What is the difference between the NEBOSH Diploma and NEBOSH Certificate?

This blog will look into the main differences between the NEBOSH Diploma and the NEBOSH Certificate. Both are accredited health and safety training courses with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), a leading qualification body.
 

1. Course Content

Learners would benefit from studying the NEBOSH Certificate before the NEBOSH Diploma. The NEBOSH Diploma builds on the knowledge gained from the NEBOSH Certificate. Content introduced in the General Certificate is explored completely in the NEBOSH Diploma.
 
However, in the streamlined 2018 syllabus NEBOSH Diploma course, these topics have been removed to ensure information overload is eliminated. Instead, learners will find these areas of studying in the NEBOSH Certificate, meaning it is the ideal and perfect course to undertake before the NEBOSH Diploma!
 

2. Entry Requirements

For the NEBOSH Certificate, there are no entry requirements. Learners can apply and study at any point in their career.

Although there are no formal requirements for the NEBOSH Diploma, the course itself expands on the topics covered in the NEBOSH General Certificate. It's always recommended that you complete the NEBOSH General Certificate before taking on the NEBOSH Diploma.
 
Suppose you haven't completed the NEBOSH General Certificate. In that case: 

• You should have at least five years of experience working within health and safety.
• Have completed another level-3 qualification to make sure you have an understanding of essential health and safety topics.

If you are looking for more information on the entry requirements for the NEBOSH Diploma you can read our blog here.

3. Course level

The NEBOSH Diploma is similar to an honours degree. It's recognised worldwide as a level 6 vocational qualification within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). 

The NEBOSH General Certificate is a level 3 vocational qualification, like a UK A-level. It's recognised as a level 6 with 15 credits in the Scottish Qualification Authority.

It doesn't require as many learning hours - 133 hours in total as a foundation level course. But make no mistake, it's still a challenging course to complete. You'll be expected to put in 53 hours of private study and complete a risk assessment project and an open-book exam.

4. Recognition 

Both the NEBOSH Diploma and NEBOSH General Certificate are recognised by employers, governments and professional memberships worldwide.

The NEBOSH General Certificate is considered an essential qualification for the management level. At the same time, the NEBOSH Diploma is a minimum requirement for more senior health and safety roles.

The NEBOSH Diploma is accepted as a route to entry by professional organisations and certifying bodies such as

• Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
• Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)
• South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH)

 Making it a truly global recognised qualification and a perfect option for those who have just finished the NEBOSH Certificate!
 
The revisions in the new NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals make this qualification incredibly influential in the health and safety industry. NEBOSH continues to rewrite the health and safety rulebook, don’t fall behind, push forward and join the most prominent health and safety community in the world!