What Level are NEBOSH Certificate Qualifications?

Choosing the right health and safety qualification can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out or looking to progress in your career. One of the most common questions I hear from our Astutis customers asks about the level of NEBOSH certificates and how they compare to other qualifications of a similar level.

Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly what to expect before committing to a NEBOSH certificate course.

What Does Level 3 Mean for NEBOSH Qualifications?

NEBOSH Certificate qualifications, such as the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, sit at RQF Level 3 in the UK. The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the official system that ranks courses by their level of difficulty and depth of knowledge.

To put it simply, a Level 3 qualification sits just above GCSEs (Level 2) and is broadly comparable to an A-Level standard of learning. This means NEBOSH Certificates can serve as an entry-level qualification, provided you have a passion for safety and a willingness to put in the appropriate study time. They’re designed for people who are already working, have some professional experience with health and safety responsibilities, and want to develop a specialised understanding of the subject.

In practice, Level 3 means you’ll be expected to:

• Apply knowledge to real workplace situations.
• Analyse risks and controls rather than just memorise information.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking.

As someone who’s supported thousands of learners at Astutis, I’ve seen how the Level 3 structure strikes the right balance, it’s challenging enough to stretch you, but achievable if you put in consistent effort.

Are Level 3 Qualifications Difficult?

The honest answer? Yes and no. NEBOSH Certificates are designed to be demanding because they carry a strong reputation with employers worldwide. But they’re not unachievable.

Difficulty often depends on your background. For example:

• If you’ve never studied health and safety before, the terminology and breadth of content can feel daunting at first, though we offer plenty of support for learners in this situation.
• If you already have some practical health and safety experience to apply this knowledge to, you’ll find the case studies and application tasks much more intuitive.

Most learners say the challenge comes not from the complexity of the content, but from the volume of study required. You’ll need to commit time each week to reading, revising, and applying what you learn.

What Percentage of People Pass NEBOSH Level 3 Qualifications?

Astutis learners have an 82% first-time pass rate on the General Certificate, which is well above the industry average. The pass rate rises significantly when learners resit, because they’re more familiar with the exam format and requirements.

From supporting learners first-hand, I can confidently say that those who:

• Stick to a study plan,
• Engage with tutor support, and
• Practise past exam-style questions,

are much more likely to pass on their first try.

Examples of NEBOSH Level 3 Qualifications

The most popular NEBOSH Certificate is the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, taken by over 200,000 learners worldwide. But it’s not the only one. Other NEBOSH Level 3 Certificates include:

• NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) – for those working outside the UK or in multinational companies.
• NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate – focused on fire risk management.
• NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate – covering environmental risk and sustainability issues.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate – tailored to the construction industry.

Each of these is set at the same Level 3 standard but tailored to different industries and specialisms.

What are Level 3 Qualifications Equivalent to?

Level 3 qualifications are often described as being equivalent to A Levels in terms of academic level. That doesn’t mean the content is the same, but it’s a useful benchmark.

For employers, this equivalence is important because it signals that NEBOSH Certificate holders have studied to a recognised standard of learning and can apply knowledge in a workplace setting.

In practice, completing a Level 3 NEBOSH qualification can open the door to higher-level study, such as the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma, which is roughly degree-level.

Are NEBOSH Qualifications a Higher Level Than IOSH?

NEBOSH Certificates are generally considered a higher academic level than IOSH qualifications. This is simply because they are designed to create specialists in health and safety roles, whereas IOSH qualifications are more for educating employees on their health and safety responsibilities in everyday work. If anything, they serve slightly different purposes for those they are training.

Here’s the breakdown:

• IOSH Managing Safely is not part of the RQF and is pitched at a more introductory level. It’s great for managers and supervisors who need to understand their responsibilities, but it doesn’t go into the same technical depth as NEBOSH.
• NEBOSH Certificate qualifications (Level 3) are more detailed, assessed through exams or assignments, and are recognised globally as professional health and safety qualifications.

Put simply, IOSH is a fantastic foundation, but NEBOSH takes you to the next level, particularly if you’re aiming for a dedicated health and safety role or career progression.

NEBOSH Certificate qualifications sit at Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) and are respected around the world for their depth and practicality. They aren’t easy, but they are achievable with the right preparation, and the payoff is well worth it.

Whether you’re looking to start with the General Certificate, specialise in construction or fire safety, or eventually progress to the NEBOSH Diploma, completing a NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate is a proven way to boost your career and demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety.

At Astutis, we’ve helped thousands of learners pass their NEBOSH qualifications, and the consistent feedback is the same: it’s a challenge, but one that pays dividends in career opportunities, professional confidence, and workplace impact.

Begin your career as a health and safety specialist with the NEBOSH General Certificate and make your workplace safe for all. If you need more information on the course, we have a curated list of related content below.