If you’re in the Health & Safety industry, getting a qualification is essential for career growth. But which one should you choose? IOSH and NEBOSH are two of the most recognized qualifications in this field, but what makes them different? Let’s take a look at their similarities and differences to help you decide which IOSH or NEBOSH certification is best for you.
When reviewing these organisations, it is important to consider their credentials, reputation, available courses, fees structure and more. IOSH or NEBOSH both have a long history of providing quality training for professionals across many industries worldwide. Let's look at each organisation separately;
IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
IOSH offers courses that focus on specific health and safety topics such as risk assessment, fire safety, manual handling, etc. The courses are designed to train professionals to develop their understanding of the principles of health and safety management. The course content also covers legal requirements related to health and safety in workplaces. The IOSH Managing Safely course takes four days to complete and covers topics such as assessing risks, controlling risks, identifying hazards, investigating incidents, measuring performance, protecting the environment, etc. It also provides an introduction to health and safety management systems like ISO 45001. After completing the course, learners receive an IOSH certificate that is valid for three years, after which they must renew it by taking a refresher course or attending CPD-approved events.
NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health)
The NEBOSH qualification focuses on providing students with an in-depth understanding of health and safety management systems such as OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001. It includes topics such as risk assessment techniques, emergency preparedness plans and incident investigations procedures. The course content also covers legal requirements related to health and safety in workplaces across different countries around the world. Upon successful completion of the course, learners receive a NEBOSH certificate that can be used towards CPD activities or renewed with additional training or exams every five years.
IOSH or NEBOSH certification?
The difference between both IOSH or NEBOSH certifications lies in their approach; while IOSH is more focused on imparting practical skills related to day-to-day tasks associated with Health and Safety Management roles; NEBOSH provides more theoretical knowledge on various aspects related to Health & Safety Management Systems such as OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 compliance requirements. This makes it more suitable for those looking for a comprehensive overview of the subject matter rather than just learning how to carry out specific tasks related to Health and Safety Management roles.
What NEBOSH courses are available?
The NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health) offers a wide range of courses to help professionals expand their knowledge in the field of health and safety management. These courses cover topics such as risk assessment techniques, emergency preparedness plans, incident investigations procedures, and compliance requirements for OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001.
NEBOSH has an established certification program that is widely respected by employers.
There are four main qualifications available;
- National General Certificate
- National Construction Certificate
- National Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate
- International General Certificates
Each qualification consists of two or three modules that must be completed in order to obtain the certificate. The National General Certificate consists of three units – Management of Health and Safety; Risk Assessment; and Control of Workplace Hazards – while the International General Certificate consists of two units – Management of International Health and Safety; and Control of Workplace Hazards.
In addition to these main qualifications, NEBOSH also offers a number of shorter courses such as the Environmental Awareness at Work course which covers topics like protecting people from harm caused by environmental hazards; the Environmental Risk Assessments course which covers best practices in carrying out environmental risk assessments; and the Mental Wellbeing at Work course which focuses on managing mental wellbeing among staff as well as dealing with stress at work.
For those looking for a more comprehensive overview of Health and Safety Management systems, NEBOSH also offers a Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health qualification which is split into eight units covering topics such as occupational safety and health principles; hazard & risk control systems; building culture and standards around Health and Safety Management; legal compliance requirements; auditing practices; emergency planning; investigating incidents and accidents; managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders etc. This diploma provides learners with an excellent understanding of various aspects related to health and safety management systems, as well as enables them to demonstrate their expertise in this area through internationally recognized qualifications.
What IOSH courses are available?
The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) offers a range of courses to help professionals develop their knowledge in the field of health and safety management. These courses provide individuals with an understanding of effective ways to protect people from harm, as well as how to minimize or prevent workplace injuries or illnesses.
IOSH provides two main qualifications;
- IOSH Managing Safely certificate.
- IOSH Working Safely certificate.
The IOSH Managing Safely course covers topics such as assessing risks, implementing preventive measures, conducting investigations into incidents, ensuring legal compliance, managing resources for safe working environments, providing leadership to health and safety teams, and developing strategies for improving performance. It is suitable for those who are responsible for managing health and safety issues within their own organization or those seeking advanced skills in risk assessment.
The IOSH Working Safely course is aimed at anyone in any sector or industry who wants an understanding of how they can work safely and reduce risks in their environment. It covers topics such as identifying hazards in the workplace, understanding legal duties concerning health & safety, recognizing risk factors associated with different types of work activities, applying control measures to eliminate or reduce risks associated with hazardous substances/activities, providing advice on personal protective equipment (PPE), and developing plans for emergency response situations.
In addition to these two main qualifications, IOSH also provides a number of other training courses that can help professionals further their knowledge on specific topics related to Health and Safety Management systems such as Effective Risk Assessments; Understanding Mental Health at Work; Environmental Hazards; Manual Handling Safety; Fire Awareness; Noise Control at Workplaces; Transportation Safety Management Systems etc.
These courses are highly beneficial for those looking to gain a comprehensive overview on the various aspects related to health and safety management systems as well as demonstrate their expertise through authoritative certifications which can be renewed every five years upon successful completion of additional training or exams.
Professional certifications from IOSH or NEBOSH
IOSH or NEBOSH both offer professional certifications that can provide learners with valuable skills necessary for working within the Health and Safety industry. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive overview of health and safety management systems or practical guidance on day-to-day tasks related to health and safety management roles – there's something for everyone when it comes down to these qualifications! With this information in mind, managers and project managers should now have enough information when it comes down to making an informed decision when deciding between IOSH or NEBOSH!
