IOSH Managing Safely®
The Complete Course Guide – Updated Nov 2025
A practical non-sales guide to IOSH Managing Safely for learners and employers. Understand the syllabus, assessment and outcomes. Ready to book? See dates and prices on our course page.
What is it?
IOSH Managing Safely® is IOSH’s market‑leading course for managers and supervisors. It provides you with practical skills to assess and control risk, understand responsibilities, investigate incidents, and measure performance.
It’s internationally recognised and applicable in every sector. There are no formal entry requirements. You’ll leave with tools you can use immediately in your workplace.
- Designed for line managers, supervisors and team leaders
- Hands‑on, scenario‑based learning
- Straightforward, plain‑English approach for non‑specialists
- Available face-to-face, virtually or as e-learning
Typical outcomes include a stronger safety culture, fewer incidents, better compliance, and more confident line-management decision-making.
This page is for:
- Research & understanding
- Syllabus, assessment, tips
- No prices/dates shown here
Ready to book?
Go to the course page for:
- Live dates & locations
- Prices & checkout
- Group quotes
Who the course suits (roles & sectors)
- People managers: team leaders, supervisors, department managers.
- Health & Safety Influencers: project leads, Health and Safety reps, facilities and operations coordinators.
- All sectors: office-based, manufacturing, construction, logistics, education, care, you name it.
There are no formal prerequisites. If you need a more in-depth qualification, consider the NEBOSH General Certificate as your next step.
Syllabus & modules
The IOSH Managing Safely syllabus is built around seven modules that blend essential health & safety theory with practical management skills you can apply immediately.
At a glance – what you’ll learn
- How to identify and assess risks, then apply the hierarchy of control to reduce them.
- How to investigate incidents to uncover root causes and prevent recurrence.
- How to build a positive safety culture, set leading and lagging indicators, and improve performance.
- Your legal responsibilities under UK law (e.g., HASWA 1974) and what “reasonably practicable” means in practice.
Here are the modules you study on the course:
Module 1: Introducing Managing Safely
- Why safety and health matter to business performance (moral, legal, and financial reasons).
- Your responsibilities as a manager and where they begin and end.
- The building blocks of an effective safety management approach.
Module 2: Assessing Risks
- Hazard vs. hazardous event vs. risk; using likelihood × consequence to prioritise.
- How to complete a structured risk assessment that’s suitable and sufficient.
- Choosing proportionate controls based on your findings.
Module 3: Controlling Risks
- Applying the hierarchy of control and the test of reasonably practicable.
- Practical controls for common risks; when Permits to Work/Safe Systems of Work are needed.
- Recording, communicating and checking controls are working.
Module 4: Understanding Responsibilities
- Key UK duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and supporting regs.
- What “reasonably foreseeable” means (common, industry and expert knowledge).
- Embedding responsibility through the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle (PDCA).
Module 5: Understanding Hazards
- Recognising mechanical, physical, chemical, environmental, biological, organisational hazards.
- Real-world examples (e.g., slips/trips, manual handling, electricity, substances, violence at work).
- Practical controls and how to match them to the hazard.
Module 6: Investigating Incidents
- Incident vs near miss vs accident; when RIDDOR applies.
- Systematic investigation: immediate/underlying/root causes and evidence gathering.
- Turning findings into corrective and preventive actions.
Module 7: Measuring Performance
- Setting leading and lagging KPIs; inspections vs audits.
- Using findings and data to drive continuous improvement.
- Presenting results credibly to demonstrate compliance and progress.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course you’ll be able to:
- Explain why managers must lead on safety and health at work.
- Use correct Health and Safety terminology and apply it in decision-making.
- Identify relevant UK laws and how they affect your role.
- Assess, reduce and control risk in your area of responsibility.
- Spot common hazards, evaluate who might be harmed and select proportionate controls.
- Investigate incidents, distinguish causes and propose corrective actions.
- Describe the features of an effective safety management system (e.g., PDCA).
- Define the principles of good health and safety and how to evidence performance.
Assessment & pass marks
You’re assessed in two parts and must pass both to get your IOSH Managing Safely certification:
- a closed-book exam, and
- a workplace risk-assessment project.
Key exam facts (at a glance)
- Format: 30 questions (multiple-choice, true/false and short one-word)
- Time: 45 minutes, under exam conditions (no notes, no discussion)
- Pass mark: 36 / 60
- When: end of Day 3 of the course
- Accessibility: Reasonable adjustments (e.g., extra time) available on request
How hard is the exam?
IOSH Managing Safely is a Level 2 (beginner-friendly) qualification aimed at managers and supervisors in any industry.
If you’ve completed the teaching and revision activities, most delegates find the exam manageable: it checks understanding of core concepts rather than advanced technical detail.
How long does the exam take, and when is it taken?
You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 30 questions – it’s plenty of time.
For classroom or virtual (live online) courses, you will complete your exam on the last day of the three-day course.
If you choose to study through our e-learning course, you will take the exam online after finishing your self-led learning.
Topics you may be tested on
The topics you are tested on will all come from the seven modules. You’ll be tested on:
- Distinguishing between hazard/hazardous event/risk and using likelihood × consequence
- Applying the hierarchy of control and the idea of reasonably practicable
- Using a risk rating to prioritise controls
- Recognising common hazards and matching controls
- Investigating incidents (immediate/underlying/root causes)
- Basics of UK legal duties (HASWA 1974) and responsibilities
- The role of leading and lagging indicators in performance measurement
Types of questions to expect (Not official IOSH questions)
‘Fill-in-the-blank’ type questions
Insert the most appropriate word from the options below into each of the two statements:
financial · moral · legal · social · strategic
At a busy construction site, stronger controls cut the risk of compensation pay-outs, delay penalties and higher insurance premiums. These are ___________________ reasons to manage safely.
The site manager insists that no deadline justifies someone going home hurt; protecting people is the right thing to do. This is a ___________________ reason to manage safely.
‘Which statement is true’ type questions
Which two of the following statements are true?
(Tick ✔ the two boxes that you believe are correct.)
|
a) Employees who regularly deal with members of the public face a lower chance of violence or abuse. |
|
|
b) Lifting, carrying, and other physical handling tasks are a leading cause of muscle and joint injuries. |
✔ |
|
c) Fire can only start if oxygen and heat are both present. |
|
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d) Working at height is the single biggest cause of fatal accidents. |
✔ |
Results & resits
Results are issued after your provider marks both the exam and your workplace project.
If you need to resit, you typically have up to 20 days from your last sitting; the provider sets resit fees. If you have questions about adjustments or resits, please speak with us before your exam.
Next: complete the workplace risk-assessment project within the required timeframe.
Certification, verification & replacements
To get the IOSH Managing Safely certificate, you must pass the two assessments: the exam and the risk assessment project.
Here is a step-by-step view of what to expect:
- 1Step 1: Book the course or buy your license
Find an IOSH-accredited provider that offers the course in a format that suits your learning style and requirements. Book your place or buy your e-learning license.
- 2Step 2: Your provider registers you with IOSH
Once you are booked on the course, your provider will register you for the qualification and get everything ready for you to start your learning.
- E-learners will receive login details for the learning platform and can get started (no waiting).
- Classroom or virtual learners will receive joining instructions with everything they need to start the course (on the chosen dates).
- 3Step 3: You take the course and complete the exam
Take the course and complete the Managing Safely exam:
- Classroom and virtual students take the exam on the last day of the course.
- E-learning students complete the exam online after finishing the required learning modules.
- 4Step 4: Your exam paper gets marked
The provider marks your exam paper and informs you of your result. If you are unsuccessful, you can resit.
- 5Step 5: You complete the workplace project
Once you pass the exam, you must complete your risk assessment project and submit it to your provider for marking within 10 days following your successful exam completion.
- 6Step 6: Your project gets marked
The provider marks your project and informs you of your result. If you fail, you can resit.
- 7Step 7: Your results are sent to IOSH
The provider submits your results to IOSH, who processes certificates and sends them back to your provider.
- 8Step 8: You get your IOSH Managing Safely certificate
The provider sends the certificate(s) to your chosen address(es). Congratulations are in order.
Verify an IOSH Managing Safely Certificate
If you (or an employer) need to check a certificate, use the IOSH Training certificate verifier.
You’ll be asked for the certificate number, first name and surname (date of birth is optional). Hit ‘Verify Certificate for an instant result.
If you don’t have the number to hand, your training provider can usually help; otherwise, contact IOSH Customer Services for guidance.
Lost your certificate or need a replacement?
You can order a replacement managing safely certificate by contacting the training provider who delivered your course. They’ll help you track down when you did the qualification and get the certificate reissued.
Depending on the situation, there may be a replacement cost, which the provider will share with you.
Duration & study modes
| Learning Mode | Time to complete | Best for | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom | 3 days | Finish fast, supported learning | Live tutor + peers |
| Virtual | 3 days | Live online, learn from the comfort of your own home/office | Live tutor on MS Teams |
| E-Learning | 22-25 hours | Flexibility, work at your own pace | Self-paced + online exam, reading, videos and interactive activities |
Delivery options: public vs in-company vs e-learning
You get to pick the mode that fits your schedule, learning style and team setup. Providers, like TSW, generally offer:
Public Courses
- Virtual or classroom
- Many dates to choose from
- Per person pricing
Best for:
Individuals or organisations who wish to book places for small numbers of staff. Find a provider, pick a date (or dates) to suit, and book your spot(s).
Not for:
- Not cost effective for larger groups of employees
- Those who can't commit to three consecutive days of training
In-company
- Virtual or classroom
- Delivered where you need it
- Cost-effective (day/group rates)
Best for:
For organisations with groups of employees needing to take the course. Find a provider, discuss your needs, decide on virtual vs classroom and book the course(s).
Not for:
- Not cost-effective for smaller numbers of people (1-6)
- Groups that can't attend training together for three consecutive dates
E-Learning
- Self-paced learning
- Fit around life and work
- Cheapest way to learn
Best for:
Independent learners who prefer to learn at their own pace. Perfect for those comfortable with lots of reading, watching videos and completing e-learning activities.
Not for:
- Learners who struggle to learn independently
- Individuals who don't want to be sat at a computer for 22 hours plus
Costs & funding
Our exact prices are live on our course page. Here’s how providers typically structure their pricing, plus some funding ideas that can help your training budget go a bit further.
Public course pricing
- Price per individual place.
- Often, there are discounts for multiple bookings.
- Prices differ by learning format.
In‑company pricing
- Generally priced per cohort; better value for teams.
- Flexible scheduling, when and where you need it.
- Content can be tailored to your business.
Armed Forces (ELCAS) funding
- Serving personnel and veterans may be eligible.
- Funding varies depending on status.
- Check eligibility and claim steps before booking.
Use our step‑by‑step ELCAS guide to apply.
Is the course worth it?
To assess whether a course is worth taking, you need to look at it from different perspectives. The table below considers those perspectives and looks at why it may or may not be worth you taking the course.
| Who For? | Why it might be worth it |
|---|---|
| Individuals |
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| Organisations |
|
Refresher (keeping skills current)
The Managing Safely Refresher is a one-day course designed for individuals who have completed the full IOSH Managing Safely® course.
This session revisits key health and safety principles and updates, emphasising a plan-do-check-act approach to management.
Participants enhance their knowledge and reflect on their roles within their organisations, ensuring they remain effective safety leaders.
Successful completion of the refresher course will get you a brand new IOSH Managing Safely certificate with a new date and number, renewing your qualification.
Do you or your staff already have an IOSH Managing Safely certificate that you have held for 3+ years? → View the IOSH Managing Safely Refresher course.
Resources & downloads
Resources and downloads for individuals, employers and current learners.
FAQs
Just some of the questions frequently asked about this course, along with our expert’s answers.
What is IOSH Managing Safely?
IOSH Managing Safely is a practical health and safety course for managers and supervisors that teaches risk assessment, legal responsibilities and performance improvement.
IOSH quality-controls the syllabus and allows delivery in person or online.
Who should take IOSH Managing Safely?
Anyone with responsibility for people and processes, including managers, supervisors and team leaders in any sector.
How is IOSH Managing Safely assessed?
Two parts: (1) a short multi-format question paper (e.g., multiple choice/short answers), and (2) a practical workplace risk-assessment project marked to IOSH criteria.
What is the IOSH Managing Safely pass mark?
Most providers (including TSW) state 36/60 for the question paper and 23/38 for the project. You must pass both to earn the certificate.
How long does the course take (classroom vs e-learning)?
Classroom/virtual delivery is typically 3 days. E-learning usually takes ~25 hours at your own pace.
Can I take IOSH Managing Safely online or virtually?
Yes. IOSH allows face-to-face, online and e-learning delivery; many providers offer virtual classrooms and e-learning options.
How long does the IOSH certificate take to arrive?
You will receive your IOSH Managing Safely certificate within two months of taking and passing both assessmens.
What level is IOSH Managing Safely?
It’s not an Ofqual-regulated level qualification; several providers describe it as broadly comparable to Level 2 awareness for managers.
It is an entry-level health and safety course designed for individuals with health and safety management responsibilities in the workplace.
The NEBOSH General Certificate is more in-depth, widely considered to be a Level 3 qualification. Choose based on role, time and depth required.
IOSH Managing Safely vs IOSH Working Safely - what’s the difference?
Working Safely is a shorter awareness course for all workers; Managing Safely is for people with management/supervisory responsibility and goes deeper into risk, law and performance.
How long do I get for the exam and project?
45 minutes allowed for the 30-question paper (at course end) and up to 14 days to submit the workplace risk-assessment project (provider-specific).
Is IOSH Managing Safely worth it for managers/employers?
Yes, we’d say so.
IOSH themselves highlight productivity gains, fewer incidents, stronger safety culture and internationally recognised certification, benefits that are echoed by TSW and leading providers.
Can I study IOSH Managing Safely with no prior H&S experience?
Yes, there are no formal entry requirements; the course is designed to build practical competence for new or existing managers.
Does the IOSH Managing Safely certificate expire? Do I need a refresher?
Certificates don’t expire, but IOSH recommends a Refresher about every 3 years to keep knowledge current.
Can I get IOSH Student Membership with Managing Safely?
Yes. You can join as a Student Member while you study or complete the course. Later, upgrade to the membership level that matches your qualifications and experience. See how upgrades work in our IOSH membership guide.