FAQs

As the NVQ is evidence based, with you showing your competence through your day to day activities at work, it would be very difficult to fulfil the assessment criteria of the NVQ if you are not working in a H&S related role. However, if you are undertaking voluntary work of a H&S nature, do talk to us, as it may be possible.

SHE Knows is a registered learning provider with ELCAS, meaning ex-service personnel are able to use their Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to contribute towards the cost of any of our Level 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 qualifications!
To find out more about ELCAS funding, visit their website here.

There are no fornmal prerequisites for enrolling on any of our H&S NVQs, but we do need to make sure you are registering on the right course for your current job role and experience.

If you’re not sure which level is right for you, we’re happy to have an open and honest conversation with you to help steer you in the right direction.

If you have completed your Level 3 and are now looking to progress to  Level 5 or Level 6, we may be able to use your certificate as RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). This could reduce the amount of evidence you need to produce and speed up your NVQ journey. Contact us for more info. 

During an observation, you will be observed completing day-to-day tasks that you do as part of your normal job role, showing you putting your skills into practice in a live work environment.

The activity will be agreed upon in advance giving you time to plan and prepare.

Depending on the NVQ you're completing, the observation will be carried out either by your assessor, or by a manager/mentor in your workplace*. Whoever completes it will be looking for evidence of competence in a live, authentic setting. 

Please don’t be intimidated thinking that this is a test you can fail… Observations are a way for us to see you doing what you already do best!

*City & Guilds NVQs come with a site visit included during which your assessor will compete your observation.

ProQual NVQs usually require your observation to be completed by a manager/mentor then sent to your assessor for review. If you'd prefer your assessor to visit your site instead, this site visit can be added on for an additional fee. 

If you’ve already completed a qualification in a relevant subject area, you may able to use it as RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). We can look at your qualification in comparison to the NVQ standards and identify any overlap, meaning we may be able to cross off some of your NVQ before you’ve even started! This means you can avoid re-doing something you’ve already done.

There are a few rules to keep in mind. As a guidline, we can usually only accept RPL completed in the last 3 years. However if your certificates are older than this, but you’ve continued working in that sector, staying up to date with CPD and best practice,  we may be able to confirm your ongoing competence through a professional discussion or workplace observation.

If you’re unsure whether your previous qualifications qualify or RPL, get in touch, and we will be able to advise you. 

You show us what you do through workplace evidence and observations, so the professional discussion is the chance for you to demonstrate your knowledge and show that you understand the “why”s behind your actions and decisions. 

This isn’t a formal Q&A session or an interview, it’s simply a guided conversation with your assessor, covering the areas of the NVQ where knowledge needs to be confirmed to complete your portfolio.

These discussions also mean you can reduce the amount of written work you need to produce, so instead of typing long explanations, you can talk things through naturally, making the process easier and more personal. 

Absolutely not! The NVQ is a vocational qualification, so is assessed on your skills and knowledge put into practice, not through exam papers or assignments.

We advise all candidates that they should complete within 2 years, but in reality, most don’t need this long! You will work entirely at your own pace, fitting your NVQ around your work and personal commitments. 

Throughout your NVQ, your assessor will stay in touch with you. If we notice we haven't heard from you in a while, we will give you a friendly nudge to make sure everything's ok and see if you need any support.

If you move into a different H&S role, there is nothing stopping you from continuing with your NVQ. It just means your evidence might start coming from slightly different environments and tasks. 

We do ask that any changes in job are reported to us as soon as possible, so your assessor can stay in touch and make sure your new role still provides the opportunities you need to complete the qualification. 

The Level 3 Certificate and the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice are both formally recognised by IOSH. 

Completing the Level 3 Certificate allows you to apply for TechIOSH membership. The Level 6 Diploma supports applications for CertIOSH, provided you also meet IOSH's experience criteria. 

You cannot “fail” an NVQ. You are either competent, or not yet competent. "Not yet" means your assessor needs a bit more from you before they can sign it off. 

If there are areas of your evidence that need strengthening, your assessor will work with you, explain what's missing, and give guidance on how you can develop it. You always have the chance to improve and refine your evidence until you meet the standard.

No, the NVQ is completed at your pace alongside your day-to-day job. There is no need to take time off work to attend classroom lessons or log in to any online classes.

During the NVQ you will have direct contact with your assessor who will provide support and guidance, but for the most part you will be able to fit your NVQ around your schedule, making it a flexible option for busy professionals juggling real‑world responsibilities!

We have to ensure you meet the entry requirements before we can accept your registration on either the Level 4 Certificate, Level 5 Award or Level 5 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment. Each qualification has different expectations based on the level of risk and complexity you will be assessing.

The Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment is for assessors working in intermediate-risk buildings. To enrol, you must already hold a Level 3 qualification in Fire Risk Assessment (or equivalent) or have at least 3 years experience in the field of fire risk assessment.

The Level 5 Diploma/Award in Fire Risk Assessment is for those progressing into high-risk and complex buildings. You will need to hold the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment (or equivalent), or have at least 5 years demonstrable experience in carrying out fire risk assessments.