CITB or IOSH Working Safely: Which Do I Need?

IOSH Working Safely and the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course are both one-day entry-level health and safety qualifications, both recognised by employers across the UK, and both available at Kentec Training's centres in Tonbridge and Ashford - but they are not interchangeable. Which one you need depends on your industry, your role, and whether you need to apply for a CSCS card.

This guide explains what each course covers, who it is designed for, and how to choose the right one for your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is designed for construction workers and supports eligibility for the CSCS Green Labourer card
• IOSH Working Safely is a cross-industry qualification recognised in any sector, but does not confer CSCS card eligibility
• Both courses take one day to complete and are available at Kentec Training's Tonbridge and Ashford centres
• CITB short course grants are available for levy-registered employers booking the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course

What is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course?

The CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is a one-day accredited training programme designed for workers entering or already working in the construction industry. Delivered by CITB Approved Training Organisations, it covers the health and safety knowledge required to work on construction sites safely and within the law.

The course covers:

• Workplace hazards and how to identify them
• Risk assessment principles
• Legal responsibilities for employers and employees
• Health and safety legislation relevant to construction
• Reporting accidents and incidents

One of the main practical reasons to complete the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is CSCS card eligibility. Completing the course and passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test supports your application for a CSCS Green Labourer card, which is required to access most construction sites in the UK. Completing the course alone does not automatically grant the card - you must also pass the HS&E test and submit a separate application to CSCS.

Kentec Training is a CITB Approved Training Organisation and delivers the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course at its Tonbridge and Ashford training centres. A CITB Health and Safety Awareness eLearning course is also available for delegates who need a more flexible format.

CITB short course grants are available for employers registered with CITB as levy payers, and can reduce the net cost of the course significantly. See our CITB short course grants page for current eligibility details.

What is IOSH Working Safely?

IOSH Working Safely is a one-day health and safety course accredited by IOSH, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. It is designed for workers in any sector - not just construction - and provides a practical introduction to health and safety responsibilities in the workplace.

The course covers:

• Understanding the importance of working safely
• Identifying common workplace hazards
• Contributing to a safer working environment
• The responsibilities of both employees and employers under health and safety law

Unlike the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course, IOSH Working Safely is not tied to a specific industry. It is recognised by employers in manufacturing, warehousing, facilities management, healthcare, retail, and many other sectors where a recognised health and safety qualification is required. It does not support CSCS card eligibility.

Kentec Training is an IOSH-approved training provider and delivers IOSH Working Safely at both its Tonbridge and Ashford centres.

Key Differences Between CITB and IOSH Working Safely

Both courses are delivered at Kentec Training with small group sizes and instructors who bring genuine industry experience to every session.

"The most common reason someone ends up on the wrong course is that they or their employer did not fully understand what the CSCS connection means. If you are going on site, you almost certainly need the CITB course. If you work in a warehouse, a hospital, or an office environment, IOSH Working Safely is likely the right fit. Both are solid qualifications - it is just about making sure the course matches the environment in which you are actually working."

Steve Booker, Managing Director, Kentec Training

Unsure which course is right for your role or team? Contact Kentec Training and we will advise based on your sector, site requirements, and what your employer is asking for.

Which Course Should You Choose?

The decision is usually straightforward once you understand the CSCS card requirement.

Choose the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course if:

• You work in construction, civil engineering, groundworks, or a related trade
• You need or intend to apply for a CSCS Green Labourers Card
• Your employer is CITB levy-registered and wants to make use of short course grant funding

Choose IOSH Working Safely if:

• You work outside of construction in any sector
• Your employer requires an internationally recognised health and safety qualification but does not operate on CSCS card-controlled sites
• You want a qualification that is recognised across multiple industries

If you are still not sure, contact our support team at Kentec Training on 0333 666 0555. Our team can advise based on your role, your site, and what your employer has asked for.

What Comes Next?

Both qualifications are entry-level. They are strong starting points, but neither covers health and safety management in depth. Once you have completed either course, there are clear progression routes depending on your role and ambitions.

After CITB Health and Safety Awareness: If you are moving into a supervisory role on a construction site, the CITB SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) is the recognised next step. Those with site management responsibility typically go on to complete the CITB SMSTS.

After IOSH Working Safely: The natural next step is IOSH Managing Safely, a three-day programme for those with supervisory or management responsibility. It provides an internationally recognised management-level qualification and is widely required by employers across a broad range of industries.

For a professional health and safety qualification: Both pathways ultimately feed into the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, which Kentec Training delivers as a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner. It is the recognised professional standard for anyone moving into a dedicated health and safety management role.

Choosing the Right Course

CITB Health and Safety Awareness and IOSH Working Safely cover similar ground at a similar level - both are one-day entry-level qualifications, and both are taken seriously by employers. The difference is in who they are designed for and what they unlock.

If you work in construction and need site access, the CITB course is the one you need. If you work in any other sector, IOSH Working Safely is the recognised route. And if you are booking for a team, Kentec Training can advise on CITB grant eligibility, group availability, and scheduling across its Tonbridge and Ashford centres.

Contact Kentec Training to book or to discuss your requirements.

Related Guides and Resources

• Changes to CITB Short Course Grant Funding: what the recent changes to CITB short course grants mean for employers booking health and safety training
• How to Build a Strong Safety Culture in the Workplace: practical guidance on embedding health and safety across teams and organisations of all sizes
• We're Officially a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner: what NEBOSH Gold status means and why it matters when selecting a training provider
• You've Passed Your NEBOSH General Certificate: What's Next?: guidance on next career steps and further qualifications after completing the NEBOSH GC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IOSH Working Safely worth it?

IOSH Working Safely is worth completing for anyone working in a sector where employers require a recognised health and safety qualification. It provides a practical foundation in hazard identification, risk assessment, and legal responsibilities, and is widely recognised across manufacturing, facilities management, warehousing, and healthcare. If you work in construction and need a CSCS card, the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is more appropriate for your situation.

What is IOSH Working Safely equivalent to?

The closest equivalent to IOSH Working Safely is the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course. Both are one-day entry-level qualifications covering similar ground: identifying hazards, understanding risk, and knowing your responsibilities as an employee. The key difference is that CITB is sector-specific to construction and supports CSCS card eligibility, while IOSH Working Safely is recognised across all industries without a construction focus.

How much do IOSH Working Safely and CITB Health and Safety Awareness cost?

Pricing for both courses is available on the individual course pages on the Kentec Training website. The cost can vary depending on the number of delegates, delivery format, and whether in-house training is required. Employers registered as CITB levy payers may also be eligible for CITB short course grant funding towards the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course, which can reduce the net cost. Contact Kentec Training for a group booking quote.

Author: Kentec Training Team

Reviewed by: Steve Booker, Managing Director Kentec Training [PENDING APPROVAL]

References

IOSH Working Safely: https://www.iosh.com/training-and-skills/iosh-training-courses/working-safely/ 

CITB Health and Safety Awareness course: https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/health-safety-and-environment-test/ 

CSCS Green Labourer card: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-types/green-labourer-card/ 

CITB short course grants: https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants/short-course-grants/