a few months, depending on your evidence
Moving into a health and safety role? Work-based NVQs at Levels 3, 6 and 7 cover everything from site advisor to strategic lead.
Who it's for
- Supervisors taking on safety duties
- Health and safety advisors
- Senior safety managers and directors
New to the trade? On-site NVQs need real jobs to assess, so they're not for complete beginners. Start with an apprenticeship or college course. See routes for new starters.
Which qualification?
| Qualification | Level | Card it leads to |
|---|---|---|
| NVQ in Occupational Health & Safety | 3 | Gold Supervisor |
| NVQ in Occupational Health & Safety | 6 | Black Manager |
| Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership | 7 | Black Manager |
Level 3 suits supervisors with safety duties. Level 6 is the usual route for full-time advisors.
What the assessor wants to see
- Risk assessments and method statements you've written
- Inspections and audit reports
- Incident investigations
- Training you've delivered
Tip: Anonymise reports before they go in your portfolio. Names and client details don't need to be there.
How it works
Quick skills check
A short check of your h&s experience works out the right level and pathway.
Register
You're registered with the awarding body and given a portfolio to fill.
Build your evidence
Photos, job sheets and witness statements from work you're already doing.
Site visit
Assessment is based on your safety work: inspections, risk assessments, investigations and training you deliver, rather than practical trade tasks.
Discussion
Expect discussion of how you identify hazards, influence behaviour on site and follow up after incidents.
Certificate
After a quality check, you're qualified.
How long it takes
People already in a safety role usually have plenty of evidence. Those taking on safety duties alongside another job may take longer.
Cost
Prices rise with the level. Expect four figures for Level 3 and above, with Level 6 and 7 at the top end. Get a few quotes. These are ballpark figures. The price usually covers registration, assessment and the certificate. Some providers offer instalments, and employers may be able to claim a CITB grant.
Getting your card
Level 3 typically leads to the Gold Supervisor card and Level 6 to the Black Manager card, with the appropriate CITB HS&E test.
Quick answers
Is Level 6 the same as a diploma from a professional body?
It's a recognised Level 6 qualification. Check what your employer or the professional body you want to join requires.
Can a supervisor do the Level 3?
Yes, if safety is part of your role and you can show the evidence.
Do I need to anonymise reports?
Yes. Remove names and client details before adding them to your portfolio.
Is there a written exam?
Not for the NVQ itself. It's assessed through evidence, observation and discussion. The CITB HS&E test for your card is separate.