When it comes to workplace safety, certifications are key. They equip you with the knowledge to keep everyone safe and boost your career prospects. Two of the most recognised occupational health and safety certifications are IOSH and NEBOSH.
But what do they offer? How do they differ? And most importantly, which is better for you? Let's dive deep into IOSH and NEBOSH to understand their significance and differences.
IOSH stands for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. It's a UK-based organisation with a global reach dedicated to promoting and regulating safety and health in workplaces worldwide. IOSH boasts over 50,000 members in more than 130 countries, making it the world's largest professional health and safety membership organisation.
IOSH's primary aim is to promote safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces. It offers various training courses tailored to different organisational roles, helping to instil a safety culture.
The IOSH Managing Safely course is a flagship offering for managers and supervisors across various sectors. Its main goal is to equip these individuals with the skills and general understanding to effectively manage health and safety within their teams.
The course covers various topics, including assessing and controlling risks, understanding legal responsibilities, identifying workplace hazards, investigating incidents and measuring health and safety performance.
Typically lasting three to five days, the course includes a multiple-choice test and a practical risk assessment project completed in the participant's workplace. Experts recommended revising the essentials of Managing Safely with an IOSH refresher course every few years.
The IOSH Working Safely course is designed for all employees and provides a solid grounding in the essentials of health and safety. Unlike the Managing Safely course, which targets supervisory roles, this course is ideal for employees at all levels.
It covers critical topics such as understanding the importance of health and safety, basic concepts of hazards and risks, recognising common workplace hazards, contributing to better safety practices and understanding how workplace activities can impact the environment.
Typically lasting just one day, the course includes a multiple-choice test and a hazard-spotting exercise for assessment. This brief yet comprehensive training ensures that employees can quickly grasp essential safety principles and apply them in their daily work, contributing to a safer workplace environment.
NEBOSH stands for the National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health. Unlike IOSH, NEBOSH does not provide membership or ongoing professional development. Instead, it focuses solely on delivering globally recognised health, safety and environmental management qualifications.
Founded in 1979, NEBOSH offers qualifications from introductory levels to professional diplomas. Their qualifications are highly respected and often required for careers in health and safety.
The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a widely recognised qualification intended for individuals with workplace health and safety responsibilities.
Learners register with a NEBOSH-accredited Learning Partner to prepare for the assessment. It takes approximately 10 to 14 working days to prepare for the qualification. The examinations consist of a digital assessment and a practical assessment.
The biggest difference between IOSH and NEBOSH is in the type of services they provide.
IOSH provides occupational health and safety qualifications and courses delivered through IOSH-approved training providers. These courses are ideal for managers and other professional workers.
On the other hand, NEBOSH is an examination board for qualifications in health, safety, environment and wellbeing. Preparation for NEBOSH examinations is provided by NEBOSH accredited Learning Partners. NEBOSH qualifications are valuable for health and safety professionals.
Here are a few more differences between IOSH and NEBOSH:
Depth of Training: IOSH courses are generally shorter and provide a broad overview, making them suitable for a wide audience. NEBOSH qualifications require a comprehensive study of materials and are typically designed for health and safety professionals.
Target Audience: IOSH is ideal for employees and managers looking for an introduction or general knowledge in health and safety. NEBOSH targets those seeking a career in health and safety or seeking more advanced, detailed knowledge.
Certification: NEBOSH certifications are more prestigious and often required for health and safety roles. IOSH certifications, while respected, are more basic and less in-depth.
Course Duration: IOSH courses are shorter, with the Managing Safely course lasting three to five days and the Working Safely course lasting just one day. In contrast, preparing for NEBOSH qualifications takes weeks or months to complete.
Assessment: IOSH courses usually involve an assessment at the end of the course. NEBOSH qualifications involve rigorous digital practical assessments.
Career Impact: IOSH is beneficial for general safety knowledge and those in managerial or supervisory roles who need to understand safety responsibilities. NEBOSH is often the better choice for those looking to advance in a health and safety career.
Determining which is better, IOSH or NEBOSH, depends on individual needs and career goals.
IOSH is better for you if you’re looking for a quick, practical introduction to workplace safety, IOSH is ideal. It’s less time-consuming and provides essential knowledge that can be applied immediately. The Managing Safely course is perfect for managers, while the Working Safely course suits all employees.
NEBOSH is better for you if you’re pursuing a career in health and safety. The certifications are more detailed and respected in the industry. The NEBOSH National General Certificate requires in-depth knowledge and practical skills to earn.
IOSH provides health and safety courses and certifications through its member organisation, whereas NEBOSH acts as an examination board for various qualifications in health, safety, environment and wellbeing.
Overall, IOSH is better for those who need a broad overview and quick, practical knowledge, while NEBOSH is recommended for those seeking a professional career in health and safety.
Your choice depends on your needs, role, and career aspirations. Whether you choose IOSH or NEBOSH, you’ll be better equipped to make your workplace safer, which is a win for everyone.
