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An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a qualification that recognises someone’s competence (the skills, knowledge and understanding they have) in a work situation. Vocational Qualifications are based on standards (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.

The City & Guilds health and safety vocational qualifications are work- orientated and are suitable for those who have real work experience. They are open to candidates of any age, of any 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 a candidate’s practical capabilities. They recognise the candidate’s competence in the specified qualification area to national standards.”

The standards not only provide the way towards a better practical understanding but also offer a benchmark for good practice in these fields. Both employers and practitioners can use these qualifications to improve best practices within their organisations. 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 standards. The results will be seen in:

• Improved organisational image
• Safer working conditions
• Increased staff motivation and morale
• Raised standards of work
• Improved productivity

To achieve any one of these vocational qualifications you must prove that you have the skills, knowledge and understanding detailed in the units of competence. Your assessor will evaluate this from your evidence. You do not have to pass a written exam or have any previous qualifications, learning or experience to be able to take these qualifications. As work at these levels requires preparation and use of a wide variety of reports, including numerical information, you will be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy and numeracy.