How Hard is IOSH Managing Safely? Course Level, Difficulty & How to Pass

Is IOSH Managing Safely Hard?

• Beginner-friendly, no prior Health and Safety experience needed
• 7 modules + 1 bonus module exclusive to Astutis learners
• 45-min multiple choice test + workplace risk assessment
• Pass mark required: 36/60 (test), 23/38 (assessment)
• Study tips: revise modules, plan time, use Astutis resources

What Level is the IOSH Managing Safely Course? Is It Suitable for Beginners?

IOSH Managing Safely is widely recognised by industry professionals as equivalent to a Level 2 qualification, although IOSH themselves do not officially assign a qualification level.  This health and safety course is ideal for team leaders, supervisors and managers. It’s suitable for beginners and doesn’t require prior health and safety knowledge. A good standard of English is recommended to understand the course content and complete assessments effectively.

The course is applicable across all industries, making it a versatile qualification for professionals looking to improve workplace safety.

If you're interested in the online training route, we have an article that further breaks down why the IOSH Managing Safely online course might work best for you.

How Difficult is the IOSH Managing Safely? What to Expect from the Course and Exam

IOSH Managing Safely is designed to be accessible and practical. The course includes:

• 7 Core Modules:
  • Introducing Managing Risk
  • Assessing Risk
  • Controlling Risk
  • Understanding Responsibilities
  • Common Hazards
  • Investigating Accidents and Incidents
  • Measuring Performance
• Bonus Module Exclusive to Astutis Learners: Human Factors

Learners typically complete the course in 22 hours to 3 working days, depending on the format (online, virtual, classroom).

Each module includes learning checks to reinforce understanding and prepare learners for the final assessments.

How to Pass IOSH Managing Safely: Study Tips & Assessment Guide

For the IOSH Managing Safely course, learners should consider the exams as more of an assessment made up of an online test and practical risk assessment project.

Overview: The IOSH Managing Safely assessment includes:

1. Multiple-Choice Test:

• 45 minutes
• 30 questions
• Covers course content only

2. Risk Assessment Project:

• Conducted in your own workplace
• Identify 4 hazards from categories like mechanical, chemical, biological, etc.
• Evaluate likelihood, harm, control measures, and actions.

At the end of the course, there is a 45-minute multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions. We advise that, as long as learners put effort into their revision and set aside time to learn the knowledge, they should not worry about passing the course. The multiple choice only covers topics covered in the course.

There is also a risk assessment project that you will carry out in your own workplace. This project must be completed within two weeks of sitting the written test.

For the risk assessment project, learners are required to carry out a risk assessment of a workplace of their choice. You need to identify four separate hazards from the categories covered in the IOSH Managing Safely syllabus: 

• Mechanical
• Physical
• Chemical
• Environmental
• Biological
• Organisational

For each of your identified hazards, you need to decide:

• The likelihood of an event occurring
• Who might be harmed
• Control measures
• Actions.

Study Tips:

• Create a study plan and stick to it
• Use Astutis learning checks and resources
• Review each module thoroughly
• Practice identifying hazards and control measures
• Ask your tutor for feedback if in a classroom or virtual format.

For more detailed advice on the risk assessment project, read our guidance on how to study effectively on the course and how to complete the Risk Assessment Project successfully.

IOSH Managing Safely Pass Marks: What Score Do You Need?

In order to pass the IOSH Managing Safely and receive your certificate, you will need to pass both the multiple-choice knowledge test and the practical work-based risk assessment.

Provided you have understood the concepts and examples in the course materials and you follow them in your test and practical risk assessment, there is no reason why you cannot join thousands of Astutis' learners and achieve well above 90%. If you can, try to create a study plan to give yourself a structured revision plan and peace of mind when the examination phases come around.  

Where and How to Take the IOSH Managing Safely Exam?

• Classroom learners: Take the test in person after the tutor has covered all of the course content. 
• Online and Virtual learners: Take the test online after completing all modules of the course.

For more information regarding the IOSH Managing Safely exams, please view our Exam Hub.
 

When Will I Get My IOSH Managing Safely Results?

Online test results: Instant feedback after you submit your multiple choice test.

Your certificate will be delivered 8-10 weeks after completing the course and both assessments.

If you're ready to take the next step and pass your IOSH Managing Safely assessments with flying colours, enrol on the course below. You can even access a course demo to get taste of how you will achieve your certificate with us.