A common question we receive is, ‘What is the difference between IOSH and NEBOSH? Which one should I take?’
Since organisations vary in size and structure, there is no definitive answer to this question. The best choice depends largely on your specific needs.
In this article, you’ll find all the information necessary to choose the most suitable health and safety courses for yourself, your employees, or your business.
A Little Background on IOSH and NEBOSH
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) are two of the most widely recognised HSE accreditations globally.
Neither IOSH nor NEBOSH directly provides training courses. Instead, they design programmes, syllabuses, assessments, and examinations that accredited training providers, such as Cortex Training & Development, deliver.
IOSH is the Chartered membership body for health and safety professionals, which also offers qualifications. Although based in the UK, it is the largest health and safety organisation in the world, with over 48,000 members and growing.
As a self-regulating and governing body, IOSH is widely trusted and highly respected. Each year, nearly 180,000 individuals from various industries attend IOSH training courses.
NEBOSH, also based in the UK, is an awarding body offering internationally recognised qualifications aimed at ensuring high standards of health, safety, and environmental management in the workplace. Annually, over 50,000 people enrol in NEBOSH courses.
NEBOSH qualifications are among the most sought-after in the world, attracting learners from diverse backgrounds, industries, and sectors, including national and local government organisations.
Difference Between IOSH and NEBOSH Courses
IOSH and NEBOSH qualifications are both widely accepted and highly respected in the field of health and safety. Individuals who wish to advance their education in this area, whether or not they work specifically in the field, can benefit greatly from achieving these qualifications.
For many in Brunei, these certifications serve as a crucial stepping stone to gaining the knowledge and skills needed to become more qualified in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE).
While IOSH courses focus on delivering valuable information through modular content blocks, NEBOSH courses tend to be more academic, requiring longer periods of study and more rigorous examinations. For instance, our IOSH (UK) Managing Safely course is a 4-day programme, while our NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety (NEBOSH IGC) spans 10 days, highlighting the difference in the depth of coverage between the two training options.”
When to take IOSH courses
If you have no or minimal health and safety responsibilities, work in a low-risk environment, or are just beginning your journey in health and safety, IOSH courses are designed to help you develop an understanding of HSE. They provide the tools you need to start assessing and controlling risks and hazards and investigating incidents.
For many managers and supervisors, the IOSH (UK) Managing Safely course is sufficient to meet key requirements, as it covers the same legal and practical fundamentals as the NEBOSH IGC.
As a general guideline, if you are a working professional responsible for overseeing a team and are essentially accountable for their performance and well-being, then IOSH (UK) Managing Safely is the right choice for you.
When to take NEBOSH courses
NEBOSH courses emphasise key management topics, including safety management systems, risk assessment, and the identification and control of common hazards, such as those related to work equipment, electricity, fire, and chemicals.
These courses provide a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a health and safety professional, offering a solid foundation for managers, supervisors, and those entering the health and safety profession.
NEBOSH qualifications are widely regarded as the gold standard by large companies and governments around the world, and many employers specifically seek candidates with the NEBOSH IGC when recruiting health and safety professionals.
If you have health and safety management responsibilities, or if you wish to pursue a career or expand your knowledge in this field, then the NEBOSH IGC is an excellent choice for you.
Value of Certification in Brunei Darussalam
Certifications obtained from either IOSH or NEBOSH are considered to be of the highest quality and make an excellent addition to any CV. The course content is of a high standard, ensuring that delegates acquire the skills and knowledge needed to assess and implement health and safety standards across a range of industries, in compliance with relevant legislation.
Upon completing the IOSH Managing Safely course, you will receive a certificate directly from IOSH. This certificate meets the minimum requirement for an individual to be approved by SHENA to act as a Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator.
Similarly, upon completing the NEBOSH IGC, you will receive a qualification parchment directly from NEBOSH. This qualification meets the minimum requirement for an individual to be approved by SHENA to act as a Workplace Safety and Health Officer.
Additionally, the NEBOSH IGC is accredited by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC).
Summary & Key Points
While there are no absolutes in health and safety, and many ways to learn and gain experience, obtaining certification is crucial.
Remember, the primary objective is to ensure that you, your employees, contractors, and the public are not exposed to undue harm as a result of your organisation’s activities. IOSH and NEBOSH certifications have been proven to improve HSE standards worldwide when the lessons learned in their courses are implemented in the workplace.
- IOSH is a Chartered body with a membership framework, while NEBOSH is an awarding body and examination board.
- If you want to pursue a career in health and safety, you should consider taking the NEBOSH IGC. However, if you are not in the health and safety field, but would like to heighten your hazard perception and risk assessment know-how, IOSH Managing Safely may be just what you are looking for.
- Health and safety management in the workplace is crucial for any organisation, as employees need to be confident that they will be safe at work. While there are many ways to gain knowledge and experience to do this, getting properly certified in health and safety is a legal requirement in many countries.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insight into the differences between IOSH and NEBOSH. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options, please feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to assist.
Why Choose Cortex Training & Development?
- We are accredited by SHENA and Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC) Ref. KP/MKPK/B/139(1a).
- Highly rated and dedicated in-house tutors who are active members of IOSH and NEBOSH.
- Quality training with interactive quizzes, group activities, syndicate exercises, daily revision tests and model exams.
- Effective and results-oriented learning environment.
- Latest pass exam question banks to be explored with our experienced trainers.
- Unlimited training and support from tutors until you pass the exam.
- FREE pre-registration and HSE career advice from our tutors.
