TLDR: Which NEBOSH Do You Have?
When someone says, “I’ve got my NEBOSH,” it doesn’t tell you much because NEBOSH offers multiple qualifications across four main categories for different career levels and industry needs.
- NEBOSH Awards – Entry-level safety awareness courses for beginners
- NEBOSH Certificates – Ideal for managers, supervisors, and those starting out in health & safety careers.
- NEBOSH Diplomas – Professional-level qualifications for career health and safety practitioners
- NEBOSH Masters – Some universities accept NEBOSH Diploma as credit towards a Master’s degree.
Why It Matters: Employers value NEBOSH – 87% of UK job listings in health & safety ask for it. So you need to choose the right certification for your career advancement, and workplace safety.
Not sure which NEBOSH course is right for you?
Call us on 44 (0) 20 8059 3633 and we’ll help you choose the perfect fit for your career or business.
What is NEBOSH?
I’ll start with the basics.
NEBOSH stands for the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. It’s a big deal in the world of workplace safety.
The Health and Safety Executive says that workplace injuries and ill-health cost UK businesses over £20.7 billion.
That’s why a whopping 87% of UK employers ask for a Nebosh qualified professional when they’re hiring for health and safety roles. And a significant number of health and safety job adverts specify for this particular qualification.
Whether you are a business owner, manager, or supervisor, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your staff and visitors are safe in the workplace.
That’s why these health and safety courses are important. The courses provide all of this knowledge, allowing people to work in safety and businesses to prosper.
The different NEBOSH qualifications
As I said, the body offers several different occupational health and safety courses designed to cater to different Nebosh qualification levels of expertise and industry-specific needs.
There are four types of Nebosh qualifications-Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and NEBOSH Masters. I will be discussing them below as you read on.
1. Awards
These NEBOSH awards are for beginners. They give you a good awareness of health and safety in the workplace. They also offer a clear progression route to higher-level NEBOSH Certificates for those interested in deepening their knowledge and skills.
Some examples include:
- NEBOSH Award in Environmental Awareness at Work
- NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award
- NEBOSH Working with Wellbeing
- NEBOSH HSE Award in Managing Risks and Risk Assessment at Work
2. Certificates
These are for managers, supervisors, or anyone starting a career in health and safety. They’re more in-depth than Awards. Some popular ones are:
- NEBOSH General Certificate (UK/International)
- NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction Certificate
- NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
- NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management
3. Diplomas
These are professional-level qualifications for those making a career in health and safety or who are responsible for health and safety in a business. This qualification is for those who have completed the NEBOSH General Certificate.
There are two main ones:
- NEBOSH National Diploma
- NEBOSH International Diploma
4. Masters
Yes, you can even get a Masters! Some universities like the University of Hull accept NEBOSH Diplomas as partial or complete entry requirements for Masters programs in occupational health and safety.
Final thought
Next time someone mentions, “I’ve got my NEBOSH,” take a moment to ask which specific NEBOSH qualification they hold and for which industry it’s intended.
With options ranging from Awards for beginners to Diplomas and Masters for seasoned professionals, NEBOSH qualifications are diverse and tailored to various career paths and industry requirements.
For instance, if you’re working in construction, the NEBOSH Construction Certificate would be more relevant to you than the General Certificate.
If you’re passionate about environmental issues, the Environmental Management Certificate could be your go-to.
Understanding the different NEBOSH certifications can help you choose the right path for your career and ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to make your workplace safe and compliant.
Whether you’re a business owner, manager, supervisor, or just starting your career in health and safety, NEBOSH courses give you the skills and knowledge you need to comply with the law, progress your career, and keep people safe at work.
Need help deciding which NEBOSH qualification is right for you or your team?
Contact us today at 44 (0) 20 8059 3633 to discuss how our NEBOSH courses can align with your industry needs and career goals.