How long is a NEBOSH and IOSH certificate valid for? Your NEBOSH or IOSH certificates are valid for life. Once you’ve earned them, they never expire. They remain valid throughout your career.
Importantly, these qualifications do not expire. After all the effort you put into passing the exams, you can rest easy knowing that your achievements will remain valid throughout your career.
Your NEBOSH certificates is valid for life, But update is recommended
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health certificates, such as the NEBOSH General Certificate do not expire. However, while the certificate itself is a lasting credential, the knowledge you acquire during the course is subject to change with time.
Health and safety legislation evolves constantly, and as a result, NEBOSH regularly reviews its syllabus to ensure it reflects the latest standards, practices, and regulations.
Take, for example, the NEBOSH General Certificate, which consists of two units, NG1 and NG2 risk assessments. To achieve the full qualification, you need to pass both modules within five years of starting the course.
Each of these units contributes to your foundational knowledge in health and safety, but by staying current, you’ll be able to handle any changes in the law or best practices that may arise.
For construction professionals, I particularly emphasize the importance of the NEBOSH Construction Certificate. Statistics from the National Safety Council show that companies with ongoing safety training programs see a decrease in workplace incidents.
IOSH Certificates do not expire but refresher courses are recommended
Similarly, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health qualifications, including the popular IOSH Managing Safely course, also do not expire.
However, IOSH recommends that those who have completed the Managing Safely course should take a refresher every three years.
This refresher course helps ensure that your understanding of safety responsibilities is up to date, reflecting the most current practices and regulations.
Regularly refreshing IOSH knowledge is particularly important in management roles where safety is a top priority.
IOSH Managing Safely Refresher, for example, allows managers to focus on current issues in safety, reinforcing the training they initially received.
The evolving nature of health and safety
Take IOSH Managing Safely with THS
Concerning the issue of whether IOSH or NEBOSH certificate expires, I can tell you that landscape of health and safety is constantly changing. For instance, just in the past few years, we’ve seen significant changes in remote working safety protocols, mental health considerations, environmental safety standards, and more.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 1.8 million work-related ill health cases in 2022/23, highlighting the need for updated knowledge in this field.
This is why I encourage my certificate holders to stay connected with industry updates and take refresher courses.
Investing in updated training also sends a message to employers. It shows that you’re committed to staying relevant and are proactive in your professional development. This can often lead to more job opportunities, promotions, and a more secure standing in your career.
At THS, we offer various refresher courses designed to help you stay ahead in the field. For example, our IOSH Managing Safely Refresher course can be completed via virtual classroom or e-learning, making it accessible and convenient for busy professionals.
So, does IOSH or NEBOSH qualification not expire?
While your NEBOSH and IOSH certificates are valid for life, maintaining current knowledge is crucial for effective health and safety management.
Regular updates through refresher courses and continuous professional development ensure you remain competent and confident in your role.
From my experience teaching these courses, the most successful safety professionals are those who view their NEBOSH or IOSH certificate as a foundation rather than a finish line. They understand that while their qualification doesn’t expire, their knowledge needs regular refreshing.
Ready to advance in health and safety?
At Train in Health and Safety, we’re here to support your growth with updated courses, support, and flexible learning options. If you’re ready to take the next step or refresh your current knowledge, consider one of our programs for our career goals.
If you’re ready to enhance your qualifications, book your NEBOSH General Certificate Course & IOSH Managing Safely with THS.
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