Qualification Structure

The NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 320 hours and 260 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 32 credits.

Assessment for the NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is assignment and evidence-based. Learner work is assessed through appropriate workplace evidence and assessment activities in accordance with NOCN assessment and quality assurance requirements, ensuring that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and occupational competence.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all five mandatory units and two optional units.

Core Study Units

Mandatory Units

• Comply with Health and Safety Requirements in the Workplace
• Awareness of Hazards in the Workplace
• Personal Actions to Reduce Risks to Health and Safety
• Control Work Operations Safely
• Conduct a Health and Safety Risk Assessment of a Workplace

Optional Units - Choose 2

• Develop Procedures to Safely Control Work Operations
• Investigate and Evaluate Health and Safety Incidents and Complaints at Work
• Review Health and Safety Procedures at Workplaces Other Than Their Own
• Supervise Health, Safety and Welfare of Individuals at Work

Who Is This Qualification For?

The NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is primarily designed for individuals aged 18 or over who want to develop and formally demonstrate occupational health and safety knowledge, practical skills and workplace competence. NOCN states that the qualification is suitable for those seeking to work in health and safety positions across a variety of sectors.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• Health and Safety Practitioners seeking a regulated vocational qualification that formally evidences workplace competence.
• Workplace Health and Safety Personnel responsible for supporting safe working practices, identifying hazards and controlling workplace risks.
• Employees with Health and Safety Responsibilities who need to demonstrate competence in occupational health and safety activities within their role.
• Supervisors and Operational Personnel involved in controlling work operations, implementing safety procedures and maintaining workplace safety.
• Individuals Working in High-Risk or Safety-Critical Environments who require practical competence in hazard identification, risk assessment and workplace safety controls.
• Experienced Workers Without a Formal Qualification who want to have existing occupational skills and knowledge assessed and formally recognised.
• Learners Seeking Further Health and Safety Development who want to progress towards specialist IOSH qualifications or higher-level learning.

As this is a competency-based NVQ, the learner must be in an appropriate occupational role or work placement where relevant workplace evidence can be generated and assessed. NOCN requires the centre to confirm that the learner's role and responsibilities provide suitable opportunities to demonstrate the qualification requirements.

Career Opportunities

The NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides learners with practical knowledge and workplace competence in key occupational health and safety principles. The qualification develops skills in identifying workplace hazards, reducing health and safety risks, controlling work operations, and conducting workplace risk assessments. It also supports the development of competence in implementing safe working practices and maintaining effective health and safety procedures. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally who are working in, or seeking to develop their role within, occupational health and safety and related workplace environments.

Future Progression

The NOCN Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides learners with practical workplace competence for developing responsibilities in occupational health and safety. The qualification develops skills in hazard identification, risk assessment, safe work operations, health and safety procedures, and workplace risk control.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level occupational health and safety qualifications or related vocational programmes, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support further development in areas such as occupational safety, workplace risk management, health and safety management, and related disciplines.

Professionally, this qualification can support progression towards roles such as Health and Safety Assistant, Safety Officer, Health and Safety Coordinator, Health and Safety Representative, Risk Assessment Assistant, Workplace Safety Supervisor, and Health and Safety Administrator, depending on experience, occupational competence, employer requirements, and specific role requirements. The practical competence developed through the qualification provides a foundation for identifying workplace hazards, assessing risks, implementing safety controls, supporting safe working practices, and maintaining effective occupational health and safety arrangements.