NEBOSH stands for National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. It is a qualification that signifies you are competent in Health and Safety management.

There are two types of NEBOSH certificate; the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction and the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. 

In this blog we explore both and answer common questions about the NEBOSH Certificate.

What Does A NEBOSH Certificate In Construction Health and Safety Involve?

A NEBOSH Certificate typically takes 12 days to learn the content for the exams, plus the time it takes to sit the exams. The NEBOSH certificate never expires though, so you only have to take time out of your job once.  

It is aimed at people who are working in a management or supervisory role, or one that is governed by Construction Design and Management regulations 2015.

Whilst it is primarily aimed at those working in construction, it is suitable for people who are occupied with ensuring the safety of buildings and the contractors working on them. This could include people working in utilities, for example.

You don’t need to have a prior knowledge of health and safety to study for the NEBOSH certificate, but an understanding of the basic workings of the construction industry would be very helpful.

The course covers three main topics:

• Management of health and safety
• Managing and controlling hazards in construction activities
• Construction health and safety practical application

Each unit is assessed separately through either a written exam or a practical assessment.

What is The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?

The NEBOSH certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is for managers and supervisors in any sector who need a broad understanding of health and safety.

Unlike the Construction NEBOSH course, this one is 12 days long, plus exams.

It covers the general range of issues in health and safety in both a theoretical and practical sense.

You don’t need to have any previous knowledge of health and safety to study towards this NEBOSH certificate, and it is often the first step to becoming a health and safety specialist.

The course covers the following topics:

• Management of Health and Safety
• Controlling workplace hazards
• Health and safety practical application

Just like the NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Health and Safety, the Occupational version is assessed by a combination of written exams and a practical assessment, usually in your workplace. This assessment must be done within 10 days of the end of the course.

Who Can Study Towards A NEBOSH Certificate?

Whichever NEBOSH certificate you choose, it does require a good level of English, as two of the units in both courses are assessed by written exams.

Neither course requires prior knowledge of health and safety as we cover a lot of the basics during the course.

The certificate is suitable for anyone who wants to develop their knowledge of Health and Safety practices, or demonstrate their existing competency.

What Is The Difference Between A NEBOSH Certificate and Diploma?

The main difference between the NEBOSH certificate and the NEBOSH Diploma is the level at which they sit.

The Certificate is equivalent to a level 3, whereas the Diploma is the equivalent of the Level 6.

People who undertake the Diploma have typically been working in health and safety for a while and want to become an expert.

NEBOSH certificate candidates are usually taking their first steps into a career in health and safety.

Should I Do A NEBOSH Certificate?

NEBOSH certificates are a really useful and intrinsic part of protecting the health and safety of your team and any temporary works people you have.

Being health and safety aware and properly trained is essential. The bottom line with health and safety is it can prevent loss of life.

But even without going to that extreme, it can prevent a life changing injury, reduce absences through sickness and injury, and create a culture of care and support for your staff.

A NEBOSH Certificate will give you a set of transferable skills that will make you a valuable asset to your employer. Health and safety knowledge can be applied to any industry. And the ability to critically assess and make safe a situation is a desirable skill indeed.

Study Your NEBOSH Certificate with Essential Site Skills

Essential Site Skills is an award winning training provider with a specialism in health and safety, and construction skills.

Our skilled trainers and assessors work closely with all our delegates to ensure they understand the course content and can get the pass they require.

Have a look at our courses here or get in touch with us on [email protected]