The NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a vocational qualification designed to develop and formally recognise practical skills, knowledge and competence in occupational health and safety. It is an RQF Level 3 qualification regulated by Ofqual, with qualification number 603/6133/5, and is awarded by NOCN. The qualification is designed for learners seeking to develop competence for health and safety roles across a range of sectors.

The qualification focuses on practical workplace health and safety responsibilities, including complying with workplace health and safety requirements, identifying hazards, reducing risks, controlling work operations safely and conducting workplace health and safety risk assessments. Its vocational structure enables learners to demonstrate competence through relevant occupational activities rather than relying solely on theoretical study.

The NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is competency-based, meaning learners must have access to an appropriate employment or work-placement environment where the required evidence can be generated. Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence and is internally assessed with external quality assurance.

The qualification also has IOSH accreditation. Eligible learners can access IOSH Student Membership during their studies, while successful completion of the qualification plus one year of relevant experience meets the academic requirements for Technical membership, subject to IOSH conditions. Progression routes include direct employment, specialist IOSH qualifications and further learning at a higher level, including higher education.