Certifications granted by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) are both well-respected and widely recognised health and safety qualifications – although the right qualification for you might depend on your position and objectives.
- Generally, IOSH courses are designed for employees and managers who need a good understanding of workplace safety or how to implement it. IOSH courses are typically a little shorter and more accessible.
- NEBOSH courses are more advanced and designed for those already in, or working towards, a career as a health and safety professional. NEBOSH courses are more in-depth, and can take 2-3 weeks to complete.
To help organisations and employees pick the most suitable certifications, we’ve shared some key contrasts between the two examining bodies to help you determine which courses are appropriate for your requirements.
What Is IOSH Training?
IOSH is a professional body that offers accredited training programmes through approved providers, including, of course, Kentec Training. There are multiple qualifications, but some popular courses include:
- IOSH Working Safely Course: A one-day introductory course that delivers essential health & safety knowledge to help recognise hazards, reduce risk, and work safely.
- IOSH Managing Safely Course: A three-day course that provides managers and supervisor personnel with the practical tools required to manage health & safety systems across their organisation.
Each course is different, but the main focus is on understanding workplace hazards, applying basic risk assessment principles, knowing the legal responsibilities of employers and employees, and contributing to a safe working environment. IOSH courses aren’t industry-specific; they’re practical and relevant across all sectors.
What Are NEBOSH Courses?
NEBOSH is another awarding body that concentrates on more in-depth health and safety qualifications. While it also has several certifications, the most recognised is the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
This learning programme lasts for 12 days and covers areas such as:
- Health and safety legislation
- Risk management systems
- Workplace hazards and controls
- Investigating and reporting incidents
The contrast is that NEBOSH courses are designed to build on awareness and equip delegates with the skills they need to manage safety at a higher level.
IOSH vs NEBOSH: At a Glance Differences
|
IOSH |
NEBOSH |
|
|
Level |
From initial awareness to management |
Health and safety professionals |
|
Duration |
3 days |
12 days |
|
Content |
Between introductory and intermediate |
More advanced and in-depth |
|
Target delegate |
Employees, supervisors and managers |
Health and safety professionals and management |
|
Relevance |
General workplace safety |
Careers in health and safety |
|
Cost (+ VAT) |
£495 – for the IOSH Managing Safely Course |
£1,525 – for the National General Certificate |
Which Is Better, IOSH or NEBOSH?
Neither of these qualification providers nor their courses is necessarily better than the other. Choosing the most relevant certification depends on your experience level, the qualifications required for your role, and the skills you need.
IOSH may be the most suitable if you’re looking to:
- Gain an understanding of workplace safety
- Take on safety responsibilities as a manager or supervisor
- Improve your skills with a short, practical course
- Complete training to ensure you or your employer is compliant
NEBOSH certifications may be better suited to your expectations if you’d like:
- To work towards a career in health and safety
- To be able to manage higher-level risks
- To gain a recognised professional qualification
- To progress into specialist or advisory roles
If you’ve not completed health and safety training before, the usual route is to begin with IOSH training and then to move on to NEBOSH – although you can also attend a NEBOSH course straight away if you require this level of certification, as prior experience isn’t mandatory.
What Is the Value of IOSH or NEBOSH Training for Businesses?
Employers and organisations often value either qualification, but for different reasons. Many will enrol employees on a combination of both certifications, such as training employees through IOSH tuition and managers or specialists with NEBOSH courses.
The benefits of IOSH training include ensuring employees understand safety, improving compliance across teams, and increasing awareness of the importance of safety.
Outcomes from NEBOSH training include demonstrating professional-level competence, establishing a process to support risk management and compliance, and training an in-house colleague to assist leadership teams.
Steve Booker, Managing Director at Kentec Training, says, ‘IOSH and NEBOSH are both highly respected, but their certifications often meet different objectives within a business. Our advice would be to review course inclusions, including our ‘Who Should Attend’ information to get a better idea about the relevant training for yourself or your team.’
Can You Do IOSH Before NEBOSH?
Yes, of course, and this is a very common pathway for those newer to health and safety training. IOSH can provide a foundation in risk awareness and safety principles, as a stepping stone that enables delegates to proceed confidently to NEBOSH.
However, IOSH certification isn’t an eligibility criterion, and candidates can go straight into NEBOSH if they wish or already have relevant experience.
Is NEBOSH Training Harder Than IOSH?
Generally, yes, the more detailed and advanced material covered in NEBOSH training may make it appear more challenging for course delegates.
NEBOSH materials require more in-depth study and assessments, courses are longer, and attendees will be expected to complete both written assignments and practical evaluations.
That said, the qualification isn’t designed to be particularly difficult, and provided delegates engage with the course and their tutor, there is no reason every candidate won’t be able to pass.
What Comes Next After IOSH or NEBOSH?
Each type of training programme can enable employees to progress to more advanced qualifications if relevant to their roles and the organisation's needs.
IOSH delegates might subsequently progress onto IOSH Managing Safely from IOSH Working Safely or decide to enrol on a NEBOSH course if they require more advanced knowledge.
Those completing NEBOSH certifications could choose to work towards a NEBOSH Diploma, move into a dedicated health and safety role, or apply for membership with a professional health and safety sector body.