NEBOSH is the leading examination body for the health and safety industry. The qualifications that they accredit offer a broad range of specialist skills designed to improve safety, minimise risk, and save lives in a wide variety of industries all across the world. To help you understand the importance of NEBOSH and the impact it has, we have put together the ultimate NEBOSH guide:
What is NEBOSH?
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) is a UK based examination board that provides a wide range of qualifications in occupational health and safety. NEBOSH qualifications are highly regarded throughout the world, particularly for those pursuing careers in the health, safety, and environmental sectors. The courses are offered through a variety of accredited course providers who are certified to deliver specialist NEBOSH qualifications.
What are the benefits of taking a NEBOSH course?
Obtaining a NEBOSH qualification has a huge number of benefits. For starters, around 80 percent of health and safety job advertisements specifically request at least one NEBOSH qualification as part of the minimum job requirements. A NEBOSH qualification is therefore essential if you are planning on pursuing a career in the health and safety industry.
That being said, a NEBOSH certificate does not just benefit those in the safety sector – people in all industries can benefit from enhancing their knowledge of workplace health and safety. NEBOSH courses are specially designed to make it easier to identify potential hazards, carry out necessary risk assessments, and minimise the likelihood of accidents and injuries occurring in the workplace through a better management system. This is essential in any working environment, regardless of industry or perceived risk. NEBOSH qualifications are highly regarded by employers throughout the world, so obtaining one is an excellent way to enhance your CV and stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.
What courses are available?
There are currently three types of NEBOSH certificates available – Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas. Here is a NEBOSH guide to qualifications:
NEBOSH Awards
These are aimed at beginners or specific topics and provide a basic understanding and awareness of health and safety issues in the workplace or an in-depth look at a particular skill. NEBOSH Awards offer a great introduction to NEBOSH qualifications and are often followed with more advanced courses.
NEBOSH Certificates
These qualifications provide a fantastic foundation in health and safety and will develop your skills and knowledge across a wide range of safety topics. They are usually aimed at people in managerial roles but can be completed by anyone wanting to build their skills and improve their career prospects.
One of the most popular NEBOSH certificate courses is the National General Certificate In Occupational Health And Safety, which is designed to help those with risk management duties, covering topics from legal requirements of health and safety to managing health hazards. Having a NEBOSH National Certificate would prove to be beneficial for those that have it on their CV.
NEBOSH Diplomas
These are the highest level of NEBOSH qualifications and are the industry benchmark of a capable health and safety practitioner. This qualification is highly recognised and respected worldwide and is vital if you want to gain Chartered (CMIOSH) status. There are no entry requirements to take a NEBOSH Diploma, but people without health and safety knowledge are likely to struggle to pass the course. It is advised that you only sign up for NEBOSH Diploma course after completing a NEBOSH Certificate.
Internationally Recognised Qualifications
NEBOSH provides international health, safety and environmental qualifications for a variety of industries. Completing these internationally recognised courses will be beneficial for your career, particularly those working for multi-national or global organisations that take a risk management approach based on international standards, in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
International NEBOSH qualifications, such as the International General Certificate, are highly respected courses that are valued by employers and will help you advance in your career.
What study options are available?
NEBOSH course providers offer a variety of classroom based courses as well as online programmes. The advantage of classroom courses is that you receive more support and guidance and have regular contact with your tutor and other learners. While the courses remain the same, each course provider can often differ in the way that the course is delivered. This can also mean alterations in the type of venue, and the support provided by the staff. They will offer various methods of guidance when it comes to helping students with their exam techniques and certificate revision, but either way, the majority of students do pass NEBOSH exams.
We also offer virtual classroom courses. These are tutor-led, live courses completed online via video conferencing software. They have been designed to be delivered in the same style as a classroom course, but from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
However, these courses follow a specific study schedule and course structure. On the other hand, online courses can be completed at your own pace. This is particularly convenient for people who are in full time work or have other commitments that would prevent them from doing a classroom based course.
Who are NEBOSH qualifications recommended for?
As discussed above, NEBOSH qualifications can benefit people across a wide range of industries. Anyone wanting to develop their knowledge of health and safety topics, increase job security, or move into a health and safety role, should consider obtaining at least one NEBOSH certificate. NEBOSH qualifications are considered vital for those working within the health and safety industry, or for anyone with health and safety incorporated in their job role. Here is a NEBOSH guide to the typical job roles requiring specialist safety qualifications:
- Health and Safety Officer/Adviser
- Fire Safety Manager
- HR Manager
- General Manager
- Risk Assessor
- Warehouse Manager
- Safety Engineer
How long will it take to complete a NEBOSH qualification?
The time taken to complete a NEBOSH qualification will depend on the course type and method of study you choose. Classroom/Virtual courses are usually fairly well-defined and have a duration of a few days and a few weeks. Whereas, NEBOSH online courses are extremely flexible and the length of the course is determined by your study pace and the time you have available – you can complete the course as quick or as slowly as you wish.
Tips on taking a NEBOSH examination
In order to pass your NEBOSH qualification and know how to effectively implement this knowledge in the workplace, it is essential that you adopt effective study techniques. When you sign up for a NEBOSH course – whether it be classroom based or online – make sure that you plan how you are going to study and set realistic goals based on the syllabus and learning outcomes provided. It is important to find revision techniques for you, i.e. some people learn most effectively by reading and highlighting revision books, whereas others find flashcards more useful. Don’t forget to take practice examination questions to test your skills and knowledge before you sit your NEBOSH exam.
Studying NEBOSH With ACT Associates
ACT are one of the many accredited course providers, and we aim to help students achieve their qualifications, become safety professionals and make a difference in their workplace. The courses that we offer span across different industries, such as the National Fire Certificate, and the National Construction Certificate. We offer consulting and training services that we have redefined over the years to meet the ever-changing legislations and safety management practices.
We are committed to helping business leaders create a a positive culture throughout their workplace through better management of health and safety.
If you are interested in taking a NEBOSH course, we have a wide range of classroom, virtual and online courses.
To find out more, check out the product pages on our website, or contact one of our course advisors.
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