Which NEBOSH Course is Right For You?

This blog was updated in August 2022 to reflect the changes in the NEBOSH course syllabus. 

So, you’re considering doing a NEBOSH qualification, but which one is right for you? To help you answer that question, we’ve dug down into the different levels of NEBOSH qualifications and what each one has to offer.

NEBOSH Award Courses

NEBOSH award level courses provide an introduction into basic health and safety or environmental principles and practices that can be adapted to suit any workplace. Whilst award level courses are primarily designed to help employers improve their health, safety and environmental culture, they also offer a clear progression route to a range of higher level NEBOSH certificates for those who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills further.

NEBOSH award level courses are available in numerous languages including Arabic, English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish; a testament to their relevance in the international marketplace.

NEBOSH Certificate Courses

NEBOSH certificate level courses provide a good foundation in health and safety or environmental management systems and principles to help managers, supervisors and those in health and safety with their day-to-day responsibilities.

The NEBOSH National General Certificate is the most popular health and safety qualification in the UK. As a level 3 qualification, equivalent to UK A-levels, it provides a broad understanding of health and safety issues within the modern workplace. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to take the NEBOSH Certificate, so it’s perfect if you are just starting out in your health and safety career.

Health and safety is becomingly increasingly seen as an important skill for all types of workers, so it’s no surprise that 70% of those who take the NEBOSH National General Certificate are in roles where health and safety isn’t seen as their primary role. Over 170,000 learners have completed the NEBOSH General Certificate, from company directors to construction workers, insurance advisors, HR personnel and more.

The NEBOSH General Certificate is widely seen as the first step towards a career in health and safety. As well as providing a platform for higher level qualifications, such as the NEBOSH Diploma, the NEBOSH General Certificate also enables you to apply for membership of all types of professional bodies.

You can build on the knowledge you’ve gained from the NEBOSH General Certificate with other certificate-level qualifications. NEBOSH courses are available in the areas of construction, fire and risk management, oil and gas, health and well being, the environment and process safety management.

NEBOSH Diploma Courses

The NEBOSH National Diploma is the first UK vocational qualification to be developed specifically for health and safety professionals. It has quickly become established as the most popular professional qualification for health and safety practitioners in the UK, with over 11,000 learners having achieved the qualification since its introduction. NEBOSH Diploma holders are highly valued by employers due to their ability to control risk at an operational and strategic level

The NEBOSH Diploma is a level 6 qualification, equivalent to an Honours Degree standard. Because of the demands of high-level study and time commitment, it is highly recommended that you have a foundation understanding of health and safety principles either gained from previous study, such as the NEBOSH General Certificate, or from experience within the field, before starting the course.

By achieving the NEBOSH Diploma, you will be able to establish yourself as a competent and knowledgeable health and safety professional. If you work within a multinational organisation, you may wish to continue your studies with elements of the NEBOSH International Diploma, or even complete a Masters Degree in health and safety. You will also be in a good position to begin your journey to a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner as a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH). Take a look at our post 'where will your NEBOSH course take you?' for more information on health and safety professional memberships.

Chosen your course?

Hopefully you’ll now have a better idea of the different NEBOSH courses available to you. Why not take a look at our post ways to take a NEBOSH course to find out more about the different learning methods in which you can complete your NEBOSH qualification.

Your NEBOSH Course Awaits!

Astutis is a Gold NEBOSH Partner with our courses recognised for exceeding learning excellence principles. Our team is always here to help you find the right NEBOSH Course for you and your company’s needs. Learn more about all available NEBOSH Courses and start your journey with Astutis today!