Important notice: The International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is being withdrawn. In April 2021 we launched the International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals as a replacement.
Existing learners will have five years to complete their qualification. The final assessment dates for the November 2015 specifications will be:

Unit IA/IB/IC: February 2026
Unit DNI: February 2026

These dates may be brought forward if the accreditation and certification end dates are adjusted once SQA have approved the applications for the new Diplomas.


The NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety has become established as the most popular and highly respected qualification of its kind. Those who hold the qualification find themselves in high demand in the global marketplace.

Employers increasingly see health and safety management as a strategic role demanding an appropriate high-level professional qualification.

This qualification assists in the development of professional competence, increasing learners’ ability to help organisations make sensible and proportionate decisions in order to manage risk, meet business objectives, and meet regulatory and other requirements. Thorough but achievable, the qualification is designed by health and safety professionals to meet the needs of the modern workplace. It is a university degree-level qualification, offering a route to Masters-level study. It is a qualification to be proud of.

The qualification covers the practical skills that are essential to health and safety professionals. It assesses learners’ ability to apply their skills and knowledge and deliver positive change throughout the workplace.

Those who pass their NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety are entitled to use the designatory letters IDipNEBOSH and also gain membership of some professional bodies. Diplomates are invited to NEBOSH’s annual NEBOSH Graduation and Awards Ceremony. In addition they will be invited to join NEBOSH's growing Alumni network.

Our qualifications are developed based on extensive research with health and safety professionals, employers, professional bodies and regulators to ensure that they remain relevant and rigorous as well as achievable and practical.

ID in Occupational Health and Safety

“NEBOSH has supported me to develop my passion for safety, which I am certain has saved lives and protected people from ill-health.”

Roque D’Cunha, HSE Management Supervisor at Qatar Steel

Holders meet the academic requirements for CertIOSH, MIIRSM and RMaPS membership levels

 


Who is it for?

Individual

This prestigious qualification has been designed to underpin the capabilities that you need to become an effective health and safety professional. Building directly upon the foundation of knowledge provided by the NEBOSH International General Certificate, learners gain a sound understanding of the theoretical and practical skills required by professionals working in health and safety in the modern workplace.

Recognised by regulators, professionals and employers the qualification also provides a sound basis for progression to postgraduate study.

"I use what I learned from the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety every day. That's the beauty of the qualification. It's so practically based; particularly the Unit ID element. Applying the knowledge from the first three units is definitely where it all came together for me"
Kevin Marley, Acacia Facilities Management 

Employer

Qualified Health and Safety professionals are an asset to their organisations, helping to reduce costs by preventing accidents and ill health of employees. The NEBOSH International Diploma is one of the most recognised and respected professional qualifications for health and safety practitioners. It encourages holders to take a pragmatic approach to managing risk. An employee with a NEBOSH International Diploma has a proven set of high-level skills and knowledge that bring real value to the modern workplace.

Employing NEBOSH-qualified staff demonstrates a strong commitment to health and safety, as well as professional-level competence. NEBOSH Diplomates assist employers in protecting against injury and loss of life. This helps to maintain a healthy workforce, avoiding prosecution, litigation, absence costs and loss of reputation. 

"NEBOSH boosts customer confidence in health, safety and environmental management and also enhances the company's professional image."
Steven Low, Fugro Singapore PTE Ltd

 


What you will learn

What does the course cover?

The International Diploma provides core health and safety knowledge that is transferable across industry, commerce and international boundaries. When combined with understanding and appropriate application, it underpins the competent performance of an Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner.

The key topics covered by the qualification are:

  • Management of health and safety at work
  • The identification and control of risk associated with hazardous agents, workplace issues and equipment
  • Management of stress at work
  • The importance of human factors in reducing incidents

The qualification is divided into four units, each of which is assessed separately:

  • Unit IA: International management of health and safety
  • Unit IB: International control of hazardous agents in the workplace
  • Unit IC: International workplace and work equipment safety
  • Unit DNI: International application of health and safety theory and practice

Learners may choose to take individual units in any order during their 5 year enrolment period and will be awarded a unit certificate for each unit passed.

The syllabus is mapped to the Health and Safety Practitioner units. These are maintained on a database which is managed by Skills Development Scotland www.ukstandards.org.uk/Pages/Search.aspx 

Further details can be found in the syllabus guide which can be downloaded from the Resources section.

How is the qualification assessed?

The qualification is divided into four units, three assessed by written examinations of three hours’ duration (Units IA, IB and IC) with the assignment unit designed to test knowledge across the syllabus, assessing application of health and safety theory and practice (Unit DNI).

Students will receive a unit certificate for each unit passed. On successful completion of all units making up the NEBOSH International Diploma, students will receive the overall qualification parchment. 

We have provided further guidance to help students who are completing the Unit DNI Assignment.

Our unit based approach

The qualification is divided into four units, each of which is assessed separately:

  • Unit IA: International management of health and safety
  • Unit IB: International control of hazardous agents in the workplace
  • Unit IC: International workplace and work equipment safety
  • Unit DNI: International application of health and safety theory and practice

Students may choose to take individual units in any order during their 5 year enrolment period and will be awarded a unit certificate for each unit passed.

Further details can be found in the syllabus guide which can be downloaded in the Resources section.

 


Entry requirements and exemptions

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, however learners should consider that this is a professional level qualification, set at SCQF Level 10. Achievement of the NEBOSH International General Certificate or direct equivalent prior to undertaking the International Diploma course is highly recommended.

It is also vital that learners have an appropriate standard of English language in order to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus.

NEBOSH recommends that learners undertaking this qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 or higher in IELTS tests.

For further information please see the latest version of the IELTS Handbook or consult the IELTS website.

Learners wishing to assess their own language expertise may consult the FAQs on the IELTS website for information on taking the test.

Exemptions

Exemptions available for Unit DNI:

  • National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety - mark achieved for Unit DNI

How to study

Choosing a Learning Partner

Every learner must register with a NEBOSH accredited Learning Partner and undertake the relevant learning before taking an assessment and gaining a qualification. It is not possible to self-study for a NEBOSH qualification. 

Our global network of Learning Partners provide excellent learning and support and will help you prepare for your assessments. You can search for Learning Partners in our Where to Study section, and can filter the results by multiple factors, such as location and mode of study.

You should ensure that the Learning Partner you choose offers the qualification in the way you want to study. We recommend that you explore your options before selecting a Learning Partner as it is an important personal choice.

The factors you may wish to consider include:

  • Mode of Study – Options available include face to face, distance learning, in-company training and eLearning. Has one method of learning been more effective for you in the past?
  • Course Structure – If you opt for classroom training, would you prefer day or evening classes, block release or a modular course?
  • Location – Being able to study and sit your examinations locally may be an important consideration for you. NEBOSH examinations are taken in over 130 countries.
  • On-going support – Will the support provided during your course and in the run up to your assessments match your expectations?

Find a Learning Partner

Cost

Each Learning Partner sets their own fees to reflect the service offered. We recommend you contact a number of Learning Partners to establish what their fees are and what is included in the fee. Costs can vary depending on the mode of study, the level of support given, and the inclusion of examination registration fees, for example. 

Read more about our Learning Partner Programme and how to choose the right Learning Partner for you: Choosing a NEBOSH Learning Partner.


What does it cost and how long does it take?

Course fees are determined by individual learning partners and vary depending on the format of the course. 

For this qualification you should plan your study around a minimum of 231 taught hours and approximately 225 hours of private study.

Further information on taught hours can be found in the syllabus located in the Resources section below.

Details of learning partners accredited to offer this qualification are available in the Where to Study section. 


Professional recognition and SQA accreditation 

Maintaining professional standards

In the UK – and, increasingly, worldwide – regulatory accreditation is recognised as a badge of quality, allowing our qualifications to retain their highly regarded professional status.

UK accredited qualifications provide you with certain guarantees that the qualification:

  • Meets specific quality criteria that ensure it is fit for its purpose
  • Includes relevant content
  • Uses appropriate assessment methodology
  • Is mapped to relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS)
  • Is supported by relevant stakeholders including employers

The NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety has been accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). It sits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SCQF Level 10 with 48 SCQF credit points.

See the Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries chart issued by the UK regulators.

Where appropriate, the SQA Accreditation logo will appear on certificates awarded for this qualification. The SCQF logo, credit and level information will appear on the unit result notification. Please click here for further information on SCQF credit and levels.

Valued by employers

NEBOSH qualifications can play an important part in ensuring that the health and safety provision businesses have in place is effective. This may explain why so many organisations choose to include NEBOSH qualifications on their competency matrices.

Professional body recognition

The NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety meets the academic requirements to apply for:

  • Member status (MIIRSM) of the Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).
  • Holders of either the NEBOSH National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and either the NEBOSH National or International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety meet the headline entrance criteria requirements for Registered Membership (RMaPS) of the Association for Project Safety (APS).
  • Graduate membership of the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) - Current Technical members (TechSaiosh) can now upgrade to Graduate Membership (GradSaiosh) using the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety to meet the membership level’s academic requirements.

Those who pass their NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety are entitled to use the designatory letters IDipNEBOSH. 

Successful learners are invited to the annual NEBOSH Graduation and Awards Ceremony in the year following the successful completion of their award. 

The International Diploma provides a sound basis for progression to MSc level. A number of UK universities offer MSc programs that accept the International Diploma as a full or partial entry requirement.


Examination registration, dates and results

Examination registration

Only Diploma learners who have enrolled with NEBOSH through a learning partner are eligible to register for Diploma examinations and assignments. You must be enrolled before the deadline of the examination you wish to register for. Please contact your learning partner directly to confirm their closing date.

Examination entry confirmation

Once your learning partner has registered you to an examination, they will send you an Examination Entry Confirmation that includes your learner number, and important information relating to your examination and results process. Please ensure that you check your name is spelt correctly and report this to your learning partner and NEBOSH if any changes are required.

The Examination Entry Confirmation is essential to gain entry to the examination room, you will need to show a form of photographic identification to the invigilator and then sign the Examination Entry Confirmation. Please contact your learning partner if you have not received your Examination Entry Confirmation.

Examination results

You will receive your results 12 weeks after your assessment date.

Learners who are successful in an individual unit will be issued with a Unit Certificate, normally within 20 working days of the result notification date. Units are not graded and the unit certificates will show a ‘Pass’ only. 

Once a learner has achieved a Pass in all four units and the overall qualification grade awarded, a qualification parchment will be issued, normally within 20 working days of the result notification date. 

Examination dates 

Papers for Units A, B and C are usually offered on the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively. 

The following examination dates have been confirmed: 
 
Date Qualification  Unit
 Tuesday 09 January 2024  International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety  Unit A
 Wednesday 10 January 2024  International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety  Unit B
 Thursday 11 January 2024  International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety  Unit C
 Tuesday 16 July 2024  International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety  Unit A
 Wednesday 17 July 2024  International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety  Unit B
 Thursday 18 July 2024   International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety  Unit C

 

Assignment submission dates

DNI assignments must be submitted using the NEBOSH online assessment platform. The submission deadline is 12pm (midday) UK time on the submission date shown. The following submission periods have been confirmed:

 Unit

 Submission Period Opens

 Submission Date

 Result Notification Date

 DNI

 08 November 2023  29 November 2023  15 February 2024

 DNI

 07 February 2024  28 February 2024  13 May 2024

 DNI

 30 April 2024  22 May 2024  01 August 2024

 DNI

 07 August 2024  28 August 2024  06 November 2024

 DNI

 06 November 2024  27 November 2024  14 February 2025

 

Further guidance about this Assignment and how to submit it, is available within the Resources section


What next?

Graduation

Successful learners are invited to attend the NEBOSH Graduation and Awards Ceremony in the summer following successful completion of their Diploma. 

For further details please click here.

NEBOSH offers a range of qualifications that bring you success and advancement in your chosen field.

  • Diploma holders wishing to develop their environmental expertise may consider taking the NEBOSH International Diploma in Environmental Management. 
  • NEBOSH International Diploma holders wishing to use their skills in the UK may consider the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
  • In addition, NEBOSH offer specialist qualifications for the Construction, Fire, Oil & Gas and Process Industry sectors, as well as a Management of Health and Well-being qualification.
Learning at Masters level, with an emphasis on practice-led research

In partnership with NEBOSH, the University of Hull is offering Masters Degrees in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment subjects.

The following taught MSc qualifications in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management are available to NEBOSH Diploma holders:

  • MSc in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management
  • MSc in Occupational Health and Safety Management
  • MSc in Environmental Management

For more information please click here.

Master of Research (MRes) qualifications have been designed to complement the learner’s career through research directly relevant to their own work. The following qualifications are available to Diploma holders:

  • MRes in Occupational Health and Safety Management
  • MRes in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management
  • MRes in Environmental Management

For more information please click here.

Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)

NEBOSH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BCSP during December 2015. BCSP were formed in 1969 and its sole purpose is to certify practitioners in the safety profession based in the United States and other countries around the world. Obtaining CSP demonstrates to other health and safety professionals and employers around the globe that you have met rigorous educational, experiential and examination requirements.

The MOU allows holders of either the NEBOSH National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety to sit directly for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) assessment as long as they meet BCSP’s eligibility criteria.

The MOU also allows CSP holders to take the National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety without sitting a course of study with a NEBOSH accredited learning partner. CSP holders will be required to enrol with a NEBOSH accredited learning partner and take and achieve a ‘Pass’ in all four unit assessments in order to be awarded the qualification.

Further information has been included in the following document: Information on the NEBOSH Health and Safety Diplomas and BCSP’s Certified Safety Professional certification.

Accredited learning partners requiring further information should contact NEBOSH’s Accreditation Department at [email protected].

Additional Masters programmes

A number of universities offer MSc programs which accept the NEBOSH Diplomas as a full or partial entry requirement. Some MSc courses may require additional qualifications/expertise, such as a degree, further significant work experience or expect learners to complete specific modules e.g. in environmental management.

Listed below are some universities that may accept a NEBOSH Diploma for entry. Prospective learners should contact their chosen university directly to confirm the entry requirements and check that their specific qualifications are appropriate.

  • Loughborough University
  • University of Greenwich
  • University of Portsmouth
  • University of Salford
  • Middlesex University
  • University of South Wales
  • University of Derby

Please note that there are a number of additional relevant university MSc courses not listed above. Their positions in relation to NEBOSH qualifications were unavailable at the time of publishing.


Resources

This section provides guidance and useful information in support of this qualification.

If you would like any further information please get in touch through our Contact Us page - our Customer Enquiry Team will be happy to help.

Syllabus Guide (November 2015)

This Qualification Guide contains the detailed syllabus, assessment requirements and example question papers for the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

This Guide remains the copyright of NEBOSH. The information in this publication may be reproduced in support of NEBOSH qualifications. If it is reproduced, NEBOSH should be clearly acknowledged as the source. If it is to be used for any other purpose, written permission must be obtained from NEBOSH.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read these document - available free of charge from www.Adobe.co.uk.

If you would like any further information, please contact the Customer Services team on 0116 2634700 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diploma Digital Assessments Resources

We have introduced a quick and easy way to submit DNI, NDEM2 and IDEM2 assignments, this has streamlined the process for everyone’s benefit. Find out more: 

Diploma Digital Assignments

Unit DNI Learner Guidance

Unit DNI is a combined Unit for both the National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and the International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

The assignment gives Learners the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding gained from their studies of Units A/IA, B/IB and C/IC of the National/International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety syllabus in a vocational setting.

The aim of the assignment is for learners to carry out a review of the arrangements for managing health and safety in a workplace and to produce justified, proportionate recommendations to improve health and safety performance.

Please download the latest DNI Guidance and Information for learners below. This document provides comprehensive guidance on the presentation and submission of the Unit DNI assignment report and should be studied carefully before commencing.

The guidance should be read in conjunction with the assignment mark scheme, which is attached at the end of this guidance document, to provide a clear guide to the requirements of the assignment report.

Your Learning Partner will be able to confirm your eligibility to take the Unit DNI assignment and will formally issue learners with their assignment brief. 

Guidance on Command Words

NEBOSH Command Words

NEBOSH has prepared “Guidance on command words and question papers” for Certificate and Diploma-level qualifications. This document is available to download below.

This guidance provides:
  • A concise definition of each command word used on NEBOSH Certificate and Diploma-level question papers
  • Example responses both to everyday scenarios and typical Certificate and Diploma-level questions

If you require any further information please contact us.

Certificate:

Guidance on command words - Certificate (English)

Guidance on command words - Certificate (French)

Guidance on command words - Certificate (Portuguese unified)

Guidance on command words - Certificate (Russian)

Guidance on command words - Certificate (Arabic)

Guidance on command words - Certificate (Turkish)

Guidance on command words - Certificate (European Spanish)

Diploma:

Guidance on command words - Diploma

Diploma Enrolment Extension

The NEBOSH National and International Diplomas in Occupational Health and Safety have a five year enrolment period. It is important that this information is reviewed and a completion timetable is discussed with their Learning Partner to prevent Learners being unable to complete their qualification due to their enrolment expiring. 

NEBOSH does appreciate that there are some circumstances that prevent Learners from continuing their studies for a period of time. To allow Learners the opportunity to complete their qualification NEBOSH does allow Learners to apply for an extension to their unit validity period*. Full details of the enrolment rules for the National and International Diploma can be found in the Enrolment Policy for NEBOSH Diploma Level Qualifications

Please refer to this document to make sure you are eligible to apply. Applications for an enrolment extension can be submitted within the final year of the original enrolment period but no later than 20 working days before the expiry date. Requests cannot be accepted without prior authorisation from their Learning Partner, evidence to support the reason for application and a completion timetable.   

To apply for an extension Learners must contact their Learning Partner directly to discuss their requirements. If the Learning Partner agrees that the Learner is able to complete their qualification within the extension period they should contact NEBOSH on the Learner's behalf to request an extension. Requests without consent from the Learning Partner cannot be accepted. 

The enrolment extension request (and ACP transfer request if applicable) must be received before the final date for enrolment for the relevant examination sitting/assignment submission.

*A unit is valid for five years from the declaration (the date printed on the unit certificate.) 

Policies, terms and fees

 

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