NEBOSH International Diploma in Environmental Management

The NEBOSH International Diploma in Environmental Management is the senior environmental qualification in the range, written to apply wherever in the world you work rather than to one country's legislation. It sits at Level 6, comparable to an honours degree, and holders are entitled to use the letters IEnvDipNEBOSH. For most people it is the step taken after the Environmental Management Certificate rather than instead of it.

LevelLevel 6SCQF Level 10 with 48 credit points

Structure2 unitsED1 by written examination, IDEM2 by written assignment

Study time~231 hoursMinimum 119 taught hours, around 112 private study

Time to complete5 yearsFrom the result declaration for your first unit

Who it is for

This qualification suits you if

You work in environmental management outside the UK, or for an organisation operating internationally
You hold an environmental certificate and have outgrown it
You are aiming at head of environment, sustainability or environmental consultancy roles
Environmental performance is now a condition of the contracts you bid for

Before you commit

There are no formal entry requirements, but this is a professional-level qualification
NEBOSH highly recommends holding the Certificate in Environmental Management first
NEBOSH recommends a standard of English equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or higher, the highest in the range
IDEM2 is a written assignment of around 8,000 words, so allow real time for it

What it covers

The syllabus covers environmental management principles, the multilateral treaties that govern them and the practical business of preventing and controlling pollution. It is written to apply wherever in the world you work, which is what separates it from the National version.

The benefits, limitations and structure of an environmental management system
Identifying and controlling environmental aspects, the ground covered by Unit ED1
Multilateral treaties relating to environmental management
Preventing and controlling pollution
The principles and drivers for environmental sustainability
Waste minimisation strategies
Environmental regulation, the subject of Unit IDEM2

Assessment and certification

The qualification is divided into two units, each assessed separately. Unit ED1, Controlling environmental aspects, is assessed by a three-hour written examination in which you answer five questions from eight. Unit IDEM2, Environmental Regulation, is assessed by a written assignment of approximately 8,000 words designed to test knowledge across the syllabus, submitted through the NEBOSH online assessment platform. Both are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH, and both must be completed within five years of the result declaration for the first unit you pass. Results are issued 50 working days from the examination date, with the qualification parchment normally following within 20 working days of the result notification. The Diploma sits at SCQF Level 10 with 48 SCQF credit points, comparable to RQF Level 6. Those who pass are entitled to use the letters IEnvDipNEBOSH, and the qualification meets the requirements for Specialist Membership of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.

National or International?

Less separates them than you might expect. Unit ED1 is a common unit shared by both qualifications, so the environmental aspects half is identical and can be carried across as an exemption within the permitted timescale. The difference sits in the second unit: the National covers UK environmental regulation, while IDEM2 is written around multilateral treaties and standards that apply wherever you work. Take the International if your work is outside the UK or spans several jurisdictions. Both sit at Level 6.

How you can study it

Classroom

Often structured as blocks across several months, which suits people who want a fixed timetable and a cohort around them.

Live online

The same tutor-led teaching without travel, which matters on a qualification measured in months rather than days.

Self-paced e-learning

Maximum flexibility over a long period, and the route that asks most of your own discipline given the written assessments involved.

Common questions

Do I need the Environmental Certificate first?

It is not a formal entry requirement, but NEBOSH highly recommends achieving the Certificate in Environmental Management or a direct equivalent beforehand. The Diploma assumes that grounding and moves quickly past it.

What are ED1 and IDEM2?

The two units. ED1, Controlling environmental aspects, is assessed by a three-hour written examination where you answer five questions out of eight. IDEM2, Environmental Regulation, is a written assignment of roughly 8,000 words. Both are externally marked, and both must be completed within five years of the result declaration for whichever unit you pass first.

How does it compare to the NEBOSH Diploma in occupational health and safety?

Same level, different subject. The Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals is for safety practitioners; this one is for environmental practitioners. People with responsibility for both sometimes hold both, but neither substitutes for the other.

Will it help with professional membership or further study?

It meets the requirements for Specialist Membership of IIRSM, carrying the postnominal SIIRSM, and holders may use the letters IEnvDipNEBOSH. IOSH CPD participants can allocate CPD credits for it. It also opens a route to postgraduate study: a number of UK universities accept it as full or partial entry to an MSc in environmental management. Membership and entry criteria are set independently, so confirm the current position with the body or university you are aiming at.

Compare International Diploma in Environmental Management dates and formats below

Envico lists International Diploma in Environmental Management courses from NEBOSH Learning Partners in classroom, live online and self-paced formats. Not ready for diploma level? Start with the Environmental Management Certificate, or browse the full NEBOSH range.