IOSH or NEBOSH - which qualifications should you choose?

IOSH (The Institute of Occupational Safety & Health) and NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) have similar courses, and it can be hard to understand the difference between the two. Both specialise in Health and Safety training, but there are differences.

IOSH training

IOSH courses are accredited and provided by this organisation, and they are recognised worldwide. Starting from the very basics in workplace health and safety and then with courses available for managers, leaders, directors, senior execs and more, the IOSH range of courses is varied and comprehensive.

Completing IOSH training successfully leads to IOSH accredited qualifications based on the course/s you have completed.

NEBOSH training

NEBOSH is an examination board, not an organisation. As such, they do not organise the courses themselves, although do host the examinations for each course. They are UK based but do offer standardised content worldwide. NEBOSH courses cover health and safety issues, environmental topics and specific industry (such as construction) concerns. Available for both the UK and in international formats.

By successfully completing NEBOSH course/s, you will receive the NEBOSH certificate or Diploma for that course or courses as the end qualification.

Which path should you choose?

Before you make the decision to sit either IOSH or NEBOSH, it’s important to look at the qualifications you need for your job role, or your desired role in the future. If you are working internationally for example, then NEBOSH may be the better route with the specific International courses to work through.

If this does not apply, or you’re still not sure, then there are some further differences between the two to consider:

·         NEBOSH courses are designed for those already working in the Health and Safety sector, or training for a role in that area.

·         IOSH courses are more aimed at those who do not work in Health and Safety but need to be able to understand and manage risk. This usually involves team members, leaders and managers.

·         NEBOSH courses do take longer than IOSH courses, even if you sit the IOSH online courses – that being said, NEBOSH courses can result in a higher level qualification at the end, such as the NEBOSH Diploma which is a degree level qualification.

·         IOSH courses are modular, whereas NEBOSH courses are linear – this means that each IOSH module has an exam at the end, whereas NEBOSH delegates sit their exams at the end.

·         There are no entry requirements to sit IOSH courses, and contrary to some myths that spread around, you do NOT need to be an IOSH member to sit an IOSH course. Once you have passed an IOSH course, you are welcome to join IOSH at AIOSH level or above, although it is not compulsory. It is possible to join as an Affiliate Member regardless of whether you have passed a course or not.

·         There are also no entry requirements for sitting the majority of the NEBOSH courses, except the NEBOSH Diploma and the NEBOSH Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas – this is because this is a specialist sector. 

Hopefully this will help you to decide which training path is the right one for your needs, both at present and in your future career.

More information

·         IOSH home

·         NEBOSH home

·         IOSH e-learning

·         NEBOSH e-learning