IOSH Managing Safely FAQs

IOSH Managing Safely training is for those with significant health and safety responsibility within an organisation. It is the industry standard course.

IOSH is the Institution of Occupational Safety, the chartered body for health and safety. An IOSH qualification is a highly regarded accreditation.

The IOSH Managing Safely certificate does not expire, but it is recommended to take a refresher course every three years to stay updated on best practices and legislative changes.

Some employers may require periodic updates to ensure ongoing competence in health and safety management.

IOSH Managing Safely is equivalent to a Level 2 qualification in health and safety. It provides a foundational understanding of managing health and safety responsibilities, making it suitable for managers, supervisors, and team leaders across a broad range of industries.

The IOSH Managing Safely course takes around 22-24 hours to complete, which can be delivered over three to four days in a classroom setting or through a flexible eLearning format.

The pass mark for the IOSH Managing Safely exam is 36 out of 60 for the multiple-choice assessment and at least 23 out of 38 for the practical project.

IOSH Managing Safely can support a range of roles where managing people, risks, and workplace safety is part of the job. It is particularly relevant for managers, supervisors, team leaders, site managers, project managers, facilities managers, and health and safety coordinators, and can also benefit those moving into management or taking on additional safety responsibilities.

Yes, IOSH Managing Safely is worth it for managers, supervisors, and team leaders who have health and safety responsibilities as part of their role. It builds practical knowledge and confidence in managing risks, meeting legal duties, and creating safer workplaces, and is widely recognised by employers across many sectors as a valuable health and safety qualification.

The cost of IOSH Managing Safely varies depending on the training provider and delivery method, with prices up to £500. Our IOSH Managing Safely course costs £249, offering a cost-effective option while still providing IOSH-approved, high-quality training.

IOSH Managing Safely is not considered difficult, but it does require commitment and engagement.

The course is designed for managers and supervisors with no prior health and safety background, using clear language and practical examples, and most learners find it very achievable with steady progress and participation in the assessment and project.

IOSH Managing Safely is assessed in two parts:

1. A multiple-choice knowledge test to check understanding of the course content.
2. A practical risk assessment project, completed in your own workplace, which shows you can apply what you’ve learned.

Both elements must be passed to gain the certificate issued by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

The IOSH Managing Safely course is for managers and supervisors in any sector who have responsibility for people, processes, or resources.

It’s suitable for:

• Line managers and team leaders
• Supervisors and department heads
• Business owners and senior staff with management responsibilities

The course does not require prior health and safety knowledge and is intended for those who need to manage risks as part of their day-to-day role, rather than become health and safety specialists. It is delivered and certified by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

You do not need any previous health and safety knowledge to take the IOSH Managing Safely course. The course starts at an introductory level and builds your understanding step by step, enabling you to manage health and safety confidently as part of your role.

It is aimed at managers and supervisors who are not health and safety specialists and is awarded by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

The difference between IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Working Safely is that Working Safely is an introductory course for employees, while Managing Safely is a more detailed course for managers and supervisors with responsibility for managing risk.

IOSH Working Safely focuses on basic health and safety awareness and individual responsibilities at work, whereas IOSH Managing Safely covers risk assessment, hazard control, incident investigation, and how to manage health and safety within a team.

Both courses are awarded by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

No, IOSH Managing Safely is not equivalent to a NEBOSH Certificate.

IOSH Managing Safely is an introductory, management-focused course designed to help managers and supervisors understand and manage workplace risks.

A NEBOSH General Certificate, awarded by National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, is a more in-depth, professional qualification aimed at those pursuing a dedicated career in health and safety.

Yes, you can take IOSH Managing Safely online.

The course is available through fully online eLearning, virtual classroom delivery, or traditional face-to-face training. Online options let you study at your own pace while still working toward the same IOSH certificate upon successful completion.

If you fail the IOSH Managing Safely assessment, you are usually given the opportunity to resit the exam or resubmit the practical project.

Most training providers allow at least one resit or resubmission, although resit fees and time limits vary, so you should check your provider’s specific policy. Once both assessment elements are passed, the certificate is awarded by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

IOSH Managing Safely is recognised internationally as a high-quality health and safety qualification for managers and supervisors. IOSH is a globally respected professional body, and the certificate is valued by employers worldwide as evidence of competent safety management.