If you’re looking to begin your HSE journey with a NEBOSH course, knowing where to start can be difficult. But don’t worry, in this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about NEBOSH, its courses and how to apply.
What is NEBOSH and what does it stand for?
NEBOSH stands for the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, and is one of the leading examination boards, offering health, safety, and environmental qualifications for professionals across a variety of sectors. Regarded as one of the most comprehensive qualification providers obtainable within the training sector, NEBOSH qualifications are highly respected by governments, employers and learners, both within the UK and internationally.
What level is a NEBOSH general certificate?
The National General Health and Safety Certificate is accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation, sitting within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is recognised as a SCQF Level 6 qualification.
Within the rest of the UK, the SCQF Level 6 is comparable to RQF/CQFW Level 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Is a NEBOSH diploma equivalent to a degree?
The National NEBOSH Diploma is an RFQ Level 6 qualification In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, meaning it has the equivalent rating of a full honours degree.
For those looking to gain a National/International NEBOSH Diploma, we highly recommend completing the general certificate first. While there are no entry requirements for these diplomas, the syllabus assumes the learner will have the foundational understanding gained from either of the certificates.
Which NEBOSH course is best?
The best NEBOSH course will depend on the learner’s level and requirements. Generally speaking, the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is regarded as a fantastic starting point for those looking to gain a qualification in health and safety and requires no existing qualification to begin.
However, there are other options for those looking to specialise in a specific sector. The Fire Safety Certificate, for example, builds upon the general certificate and offers specific, relevant training.
Equally, for those looking to gain a more extensive health and safety qualification, the National Diploma offers the gold standard for health and safety professionals.
How long does a NEBOSH course take?
This will depend significantly on the choice of course.
The NEBOSH General Certificate typically has around 130 hours of study required to complete the full course and are usually completed within 3-6 months. For those who opt for the classroom version of the course, this is the equivalent of 10 days of learning. Assessments are held every month, meaning learners can register for their assessment as soon as they’re ready.
NEBOSH health and safety diplomas, on the other hand, will take significantly longer than certificates, with over 415 hours of courses and assessments to complete the full diploma. This is the equivalent of 30 days of learning alongside self-study and assessments. While the course has been designed so that it can be completed within 12 months, it’s much more typical for learners to complete the diploma within 18 months.
How much is a NEBOSH course?
The cost of a NEBOSH course varies between course providers and the choice of learning.
The classroom course at RRC for a NEBOSH General Certificate, for example, costs £1,964, live online virtual delivery costs £1,364 while the online counterpart costs a total of £648.80. All versions of the course provide everything the learner will need to pass the qualification, including access to the online course materials, but offer different levels of tutor contact and flexibility.
For those who would prefer to spread the payment out, we offer a variety of payment options for every learner.
How to prepare for a NEBOSH exam?
Most NEBOSH exams are scenario-based exams that must be completed at home within a 24-48 hour period. Therefore, this should go without saying, but the best way to prepare for a NEBOSH exam is to revise as much as possible.
Our courses offer extensive learning resources to help learners prepare for their exams, including 24/7 access to online material and unlimited tutor support for those who take our online course. This can be particularly useful to learners that are looking for flexible, self-paced study that can be completed either at home or at the workplace.
It’s also worth noting that NEBOSH examiners are not trying to catch you out – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. NEBOSH examiners will actively look to award marks where learning is demonstrated and are naturally well-versed in their field. With this in mind, one of the most useful things you can do before the exam is to practise answering exam questions. This will not only help you prepare for the questions to expect, but also allow you to practise answering questions as clearly as possible for the examiner. RRC offers learners the option to submit a mock assessment, which will be marked by one of our expert tutors and provide feedback to help learners focus their revision time.
Are NEBOSH courses hard to pass?
Being one of the most highly regarded health and safety examination boards within the UK and overseas, NEBOSH’s exams are not easy. Often courses paired alongside studies or existing employment, it can be challenging to integrate additional learning into a person’s daily routine. With that said, learners that apply themselves stand a great chance of passing their course. In fact, at RRC over 85% of our students have passed our NEBOSH General Certificate.
How to apply for a NEBOSH course?
To apply for a NEBOSH course, you must first find a learning partner to provide and deliver the necessary training and assessment. At RRC, we offer a wide range of NEBOSH courses to fit every need. Simply, choose your desired course from our full list of NEBOSH courses and enrol today!