ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years
The ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years is a comprehensive, internationally recognised programme designed for both freshers starting their careers and experienced professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in occupational health and safety across diverse industries. This three-year Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Diploma equips learners with essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies to manage workplace risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of safety in industrial and corporate environments.
Through a carefully structured curriculum, learners gain hands-on experience in workplace safety engineering, risk assessment, and the application of international safety standards. The programme balances theoretical understanding with practical implementation, empowering both new and seasoned learners to lead health and safety initiatives, conduct thorough audits, and implement effective safety management systems.
Graduates of this 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma are well-prepared for roles such as safety engineers, health and safety officers, compliance specialists, and industrial risk managers. For freshers, the diploma provides a strong foundation to enter the field with confidence, while experienced professionals can leverage it to advance into leadership or specialised positions.
By choosing the ICTQual AB Diploma in Health and Safety Engineering, learners gain a globally recognised, career-focused qualification that blends technical proficiency, leadership development, and industry relevance. Whether aiming to begin a career in occupational health and safety or to strengthen existing expertise, this programme offers a solid platform for lifelong professional growth and international career opportunities.
Course overview
Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years
To enrol in ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation Level
- Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety
- Principles of Risk Assessment and Management
- Workplace Safety Legislation and Compliance
- Fundamentals of Fire Safety Management
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Workplace
- Environmental Health and Safety Awareness
- Accident Investigation and Reporting Procedures
- Ergonomics and Human Factors in Safety
- Health and Safety Communication Skills
- Hazard Identification and Control Measures
- Basics of Industrial Hygiene
- Introduction to Emergency Preparedness and Response
Year 2 – Intermediate Level
- Advanced Risk Assessment Techniques
- Fire Safety Systems and Evacuation Planning
- Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001)
- Workplace Safety Auditing and Inspection
- Electrical Safety in the Workplace
- Mechanical and Machinery Safety
- Environmental Protection and Sustainability Practices
- Occupational Health Monitoring and Surveillance
- Safety Leadership and Team Management
- Hazardous Materials and Chemical Safety
- Noise, Vibration, and Occupational Stress Management
- Construction and Industrial Safety Practices
Year 3 – Advanced Level
- Strategic Health and Safety Management
- Advanced Fire Risk Management and Prevention
- Safety Culture Development and Behavioural Safety
- Advanced Accident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
- Ergonomic Risk Management in Industrial Settings
- Emergency Planning and Crisis Management
- Safety Performance Metrics and KPI Analysis
- Legal Compliance and Occupational Safety Standards
- Environmental Health and Safety Policy Development
- Health and Safety Project Planning and Implementation
- Leadership in Occupational Safety Engineering
- Capstone Project in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering
Below are the learning outcomes for each of the study units in the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years:
Year 1 – Foundation Level
Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety
- Understand the fundamental principles of occupational health and safety engineering.
- Identify key hazards and risks in diverse workplace environments.
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a health and safety professional.
- Recognise the importance of a strong safety culture and ethical practice.
- Familiarise with international occupational health and safety standards.
- Appreciate the professional value of the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering.
Principles of Risk Assessment and Management
- Apply basic risk assessment methodologies to workplace hazards.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritise occupational risks effectively.
- Develop simple and practical risk management plans.
- Implement control measures to reduce hazards to acceptable levels.
- Monitor and review risk assessments to support continuous improvement.
- Understand the relevance of risk assessment in the 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma.
Workplace Safety Legislation and Compliance
- Understand key occupational health and safety laws and regulations.
- Interpret legal responsibilities for learners and employers.
- Apply compliance procedures to meet statutory requirements.
- Maintain records in accordance with regulatory obligations.
- Recognise consequences of non-compliance in industrial and corporate settings.
- Enhance professional credibility through legal and regulatory awareness.
Fundamentals of Fire Safety Management
- Understand fire behaviour, hazards, and prevention strategies.
- Develop basic fire safety and emergency response plans.
- Identify and use appropriate fire-fighting equipment safely.
- Promote fire safety awareness among learners and colleagues.
- Conduct basic fire drills and preparedness exercises.
- Apply fire safety principles in line with Occupational Health and Safety Engineering standards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Workplace
- Identify different types of PPE and their correct usage.
- Evaluate PPE effectiveness for specific hazards.
- Ensure proper selection, maintenance, and storage of PPE.
- Promote correct PPE usage among learners and teams.
- Understand PPE legislation and compliance requirements.
- Integrate PPE practices into workplace safety management systems.
Environmental Health and Safety Awareness
- Recognise environmental hazards impacting workplace health and safety.
- Understand sustainability and environmental protection practices.
- Implement basic measures to minimise environmental risks.
- Support organisational initiatives for environmental health and safety.
- Raise awareness of occupational health issues related to environmental exposure.
- Promote sustainable practices in alignment with industrial safety standards.
Accident Investigation and Reporting Procedures
- Understand the importance of accident investigation in occupational safety.
- Apply systematic procedures for accident analysis.
- Analyse causes of incidents using investigative techniques.
- Prepare clear and accurate accident reports.
- Recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Enhance organisational learning in occupational health and safety engineering.
Ergonomics and Human Factors in Safety
- Understand ergonomic principles and their impact on workplace safety.
- Identify human factors contributing to accidents and incidents.
- Apply ergonomic solutions to improve productivity and safety.
- Promote learner awareness of musculoskeletal and ergonomic risks.
- Integrate ergonomic considerations into workplace design.
- Support professional development in OHS engineering practices.
Health and Safety Communication Skills
- Develop effective communication strategies for workplace safety.
- Prepare safety briefings and instructional materials.
- Use clear and professional reporting for incidents and hazards.
- Promote a positive safety culture through communication.
- Facilitate learner engagement in health and safety programmes.
- Strengthen professional credibility in occupational health and safety.
Hazard Identification and Control Measures
- Identify common workplace hazards across industries.
- Apply control measures following the hierarchy of controls.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of hazard control strategies.
- Document hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Support continuous improvement in occupational safety practices.
- Contribute to safer workplace environments in line with OHS standards.
Basics of Industrial Hygiene
- Understand principles of industrial hygiene and occupational exposure.
- Identify physical, chemical, and biological hazards in workplaces.
- Apply basic monitoring techniques to assess exposure levels.
- Recommend preventive measures to reduce health risks.
- Promote learner awareness of hygiene and health standards.
- Integrate industrial hygiene practices into 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma training.
Introduction to Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Understand key elements of emergency planning.
- Identify potential emergency scenarios in industrial and corporate settings.
- Develop basic response and evacuation procedures.
- Participate in emergency drills and exercises effectively.
- Promote safety awareness and preparedness among learners.
- Apply emergency planning principles in occupational health and safety engineering.
Year 2 – Intermediate Level
Advanced Risk Assessment Techniques
- Apply advanced risk assessment methodologies in occupational health and safety engineering.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of workplace hazards.
- Evaluate complex hazards in industrial and high-risk environments.
- Develop comprehensive risk management strategies for workplace safety.
- Monitor and review risk assessment outcomes to support continuous improvement.
- Strengthen professional skills in 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma practices.
Fire Safety Systems and Evacuation Planning
- Understand advanced fire detection systems and fire prevention technologies.
- Develop detailed fire evacuation plans and emergency procedures.
- Assess fire risk management strategies in complex workplaces.
- Implement fire drills and preparedness programmes for learners and staff.
- Evaluate fire safety compliance and recommend improvements.
- Promote effective fire safety management in line with OHS standards.
Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001)
- Understand the framework of ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management systems.
- Implement and maintain safety management systems in workplaces.
- Monitor performance against ISO 45001 standards to ensure compliance.
- Conduct internal audits and evaluate safety system effectiveness.
- Foster continuous improvement and integrate a strong safety culture.
- Apply strategic safety practices for industrial and occupational safety.
Workplace Safety Auditing and Inspection
- Conduct systematic workplace safety inspections and audits.
- Identify non-compliance and recommend corrective actions.
- Prepare professional audit reports with actionable outcomes.
- Use auditing techniques to evaluate safety management system effectiveness.
- Encourage learner participation in inspection and audit processes.
- Enhance organisational safety performance through structured evaluation.
Electrical Safety in the Workplace
- Identify electrical hazards and assess associated risks.
- Apply safe working practices for electrical systems and equipment.
- Use protective equipment and controls to prevent electrical accidents.
- Recognise compliance standards for electrical safety.
- Develop awareness of safe electrical handling among learners.
- Integrate electrical safety measures into occupational health and safety practices.
Mechanical and Machinery Safety
- Identify mechanical hazards and associated risks in industrial settings.
- Implement safety measures for machinery operation and maintenance.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of guards, safety devices, and procedures.
- Promote safe use of machinery among learners and colleagues.
- Ensure compliance with mechanical safety regulations.
- Apply mechanical safety practices in 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma training.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability Practices
- Understand environmental protection regulations and industry best practices.
- Implement sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives in workplaces.
- Identify environmental hazards affecting occupational health and safety.
- Develop strategies to reduce environmental risks in industrial operations.
- Promote learner awareness of sustainability in safety practices.
- Integrate environmental health considerations into occupational safety management systems.
Occupational Health Monitoring and Surveillance
- Conduct occupational health monitoring and surveillance programmes.
- Identify early signs of occupational illness and exposure risks.
- Apply surveillance techniques for workplace hazards and environmental factors.
- Maintain health records and reporting systems accurately.
- Recommend preventive measures to protect worker health.
- Enhance professional capability in industrial health and safety engineering.
Safety Leadership and Team Management
- Develop leadership skills for occupational health and safety initiatives.
- Promote a positive safety culture among teams and learners.
- Apply strategies for effective safety communication and engagement.
- Manage safety projects and team responsibilities efficiently.
- Foster collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
- Strengthen leadership expertise in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Diploma contexts.
Hazardous Materials and Chemical Safety
- Identify hazardous substances and evaluate associated workplace risks.
- Apply safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures for chemicals.
- Understand chemical safety legislation and compliance requirements.
- Implement emergency response measures for chemical incidents.
- Promote learner awareness of hazardous materials risks.
- Integrate chemical safety practices into 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma training.
Noise, Vibration, and Occupational Stress Management
- Understand occupational exposure to noise, vibration, and stress.
- Conduct assessments and monitor workplace conditions effectively.
- Develop strategies to reduce harmful exposure to physical and psychological hazards.
- Promote learner awareness of stress management and well-being.
- Implement ergonomic and organisational measures for health and safety.
- Strengthen professional skills in occupational health and safety engineering practices.
Construction and Industrial Safety Practices
- Apply safety principles in construction and industrial environments.
- Identify hazards specific to construction sites and industrial operations.
- Implement risk controls and safety procedures effectively.
- Conduct inspections and audits for regulatory compliance.
- Promote a proactive safety culture among learners and teams.
- Integrate construction and industrial safety practices into OHS engineering programmes.
Year 3 – Advanced Level
Strategic Health and Safety Management
- Develop strategic plans for occupational health and safety engineering within organisations.
- Align health and safety objectives with overall organisational goals.
- Implement advanced risk management frameworks at a strategic level.
- Evaluate safety performance metrics and recommend improvements.
- Engage learners and teams in strategic safety decision-making.
- Strengthen leadership skills for effective management in 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma contexts.
Advanced Fire Risk Management and Prevention
- Conduct detailed fire risk assessments in complex industrial and corporate workplaces.
- Develop and implement advanced fire prevention and mitigation strategies.
- Analyse fire incident trends and recommend improvements.
- Lead fire safety training and awareness initiatives for learners and staff.
- Ensure robust compliance with occupational health and safety engineering standards.
- Integrate fire risk management strategies into comprehensive workplace safety plans.
Safety Culture Development and Behavioural Safety
- Understand the role of safety culture in accident prevention and organisational performance.
- Implement behavioural safety programmes to influence learner and employee conduct.
- Assess and measure safety culture effectiveness using metrics and surveys.
- Promote continuous improvement in organisational safety culture.
- Encourage proactive safety behaviour across teams and departments.
- Embed safety culture principles into industrial and occupational safety engineering practices.
Advanced Accident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
- Apply advanced investigative techniques to determine root causes of incidents.
- Prepare detailed accident reports with actionable recommendations.
- Analyse complex incidents in industrial and corporate environments.
- Recommend preventive strategies to avoid recurrence of accidents.
- Facilitate organisational learning from incident investigations.
- Strengthen professional expertise in occupational health and safety engineering practices.
Ergonomic Risk Management in Industrial Settings
- Conduct advanced ergonomic assessments in diverse workplaces.
- Design solutions to mitigate musculoskeletal and human factor risks.
- Evaluate the impact of ergonomics on productivity and workplace safety.
- Develop and deliver ergonomic training programmes for learners and teams.
- Promote proactive ergonomic practices across organisations.
- Integrate ergonomic risk management into OHS engineering strategies.
Emergency Planning and Crisis Management
- Develop comprehensive emergency and crisis management plans for workplaces.
- Implement response strategies for industrial, environmental, and corporate crises.
- Coordinate emergency drills and training exercises effectively.
- Evaluate response effectiveness and recommend improvements.
- Promote learner and organisational readiness for emergencies.
- Embed crisis management principles into occupational health and safety engineering programmes.
Safety Performance Metrics and KPI Analysis
- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for occupational health and safety.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret safety performance data for informed decision-making.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of safety initiatives using data-driven metrics.
- Prepare reports to guide strategic safety planning and organisational improvement.
- Support continuous improvement in safety performance and compliance.
- Integrate KPI analysis into 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma professional practice.
Legal Compliance and Occupational Safety Standards
- Interpret international occupational health and safety regulations and standards.
- Apply legal and compliance frameworks to workplace operations.
- Evaluate organisational practices for regulatory adherence.
- Maintain compliance documentation and reporting systems.
- Promote awareness of legal responsibilities among learners and teams.
- Embed regulatory compliance into occupational health and safety engineering initiatives.
Environmental Health and Safety Policy Development
- Develop comprehensive environmental and safety policies for organisations.
- Align policies with legal, regulatory, and international best practice standards.
- Communicate safety policies effectively to learners and stakeholders.
- Implement monitoring and review mechanisms to evaluate policy effectiveness.
- Promote sustainable and safe workplace practices.
- Integrate environmental and health safety policies into industrial safety engineering programmes.
Health and Safety Project Planning and Implementation
- Plan, implement, and manage occupational health and safety projects.
- Apply project management techniques to ensure successful safety initiative outcomes.
- Monitor project performance and evaluate risks and resource requirements.
- Foster team engagement and collaboration throughout project implementation.
- Ensure alignment of safety projects with organisational objectives.
- Strengthen professional skills in 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma project management.
Leadership in Occupational Safety Engineering
- Develop advanced leadership skills for health and safety roles.
- Guide teams in implementing effective safety strategies and initiatives.
- Promote a proactive, accountable, and positive safety culture.
- Apply decision-making frameworks in complex occupational safety situations.
- Mentor learners and colleagues in professional development and safety practices.
- Enhance leadership competencies within occupational health and safety engineering.
Capstone Project in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering
- Conduct a comprehensive research or practical project in occupational health and safety engineering.
- Integrate knowledge and skills gained throughout the diploma programme.
- Analyse real-world occupational health and safety challenges and develop practical solutions.
- Implement safety improvement strategies in industrial or corporate settings.
- Present findings professionally, demonstrating analytical and leadership competencies.
- Showcase mastery of ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering outcomes.
Completing the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years opens a broad spectrum of career and professional development opportunities for both freshers and experienced learners. This 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma equips learners with comprehensive technical skills, practical knowledge, and leadership capabilities required to excel in a variety of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, utilities, and corporate environments. By integrating international safety standards, risk assessment techniques, and emergency preparedness strategies, learners are prepared to manage workplace risks, enforce compliance, and foster a culture of safety at all organisational levels.
Professional Career Opportunities
Graduates of the diploma can pursue critical roles that are essential to workplace safety and regulatory compliance:
- Safety Engineers: Lead and implement workplace safety initiatives, conduct thorough risk assessments, and design engineering solutions to mitigate hazards effectively.
- Health and Safety Officers: Ensure workplace compliance with international and local regulations, develop comprehensive safety policies, and oversee training programmes for employees and learners.
- Occupational Safety Consultants: Provide expert advice on risk management, safety audits, and compliance strategies for complex industrial and corporate operations.
- Industrial Risk Managers: Evaluate occupational hazards, design and implement control measures, and monitor the effectiveness of safety management systems.
- Fire Safety and Emergency Response Specialists: Develop fire prevention strategies, manage emergency preparedness plans, and coordinate crisis management initiatives.
- Environmental Health and Safety Coordinators: Integrate sustainability and environmental protection measures into occupational health and safety programmes, ensuring compliance and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Career Advancement and Professional Growth
The ICTQual AB Diploma provides a pathway to significant career progression and professional development:
- Gain recognition as a certified professional in occupational health and safety engineering, enhancing credibility and employability globally.
- Take on leadership and supervisory roles in safety management teams across industries.
- Lead workplace audits, inspections, and compliance projects, contributing directly to organisational safety and operational efficiency.
- Develop specialised expertise in risk assessment, emergency planning, and safety culture development, positioning yourself as an industry expert.
- Access international career opportunities, as the diploma is recognised across sectors where occupational health and safety is a strategic priority.
Specialised Industry Opportunities
Graduates can explore specialised areas within occupational health and safety to further enhance their career prospects:
- Fire Risk Management and Prevention – Implement fire safety systems and mitigation strategies.
- Ergonomics and Human Factors in Industrial Settings – Optimise workplace design and reduce musculoskeletal risks.
- Occupational Health Monitoring and Surveillance – Conduct health assessments and manage exposure to hazards.
- Hazardous Materials and Chemical Safety Management – Safely handle and store chemicals while ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Construction and Industrial Safety Practices – Apply safety protocols in high-risk industrial and construction environments.
By completing the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, learners gain a strong foundation for a successful, sustainable, and rewarding career in occupational health and safety. This internationally recognised qualification not only strengthens technical competence but also fosters leadership, strategic decision-making, and professional excellence, preparing graduates to excel in high-demand safety roles across global industries.
To ensure the highest standards of training, assessment, and learner outcomes, centres delivering the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering 360 Credits- Three Years must meet the following requirements. These standards are designed to guarantee compliance with international occupational health and safety education standards and maintain the integrity of the ICTQual AB Diploma.
1. Accreditation and Recognition
- Centres must be formally accredited by ICTQual AB to deliver and assess the Diploma.
- Centres must maintain recognition to offer programmes that are internationally compliant and industry-relevant.
- Ensure all staff involved in programme delivery are approved and meet ICTQual AB trainer and assessor standards.
2. Staffing and Trainer Requirements
- Employ qualified trainers with relevant occupational health and safety engineering experience and professional certifications.
- Trainers should possess practical knowledge of workplace safety practices, risk assessment, emergency planning, and compliance with legal regulations.
- Assessors must be trained to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in line with 360 Credits Occupational Safety Diploma outcomes.
- Maintain an appropriate trainer-to-learner ratio to support individualised learning and mentoring.
3. Learning and Teaching Resources
- Provide access to modern classrooms, laboratories, or practical training facilities for hands-on learning.
- Equip centres with safety equipment, PPE, fire safety tools, and simulation resources for practical demonstrations.
- Ensure access to digital learning platforms, course materials, and reference libraries covering occupational health and safety standards, legislation, and best practices.
- Maintain IT infrastructure to support online or blended learning where applicable.
4. Health and Safety Facilities
- Ensure all training environments comply with local health and safety regulations.
- Provide safe practical training areas, including workshops, laboratories, and simulated industrial environments.
- Maintain emergency procedures, first aid facilities, and fire safety systems within the centre.
- Promote a culture of safety and awareness among learners, staff, and visitors.
5. Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Implement robust assessment procedures aligned with ICTQual AB Diploma requirements, including written assignments, projects, and practical evaluations.
- Maintain learner records and assessment documentation accurately for audits and verification.
- Participate in centre monitoring and quality assurance visits by ICTQual AB to ensure compliance with programme standards.
- Support continuous improvement through feedback, internal audits, and staff development initiatives.
6. Administrative and Operational Standards
- Maintain clear administrative processes for learner enrolment, progression, and certification.
- Ensure compliance with data protection, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to learners, including career advice and industry placement opportunities where applicable.
- Demonstrate a commitment to delivering high-quality, internationally recognised occupational health and safety education.
By meeting these centre requirements, training providers ensure that learners receive world-class education and professional preparation for successful careers in occupational health and safety engineering, aligned with the ICTQual AB Diploma standards.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for individuals who are new to Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, and lack prior work experience.
- Admission: Enrolment at an ICTQual Approved Training Centre is required.Learners undergo formal training covering all essential study units, including occupational safety principles, risk assessment, fire safety, ergonomics, emergency planning, environmental health, and compliance with international safety standards.
- Assessment: Learners complete assignments, projects, and practical assessments that demonstrate understanding of key occupational safety concepts and engineering practices.Assessment evaluates competency in areas such as risk control, accident investigation, safety communication, and emergency preparedness.
- Certification: Awarded upon successful completion of all required training modules and assessments.Learners gain a recognised ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (360 Credits), fully preparing them for professional roles in diverse industries.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
This route is designed for professionals with relevant work experience in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering.
- Eligibility: Learners must demonstrate a minimum of three years of verified experience in occupational health and safety roles.Practical skills in risk assessment, workplace safety management, accident investigation, and compliance with safety regulations are essential.
- Assessment: Competence is assessed at an ICTQual Approved Training Centre.Candidates’ knowledge and skills are evaluated against the course’s learning outcomes, without the need to complete full formal training.
- Evidence: Submission of detailed documentation of work experience, including roles, responsibilities, projects undertaken, and safety initiatives led.Verification may include references, workplace reports, and evidence of participation in safety audits, emergency response, and risk management.
- Knowledge and understanding: Learners understanding of all course learning outcomes is assessed.A skills gap analysis may be conducted to identify areas requiring targeted training, such as advanced risk assessment techniques or updated safety standards.
- Certification: Awarded upon successful verification of competence and experience.Learners receive the ICTQual AB Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (360 Credits), recognising both prior experience and demonstrated professional capability.
Both certification routes ensure learners acquire the knowledge, technical skills, and professional expertise required to excel in occupational health and safety engineering, whether they are entering the field for the first time or advancing from previous professional experience.