IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health Principles and Practice
A qualification for new and aspiring OSH professionals to build OSH capability - The IOSH way
What is the IOSH Level 3 Certificate in OSH Principles and Practice?
The IOSH Level 3 Certificate in OSH Principles and Practice is a global qualification, built on the IOSH competency framework.
It offers a clear career pathway for new and aspiring OSH professionals providing the knowledge, application, and real-life skills that they and their employers require to apply safety systems and positively influence OSH performance within their organisations.
Who should study the IOSH Level 3 Certificate in OSH Principles and Practice?
The IOSH Certificate is for learners who are pursuing a career in OSH in a variety of sectors and for those already working in the profession who have some responsibility for OSH in their role.
Learners who achieve this qualification will have greater credibility and confidence when talking to senior management about safety and health in organisations.
The IOSH Level 3 Certificate enables learners to:
Apply OSH principles in the workplace to mitigate risk and help to prevent incidents
Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive OSH culture
Improve their own and their organisation’s performance through sustainable and effective application of systems, processes, procedures, and resources.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage of the IOSH competency framework
Develops an optimal balance of the fundamental technical OSH knowledge and skills with behavioural and core business skills
Assessment via online remotely invigilated multiple choice exam and scenario based tasks.
Globally recognised qualification
Meets the academic requirements for application for TechIOSH membership and designatory letters
Ofqual regulated
Eligibility for IOSH student membership allowing access to a multitude of benefits to support learning including the Blueprint CPD tool, mentoring and the Career Hub
Confidence in the IOSH brand
How is the qualification structured?
To be awarded the IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health Principles and Practice, learners are required to successfully complete four mandatory units that focus on the IOSH competency framework.
Unit 1: Fundamentals of OSH principles and management systems
Enabling learners to understand OSH principles, elements of a safety management system and the role they play in OSH performance, drawing from the Technical competencies.
Unit 2: Principles and application of OSH risk management
Enabling learners to apply OSH tools and techniques including risk assessment, risk management, workplace inspections and audits. Assessing their ability to apply them effectively to workplace scenarios using Core and Behavioural competencies.
Unit 3: Principles and application of OSH incident management
Enabling learners to understand the principles of incidents and their causation drawing from the Technical competencies and assessing the ability to use Behavioural and Core competencies when carrying out an investigation.
Unit 4: Improving OSH performance and culture
Enabling learners to ensure their own effectiveness as an OSH professional and the effective application of the organisation’s safety management systems by influencing and collaborating with colleagues. This unit draws heavily from the Core and Behavioural competencies.
How is this qualification assessed?
There are two mandatory assessments for learners to successfully complete:
Day 1 of the assessment: OSH in Practice Assessment (Online Scenario-based Assessment)
Day 2 of the assessment: OSH Principles Examination (Online Multiple Choice)
Assessment Day 1 : OSH in Practice Assessment (Online Scenario-based Assessment)
Assessment duration: 2 hours
The pass mark is 50%
The examination will comprise a range of tasks based on a workplace scenario which will assess the learner’s ability to:
Investigate a multi-factor incident.
Undertake a workplace inspection to include: identifying hazards, summarising the main findings and existing controls, suggest recommendations and or improvements based on the findings
Carry out a risk assessment for an activity within a workplace
Develop an approach and content for a toolbox talk
Assessment Day 2: OSH Principles Examination (Online Multiple Choice)
Examination duration: 2 Hours
The pass mark is 70%.
It consists of simple 80 multiple-choice questions in a range of question styles.
Why choose IOSH Level 3 Certificate qualification over NEBOSH IGC Qualification?
It is an International H&S Qualification directly designed and awarded by IOSH themselves, the world's largest Chartered body for Occupational Health and Safety professionals.
It is UK Level 3 Ofqual-regulated qualification, listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). (Note: NEBOSH IGC is NOT a UK Ofqual regulated/approved qualification)
It is Level 4 European Qualifications Framework (EQF) qualification. It allows you to apply for jobs in EU that require a Level 4 EQF qualification.
It is internationally recognised (just like your IOSH Managing Safely certificate).
It is a globally respected, globally-accepted and employer-accepted qualification across all industries and all countries.
It meets academic requirements for TechIOSH: Gain Technical Membership of IOSH. (Note: NEBOSH IGC does not meet all the academic requirements for Technical Membership of IOSH, UK)
It is recognised by UK immigration authorities for the UK Skilled Worker Visa (ideal if you're planning to work in the UK).
Career advancement ready: Perfect for those entering supervisory, leadership, or managerial safety roles.
Makes your CV stand out with a UK government-regulated RQF Level 3 certification.
Recognized by Global Multinationals: Preferred by MNCs who require evidence of formal safety education.
Endorsed by employers: Many HR departments and safety heads prefer this IOSH Level 3 Certificate qualification for its practical business focus.
Ideal for global roles: Trusted by all companies and organisations across all industry sectors including oil & gas, construction, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.
Practical learning approach: Built on real-life workplace cases and problem-solving.
Modern, updated syllabus: Focuses on current principles and best practices.
Increased earning potential: Certified professionals with TechIOSH membership typically command higher salaries and better roles.
Leadership-focused curriculum: Go beyond compliance and learn how to influence culture and safety behaviours.
Built for real workplaces: All learning is designed to be applied on-site, not just in theory.
Fast-track to further qualifications: Lays the foundation for higher-level certifications like IOSH Level 6 Diploma in H&S.
Cost-effective & time-efficient: More affordable than many equivalents, with quicker completion times.
Flexibility in delivery: Online instructor led Zoom training to fit around your work schedule.
Strengthens your professional profile: Shows commitment to high safety standards and continuous learning.
Teaches critical thinking in safety: Develop decision-making and incident prevention strategies.
Developed with Industry Input: Course content reflects real challenges faced by safety professionals today.
Supports ISO 45001 Implementation: Learn concepts that align with the global health & safety management standard.
Builds Communication Skills: Learn how to influence senior leadership, workers, and external stakeholders.
Assessment Based on Applied Knowledge: No long subjective traditional exams; prove your skill through completely online assignments.
Progressive Structure: Builds your skills from foundational to strategic level.
Helps You Build a Portfolio: Your assignments can double as part of your professional work portfolio.
Bridges Academic and Practical Gaps: Perfect for professionals who want formal recognition without going back to full-time study.
Promotes Ethical Safety Leadership: Teaches how to balance compliance with care for people and ethics.
Shows You’re Serious About Safety: This isn’t a basic certificate - this is for professionals who want to lead.
Enhances Risk Management Skills: Go deeper into hazard identification, prioritization, and mitigation.
Boosts Confidence in Safety Decision-Making: Make the right call in critical moments at work.
A Stepping Stone Toward CMIOSH Status: A valuable part of your professional development journey toward Chartered status.
More Credible Than Vendor-Specific Safety Courses: Backed by an independent, chartered, international body, i.e. IOSH
Fits Around Your Job: Learn while working, without having to take weeks off or travel.
Equips you for Audits and Safety Reviews: Gain the skills to conduct or support formal safety audits.
Gives you a Competitive Edge: Whether applying for a new role or asking for a raise, this qualification makes you stand out.