Health & Safety Career Advice

How do I get a Health and Safety Certificate?

11th July 2018

That’s a question health and safety professionals and educators are often asked. But one with no easy answer, because there are a variety of different courses and qualifications for different purposes and candidates. So here’s a much more interesting question, leading to a much more useful answer.

How do I get the health and safety certificate I need?

Start by getting expert advice from a specialist provider of health and safety courses such as Phoenix. With so many different courses and ways to study, you risk picking the wrong option otherwise.

What courses are available?

Phoenix is one of the UK's leading providers of the full range of NEBOSH and IOSH accredited training courses for staff at all levels. There’s also the Level 6 NVQ diploma, plus IEMA courses and a number of specialist courses for such things as first aid training and site safety in the construction industry.

NEBOSH, IOSH or NVQ, what’s the difference?

The National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH) provides syllabuses, exams and assignments to accredited course providers such as Phoenix. The qualifications that result from passing NEBOSH exams are globally recognised and respected.

There are three main types of NEBOSH courses, for beginners, for health and safety managers and supervisors, and for people wishing to become chartered health and safety professionals. 

IOSH is The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the world’s largest health and safety organisation, and recognised worldwide as the chartered body for health and safety professionals. The two main IOSH accredited courses offered by Phoenix are a simple 1-day course for workers, and in-depth 3, 4 and 5-day courses for managers. 

The NVQ Diploma course is accredited by City & Guilds and aimed at learners who wish to take up a health and safety management role in an organisation.

Classroom, in-house, e-learning or distance learning?

There are many ways to study for a health and safety qualification. Phoenix hold classroom courses at a number of convenient venues such as hotels throughout the UK. Many candidates find it easier to focus away from the distractions of home or office. 

Larger companies often hold in-house courses on their own premises, so that valued team members don’t have to travel or be away from the workplace for longer than necessary. 

E-learning and distance learning are also excellent options, enabling people to learn in their own time at their own pace – with excellent resources and thoughtful professional support to keep them on-track and ensure the right result. 

The simplest and best advice for anyone considering acquiring a health and safety certificate is to speak to a Phoenix adviser for free, no obligation and highly knowledgeable advice.