
- Price
- £1,800 inc VAT (£1,500 + VAT)
- Qualification level
- Level 7 On the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
- Awarding body
ProQualASQ Solutions is a ProQual Approved Centre. Check a ProQual certificate (opens in a new tab)- Card
- Eligible for a black CSCS cardCard requirements can change; we confirm yours when we check your eligibility.
- Typical assessment duration
- 4–10 weeks
About this timeframe
NVQ assessment duration varies depending on each candidate's experience, availability, workplace access, responsiveness and timely completion of assessment requirements. Experienced candidates with suitable existing evidence or relevant previous qualifications may complete their assessments considerably sooner through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where applicable. Candidates requiring additional time or assessment support may take longer.
The stated duration is an indicative assessment completion period, not a guaranteed timeframe. All required assessment criteria must be satisfactorily met before certification can be recommended.
Please Note: The estimated completion period relates to the assessment process and does not necessarily include the time required for internal quality assurance, awarding-body verification and certificate issuance. Certification is subject to the satisfactory completion of all assessment and applicable quality assurance requirements.
The Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health and Safety Leadership and Management is for managers who lead health and safety across an organisation. It is awarded by ProQual and regulated by Ofqual. Level 7 is the same level as a master's degree.
Like an NVQ, it is competence-based: you show your skills through the work you already do. We assess you at your workplace or remotely, anywhere in the UK.
Who it is for
ProQual says this qualification is for people responsible for developing and applying health and safety procedures, most likely managers. You might be:
- a health and safety manager or head of health and safety
- a senior manager with health and safety responsibility
- a Level 6 holder who wants to move up
Candidates must be aged 19 or over.
What you will cover
You complete all five units:
- Risk-based safety systems management: running safety systems based on risk
- Safety culture, sustainability and the global effect on performance
- Digital technologies and incident investigation: using digital tools and investigating incidents
- Development as a strategic manager
- Establish business risk management processes
How it is assessed
There is no exam. An NVQ checks that you can do your job to the national standard. Your assessor collects evidence from the work you already do. Evidence can include:
- a visit to your workplace, where the assessor watches you work
- a portfolio of your own work documents
- a professional discussion with your assessor
- witness statements from people you work with
- strategies, reports and investigations you have led
We assess on site at your workplace or remotely, for candidates working across the UK. The result is a pass or a fail. ProQual, the awarding body, checks our assessment through its own quality assurance.
Card, membership and progression
For the card you also need the CITB Managers and Professionals test. A CSCS card is valid for five years.
For IOSH membership, IOSH lists a Level 6 or 7 health and safety qualification and two years of relevant experience for Certified Member (CertIOSH). If a qualification is not IOSH-accredited, IOSH may ask for more information.
When you can start
How long it takes depends on your experience, your availability, access to your workplace and how quickly you send your evidence.
You can start when you are ready. There are no set course dates for an NVQ.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. Many candidates already hold a Level 6 health and safety qualification, such as our Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice. Before you register, we look at your role and experience to plan your assessment.
Questions people ask
Is this a Level 7 NVQ?
ProQual calls it the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health and Safety Leadership and Management. It is assessed like an NVQ, on your real work, with no exams.
Does it get me a black CSCS card?
It makes you eligible for a black CSCS card, with the CITB Managers and Professionals test. We confirm your card when we check your eligibility.
Is Level 7 the same as a master's degree?
It is at the same level as a master's degree, but it is not a degree.
How long does it take?
The typical assessment time for this level is in the facts at the top of this page. It depends on your experience and how quickly you send your evidence.
Do I need the Level 6 first?
No, there are no formal entry requirements. But you need a senior health and safety role to show the units.
Next step
Use the Apply button on this page, phone 01322 743726 or email [email protected]. We check your eligibility and your card route before you register.


