History of NEBOSH
Since NEBOSH was founded in 1979 we have been at the forefront of improvements to global health and safety, changes that have helped to save lives. Throughout that time, our learners, Learning Partners, partners, employers, governments, colleagues and trustees have all played a part in our successes;
- 33 qualifications developed,
- Over 400,000 successful learners,
- Over 600 Learning Partners,
- Exams in over 130 countries,
- Over 190,000 social media followers.
Take a look at the timeline below to see some of the highlights and key milestones from over 40 years as a leader in health, safety and environmental qualifications.
In Our stories you’ll discover stories from Learning Partners, employees and some of the thousands of learners who have achieved NEBOSH qualifications over the years.
As we look ahead to what has already been an eventful new decade, find out what we have planned for Our future.
September 1979
Richard Booth appointed as founding Chair
June 1980
First NEBOSH exam
April 1988
NEBOSH Diploma launched
1989
NEBOSH National General Certificate launched
June 1992
NEBOSH registers as a charity
March 2001
Designatory letters introduced for holders of NEBOSH higher level qualifications
April 2005
NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is launched
May 2006
First NEBOSH Graduation & Awards Ceremony takes place at the University of Warwick
January 2009
NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety launched
December 2013
Great Britain’s regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, chooses NEBOSH to develop an accredited Diploma for its health and safety inspectors
April 2014
NEBOSH wins the Queen’s Award for Enterprise
June 2016
NEBOSH launches an Alumni association for its Diploma holders to support them with their Continuing Professional Development.
December 2016
NEBOSH achieves ISO 14001 accreditation for its efforts in environmental management
March 2018
NEBOSH is a member of the committee that develops and launches ISO 45001
March 2019
80,000 people achieved NEBOSH International General Certificate
September 2019
NEBOSH unveils new-look National and International General Certificate
July 2020
NEBOSH achieves ISO 45001 certification, the international health and safety management standard
August 2020
Learners sit the first NEBOSH open book examination (OBE)