New Syllabus for the National and International Diploma
NEBOSH have recently introduced a new syllabus for the National and International Diploma which, going forward, will be known as the NEBOSH National and International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals (July 2020 specification). We appreciate you may have questions regarding the new qualification and how this may affect you. Therefore, we have provided some details below to clarify what is changing about the qualification and what this means for you.
Why has NEBOSH reviewed the syllabus?
NEBOSH has reviewed the syllabus in line with the normal qualification development cycle, along with consultation with key stakeholders, including Learning Partners, employers, Trade Unions, standard setting organisations, past and present learners.
What are the differences between the 2014 specification and the 2020 specifications?
The biggest changes to the specifications are:
The teaching time has been reduced by 14%. So, a classroom course that was previously taught over 35 days, can now be taught in only 30 days.
Content from the November 2015 specification that also forms part of the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is now classed, as ‘prior learning ‘and is not included in the July 2020 specification.
There are three instead of four assessments. ND/ID 1, 2 and 3.
All assessments can be completed remotely ie, they do not require you to attend an invigilated examination venue.
Has the grading structure for the qualification changed?
Once you have achieved a pass in each of the unit assessments (ND1/ID1, ND2/ID2, ND3/ID3) you will have completed the qualification which will then be graded. The grading is based on the combined percentage mark for the 3 units and the following grading boundaries are then applied:
Distinction 226 or higher
Credit 196 – 225
Pass 150 – 195
How have the learning objectives changed?
Both the 2014 and 2020 syllabuses have learning objectives pertaining to each of the elements the course consists of. Naturally these have been altered as part of the qualification update, with the new learning objectives being as follows:
You will be able to source, develop, evaluate and interpret relevant health and safety information (such as legislation, guidance, best practice, procedures) and communicate it effectively to those who need it (both within your organisation and those affected by your organisation’s activities such as contractors and insurers).
You will be able to promote a positive health and safety culture by:
• gaining commitment and participation; and
• engaging, supporting and influencing leaders (and others) to change attitudes and behaviour and make health and safety a priority.
You will be able to assess, develop and maintain individual and organisational health and safety competence.
You will be able to understand risk management including the techniques for identifying hazards, the different types of risk assessment, considerations when implementing sensible and proportionate additional control measures and developing a risk management strategy
You will be able to develop and implement proactive and reactive health and safety monitoring systems and carry out reviews and auditing of such systems.
You will be able to continually develop your own professional skills and ethics to actively influence improvements in health and safety by providing persuasive arguments to workers at all levels.
You will be able to develop a health and safety policy strategy within your organisation (including proactive safety, Corporate Social Responsibility and the change management process)
You will be able to contribute to health and safety legal actions.
You will be able to manage contractors and supply chains to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
You will be able to advise the organisation on a range of common workplace health issues/ hazards including how these can be assessed and controlled and the legal duties associated with these issues/hazards.
You will be able to advise the organisation on a range of common workplace safety issues/ hazards including how these can be assessed and controlled and the legal duties associated with these issues/hazards.
How does this affect you?
I have already registered and/or taken an exam for my National or International Diploma:
If you have enrolled or taken an exam for this qualification (you are registered as a NEBOSH student and have a NEBOSH student number) NEBOSH will not allow you to transfer units between the old and new qualifications. The assessments are too different to be able to do this. Therefore, you will be required to complete your full qualification by
Unit A/IA, B/IB, C/IC: July 2026
Unit DNI: May 2026
If you do not complete your qualification within this timescale, you will need to register for the new qualification.
Exam costs will be applied when you book your exams.
You will also need to transfer onto the new syllabus, which will include the new materials for £325 including Enrolment fee.
I have not enrolled or registered for an exam for my National or International Diploma:
If you have not enrolled with NEBOSH, you have an option to either stay on the existing course, or transfer to the new course.
Should you wish to continue with the 2015 syllabus please ensure that you have completed your enrolment prior to the 30 November 2021. This means that we will be unable to accept new enrolments to the November 2015 specifications from December 2021 onwards.
For any learners who have booked through the UK office -
Should you wish to transfer to the new syllabus please contact our training team via [email protected], The Transfer cost will be £325 including enrolment fee.
For any learners who have booked through the South Africa Office –
Should you wish to transfer to the new syllabus please contact our training team on [email protected], The Transfer cost will be £350 including enrolment fee.
Please be advised that costs quoted are accurate at time of email and could be subject to change.
Exam booking
Please advise when booking your exam which qualification you are registering for.
You can find out more about the NEBOSH National and International Diploma here.