Health and Safety Qualifications Explained
There are dozens of health and safety courses and certification schemes available in the UK, and it's not always obvious which one applies to your role. Below we've grouped recognised courses and qualifications by the awarding body, so you can quickly find the right fit — whether you need a general introduction, a construction-specific qualification, or a recognised diploma.
NEBOSH Courses
If you have health and safety responsibilities, a NEBOSH course is one of the most widely recognised options. NEBOSH covers general health and safety management, construction, environmental management and fire safety. Note that from February 2026, NEBOSH renamed the units of its flagship General Certificate — the National General Certificate (formerly NG1/NG2) is now GNC1/GNC2, and the International General Certificate (formerly IG1/IG2) is now GIC1/GIC2. The qualification itself, and its standing with employers, is unchanged.
IOSH Courses
IOSH courses are industry-recognised qualifications that introduce learners to the importance of health and safety at work, including how to identify and control common workplace hazards. IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals, with more than 50,000 members worldwide.
CITB Construction Skills
Site Safety Plus CITB courses include the SMSTS and SSSTS, covering the importance of safety on construction sites and how to supervise and manage safely.
NVQ in Health and Safety or Construction
NVQs are recognised by UK employers and businesses. Construction NVQs, the NVQ Level 3 in Health and Safety, and the NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice help build skills and demonstrate competence on the job.
IEMA
If environmental management is your focus, IEMA courses range from introductory awareness training through to advanced environmental management qualifications.
Highfield Qualifications
Highfield is a UK-based awarding organisation focused on work-based e-learning and training, offering a wide range of qualifications that can be taken online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which health and safety qualification should I choose?
It depends on your role. General awareness sits with IOSH Working Safely; supervisors and managers often choose IOSH Managing Safely or a NEBOSH General Certificate; construction site managers typically need CITB SMSTS or SSSTS; and those wanting a formal, portfolio-based qualification often choose an NVQ.
What changed with the NEBOSH General Certificate in 2026?
From February 2026, NEBOSH renamed the unit codes for its General Certificate qualifications — NG1/NG2 (National) became GNC1/GNC2, and IG1/IG2 (International) became GIC1/GIC2. The syllabus and qualification standing remain the same.