How Does the Level 7 Health & Safety NVQ Work?
If you’re currently working in a senior health and safety role and you’d like to take your career to the next level (arguably the highest level), you might want to consider taking the Level 7 Health & Safety NVQ. Unlike the traditional academic courses you might be used to (with classes and exams etc), NVQs are fully vocational. This means that rather than teach you new skills and provide you with new knowledge, you’re assessed on your existing abilities in your actual job. It’s a way to validate your experience with a high-level, formal qualification. But how does the Level 7 NVQ actually work?
In today’s blog, we’ll break down the basics of NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications), who should take the Level 7, the benefits of taking the NVQ, and more.
What is a Vocational Qualification?
A vocational qualification is built around practical application. Rather than sitting exams or attending lengthy lectures, you prove your competence through your day-to-day work. That makes the qualification more accessible to working professionals, especially those in high-responsibility roles where hands-on experience matters more than classroom theory. It’s about recognising the skills and decisions that you’re already using in your job.
What the Level 7 Health & Safety NVQ Involves
The Level 7 is most equivalent to a postgraduate-level qualification. It’s designed for senior leaders such as health and safety directors, senior managers, or consultants who are responsible for setting policy, leading strategy, and ensuring compliance at an organisational level.
Rather than traditional exams, the qualification involves compiling a digital portfolio of evidence from your current role. This might include health and safety plans, policy documents, board-level reports, audits, meeting notes, and reflective accounts. An assigned assessor works with you remotely to evaluate this evidence against specific performance criteria.
Who Should Take This Qualification?
The NVQ isn’t designed for entry-level professionals- no NVQ is, due to their vocational nature. At this level, you should only be taking the Health and Safety NVQ if you’re already working at a strategic level in the field of health and safety. If you’re influencing safety culture, developing long-term risk management plans, or reporting directly to the board of compliance, you’re probably eligible for the Level 7.
This NVQ is also an ideal route for those looking to achieve Chartered Membership of IOSH.
How Long Does the Level 7 Health & Safety NVQ Take?
The NVQ is flexible, and can be completed at your own pace. Since it’s based entirely on your existing work, you don’t need to take time off for training or exams. However, you’ll need to be organised in gathering evidence and making time for remote discussions with your assessor. While many candidates take months to complete the NVQ because of how comprehensive it is compared to lower-level NVQs, with CST Training it’s possible to be done within 8 to 16 weeks- but only if you’re willing, and able, to put in the time and effort.
Conclusion: How Does the Level 7 Health & Safety NVQ Work?
The Level 7 NVQ is a work-based qualification designed for senior professionals who want to formalise their expertise, and push their careers forward. With no exams and a flexible format, it recognises the skills you’re already applying- while helping you grow into an even more effective leader.
If you still have any questions regarding the NVQ, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
