Did you know: More than 90% of employers demand at least one NEBOSH Diploma in their health and safety job advertisements, with top salaries around £49,000?
If you’ve been contemplating getting a NEBOSH certification, now is the right time to start.
However, deciding which NEBOSH course is best for you can be challenging. With so many qualifications available, you must choose one that matches your career goals and current experience.
Still confused? This blog post can help!
We’ll break down the primary considerations when picking a NEBOSH course and walk you through the numerous qualification levels and specialisations so you can find the best fit.
TL;DR – Which NEBOSH Course is Best?
In this blog, we’ve shared important details about which NEBOSH course is best, covering these fundamental aspects:
- NEBOSH courses range from 5-10+ days long (depending on the delivery method and course)
- These courses cost somewhere between £525 to £1295 + VAT per person
- NEBOSH qualifications are of four types: Awards, Certificates, Diploma, Masters
- The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety is arguably the most advanced course
- Graduates can apply for sought-after job roles like Health and safety manager, Field safety officer, Fire safety officer and more.
Gain the globally recognised NEBOSH qualifications you need with TSW Training, a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner.
Book your spot today and open up a world of opportunities in the health and safety sector!
What is a NEBOSH Course?
A NEBOSH course is a health and safety or environmental qualification accredited by NEBOSH and delivered by training providers like TSW Training.
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) is a reputable organisation in the United Kingdom that provides internationally recognised health, safety, and environment management qualifications (Levels 2, 3 and 6).
Leading institutions such as the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) recognise and value these qualifications.
(If you’re confused about the difference between IOSH and NEBOSH, refer to our blog, where we discuss the two in detail.)
NEBOSH Course Duration
NEBOSH courses appeal to all experience levels and workplace situations and have varying completion times.
Here’s a brief overview of the different courses available at TSW Training and the duration of each:
- The NEBOSH General Certificate and the NEBOSH International General Certificate qualifications are all about workplace safety. You can take them in a classroom or virtually over ten days or study online (via e-learning) at your own pace.
- If you work in construction, the NEBOSH Construction Certificate is for you. The course usually takes ten days and can be completed in person, virtually, or via e-learning.
- The NEBOSH Fire Safety consists of five days of taught time to complete
- For those interested in protecting the environment at work, there’s the NEBOSH Environmental Certificate. This course also lasts five days and teaches you how to manage environmental risks in the workplace.
NEBOSH Course Fees
NEBOSH course prices vary based on the qualification and training provider you choose. For the most accurate price, we always recommend contacting the training provider you are considering directly.
Here’s a quick breakdown of NEBOSH course fees at TSW Training to give you an idea:
- NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety: Starts from £895 + VAT per person
- NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate: Starts from £895 + VAT per person
- NEBOSH National General Certificate: Starts from £1295 + VAT per person
- NEBOSH International General Certificate: Starts from £1295 + VAT per person
- NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK): Starts from £1295 + VAT per person.
Don’t settle for average training. TSW Training’s NEBOSH courses, delivered by industry experts, have pass rates that exceed the national average, so you get the knowledge and confidence to excel. Enrol now to take control of your safety career.
Types of NEBOSH Qualifications
NEBOSH delivers a multi-tier system of qualifications designed according to different levels of health and safety expertise.
Here’s a brief rundown of the four types of qualifications offered by the institution:
1. NEBOSH Awards
These one-day awards by NEBOSH are ideal for beginners.
Learners can choose from multiple subjects, including risk management, workplace safety fundamentals, environmental awareness, and employee well-being.
These awards are the perfect starting point for any employee looking to gain a basic understanding of health and safety procedures.
2. NEBOSH Certificates
These certificates provide a more in-depth understanding of health and safety regulations and practical applications.
The National General Certificate includes training in risk management, practical workplace application, danger identification and control, along with key legal requirements.
Industry-specific certifications, such as the Construction and Fire Safety Certificates, equip professionals with specialised industry knowledge.
Managers, supervisors, business owners, and anybody else responsible for health and safety can find these qualifications to be very helpful.
3. NEBOSH Diplomas
NEBOSH Diplomas are professional qualifications that build on the knowledge gained through Certificates.
Both the National Diploma and the International Diploma cover advanced subjects such as handling hazardous materials, controlling health and safety systems, and workplace equipment safety.
Those who want to work in the health and safety field or gain more knowledge for positions in senior management would benefit significantly from these credentials.
4. NEBOSH Masters
Although NEBOSH does not directly provide Master’s degrees, its National and International Diplomas can be used as prerequisites for enrollment in Master’s programs in occupational health and safety at many universities.
This path helps experienced experts further specialise and advance their careers in the industry.
Here’s the bottom line: No matter what your current knowledge or career goals are, there’s always a suitable NEBOSH qualification to gain the skills and knowledge you need to create a safer and healthier workplace.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a NEBOSH Course
When the course spectrum covers every level of qualification, from novice to master, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.
But there are several factors to consider before entering NEBOSH training:
- Training Provider Standards: Business owners can guarantee quality assurance by partnering with established training providers when researching internationally recognised occupational safety and health (OSH) courses. Choose wisely and avoid basing your decision solely on price.
One way to do this is by only collaborating with training suppliers boasting NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner status.
- Tutor Knowledge: As we make clear in our Train the Trainer approach, ensuring that the person leading your team’s development is an expert in the subject matter is essential.
TSW’s NEBOSH courses offer expert tutors to improve information retention and pass rates. Additionally, leveraging experienced coaches helps establish training ROI as your team is better equipped to implement learnings in their daily roles.
- Environment: Most courses can be delivered in a classroom, virtual training format, or via eLearning. Business owners and learners should choose the most conducive learning environment for them and their teams. Online (virtual) and eLearning opportunities allow companies to reduce costly training expenses like hotel stays, fuel, and more.
- Level of Experience: Finally, knowing which NEBOSH course is best for you comes down to your role and level of existing knowledge.
As mentioned, there are different types of NEBOSH courses, so employees need to match their knowledge level to their qualifications. However, your position within the business can also have a bearing on which course to choose.
Get in touch to speak with one of our learning advisors and explore your options…
Let’s break down the NEBOSH course offering in more detail to define which qualification is best suited to your team.
Most Popular NEBOSH Courses
The most popular NEBOSH courses are the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and the NEBOSH International Certificate in Health and Safety.
However, NEBOSH offers suitable courses for anyone in the OSH space, covering more specialist areas like fire, construction and environmental management, as well as general health and safety.
| Course | Level of Qualification | NEBOSH Accreditation Level | Career Stage |
| NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation | Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE) | Award |
|
| NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety | Level 3 (equivalent to A-Level) | Certificate |
|
| NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) | Level 3 | Certificate |
|
| NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction | Level 3 | Certificate |
|
| NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety | Level 3 | Certificate |
|
| NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate | Level 3 | Certificate |
|
| NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management | Level 4 (equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree) | Certificate |
|
| NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety | Level 6 (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree) | Diploma |
|
NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Consisting of learning modules, exams, and practical risk assessments based on UK legislation, the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a more general qualification that can be applied to every workplace in the UK.
The learnings covered in the course are well-suited to those in management positions within your business, from team leaders and supervisors to line managers. Alternatively, this course is also a perfect starting block for those pursuing a career in OSH.
NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)
An internationally recognised qualification, the IGC is available in multiple languages and imparts the knowledge and skills to effectively manage health and safety in any business globally.
Where the national qualification focuses on UK-specific legislation, the IGC focuses more on the OSH guidelines set out by the International Labour Organisation.
NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
A step up from the national and international certificates, the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety aligns more with those focused on OSH as a career path.
This degree-level qualification requires over 190 hours of teaching as well as 144 self-study hours and 80 assessment hours.
Across the course, learners will discover how health and safety legislation is applied in a workplace and the possible enforcement actions for non-compliance. They will also gain a better understanding of risk management strategy and how creating a positive health and safety culture in the workplace can help improve the broader company culture.
NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management
The NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management is more specific in its approach than the qualifications mentioned previously.
In the words of NEBOSH themselves:
“This qualification is designed to equip delegates with a broad understanding of the accepted principles and recognised industrial practices for the management of process risk.”
But what does that mean in terms of targeted professions?
The Process Safety Certificate applies specifically to managers, supervisors, or safety professionals in the process industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
However, it’s also worth mentioning that this qualification is unsuitable for chemical and process safety engineers with plant design and maintenance experience.
NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction
The NEBOSH Construction Certificate, as the name suggests, is applied to health and safety advisors in the construction industry.
However, the qualification is not specific to OSH professionals; it’s also well adapted to construction site managers, contract managers, or site workers with OSH responsibilities.
NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
As the table above shows, facilities managers or anyone responsible for fire safety in low—to medium-risk workplaces can (and should) take the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety.
The term ‘low to medium-risk workplaces’ applies to most work environments outside the industrial, construction, and waste management industries or plants.
This industry-leading qualification instils knowledge on fire risk assessments, including how to conduct one and why they are so important.
In addition to risk assessment knowledge, the fire safety course defines the best practices for identifying, reporting, and controlling fire hazards as part of an all-round deep dive into fire risk management.
NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate
Perfect for professionals who have, or would like to have, more environmental management responsibilities in the workplace, the NEBOSH Environmental Certificate guides on positive and negative environmental practices.
In addition, managers should be informed about the importance of reducing damaging environmental practices. The course also dissects the benefits and restrictions of various energy sources and shows how to use them more efficiently.
Which NEBOSH Course is Best?
There is no ‘best NEBOSH course’, full stop!
The best NEBOSH course is the one that meets your specific needs, hence the reason for this article. The most suitable course is the one that provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to do your job in a way that ensures the health, safety and welfare of yourself and those around you.
For example, if you are a health and safety manager with overall responsibility for health and safety in your business, then the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety is almost certainly the health and safety qualification for you.
Here’s why: it was the first vocational program specifically created for health and safety professionals and originated in the United Kingdom.
In contrast, a supervisor who has some health and safety responsibilities may only need a general certificate that covers the fundamentals that they need to manage safely in the workplace. In fact, they may only need the IOSH Managing Safely if they work in a low-risk environment.
Best NEBOSH Accredited Course Providers – TSW Training
Investing in a NEBOSH certification is a smart career move, but selecting the right training provider is just as important. Here’s where TSW Training comes in.
TSW Training is a recognised NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, which shows our commitment to delivering the highest quality NEBOSH qualifications. This means you receive up-to-date, advanced training throughout the program.
We take great pride in our track record of helping students earn their NEBOSH certifications, which is higher than the national average.
Our staff includes a Head of Health and Safety with high-level certifications and significant industry expertise. We also provide continuing help to guarantee your success in the program.
Let us help you take the next step towards a more successful career in health and safety. Contact TSW Training today to talk about your NEBOSH courses and qualifications options and invest in your future.
Career Opportunities After Completing Each NEBOSH Course
Completing NEBOSH qualifications can significantly enhance your career prospects in health, safety, and environmental management. Below is an overview of each qualification and the associated career opportunities:
NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation – Career Opportunities
This qualification is designed for managers, supervisors, and health and safety practitioners responsible for incident investigations. It equips learners with the necessary skills to conduct effective investigations, aiming to prevent recurrence.
Potential Job Titles:
- Health and Safety Advisor
- Incident Investigator
- Risk Manager
- Safety Supervisor
NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
A widely recognised qualification, the General Certificate provides a solid foundation in health and safety. It’s ideal for those aiming to manage risks effectively in various industries.
Potential Careers:
The NG qualification will support the career opportunities for the following UK careers:
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Anybody with health and safety management responsibilities.
The NG is a good foundation for those who wish to embark on a health and safety-specific career, which will invariably lead them to take the NEBOSH Diploma or an equivalent at some point in their career development.
NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)
Similar to the General Certificate but with an international focus, the IGC is suited for those working outside the UK or in multinational organiations.
Potential Careers:
The IGC is a general course that will support the career opportunities for the following role holders:
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Anybody with health and safety management responsibilities.
It’s also the perfect stepping stone to the NEBOSH Diploma for those who want to develop their health and safety careers and become health and Safety Managers and beyond.
Studies show that NEBOSH IGC holders have a significant advantage. Employees with this qualification earn an average of 16% higher salary than those without it.
The need for trained safety specialists is expected to grow faster in several industries in the coming years. That said, a NEBOSH IGC qualification prepares you to capitalise on this booming industry.
NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction
Tailored for the construction industry, this qualification addresses specific risks and safety measures pertinent to construction sites.
Potential Careers:
People taking the NEBOSH Construction will open up doors to job roles such as:
- Construction Site Manager
- Site Safety Coordinator
- Project Safety Advisor
- Contracts Managers
- Construction Health and Safety Advisors
The qualification is also designed to meet the needs of site workers with health and safety responsibilities, so it is suitable for anyone considering a career in construction.
NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
This certificate focuses on fire risk assessment and safety protocols, which are essential for roles that include an element of fire safety management.
Potential Careers:
- Health and Safety managers
- Facilities Managers
- Health and safety representatives within businesses
The course will be essential for those embarking on careers where they are responsible for fire safety in low to medium-risk workplaces.
Those seeking a career specialising in fire should look to organisations like The Institution of Fire Engineers for career advice.
NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate
Aimed at those responsible for environmental management, this qualification covers essential principles of environmental control and sustainability.
Potential Careers:
The NEBOSH Environmental could be a jumping-in point for those who wish to embark on careers in Environmental Management, including:
- Environmental Manager
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Environmental Consultant
The NEBOSH Environmental focuses on the practical aspects of environmental management in the work, grounded in the principles of ISO 14001.
For those serious about a career in sustainability, the next step would be the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management.
NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
As a prestigious and advanced qualification, the National Diploma is ideal for those seeking senior positions in health and safety management.
Potential Careers:
- Health and Safety Director
- Senior Safety Consultant
- Head of Health and Safety
- Corporate Risk Manager
Each NEBOSH qualification opens doors to various roles within health, safety, and environmental sectors, catering to different levels of responsibility and specialisations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about which NEBOSH course is best:
Is NEBOSH a Professional Qualification?
Yes, NEBOSH certifications are internationally recognised as professional health, safety, and environmental management qualifications.
Overall, a NEBOSH accreditation shows that you’re dedicated to ensuring health and safety and gives you the skills and expertise businesses seek in various job roles.
Can a NEBOSH Course be Done Online?
Absolutely! In fact, several of our NEBOSH courses at TSW Training have online learning options. With the flexibility to study at your own pace and convenience, this proves to be a convenient option to finish your training.
Do NEBOSH Qualifications Expire?
No. NEBOSH qualifications are for life. There is no requirement to resit a NEBOSH qualification once all the modules and assessments have been successfully completed.
However, as OSH legislation is constantly changing and updating to suit shifting work environments, we recommend taking refresher courses with TSW to remain as up-to-date as possible if you want to enhance your career progression opportunities.
What is the Pass Rate for NEBOSH Courses?
The pass rate for NEBOSH qualifications can differ from course to course. But, when you enroll with TSW, you don’t need to worry, as our pass rates are well above the national average.
As a designated Gold Standard Learning Partner, our NEBOSH courses benefit from expert tutors who each boast more than 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety.
We also offer a range of learning options, from virtual sessions to classroom settings and eLearning. So, you can study at a time and pace that suits you.
Moreover, we take the time to tailor generalist courses to your specific industry. This helps retention rates as learners are more able to apply the knowledge to their working environment.
Conclusion
Which NEBOSH course is best for you ultimately depends on your current experience level, career goals, and the industry you’re interested in growing in. We hope the knowledge we’ve shared through this blog helped you make an informed decision.
There’s no denying that a NEBOSH qualification can lead to a rewarding career in health and safety.
TSW Training is a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, offering an entire lineup of NEBOSH courses taught by industry specialists.
Get in touch to speak with one of our learning advisors and explore your options…
