IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health Principles and Practice
The IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health Principles and Practice is a comprehensive qualification tailored for individuals beginning their journey in occupational safety and health (OSH) as well as those who already have some responsibilities in this field. Whether you’re a new professional or an aspiring one, this qualification equips you with essential knowledge and skills to manage and improve safety and health standards within various organizations.
Who Should Take This Course?
This qualification is ideal for:
- New OSH Professionals: Those starting their career in occupational safety and health.
- Aspiring OSH Professionals: Individuals who aim to move into OSH roles and require foundational knowledge.
- Supervisors and Managers: Current professionals who have responsibilities for OSH and wish to deepen their understanding and improve their effectiveness.
Whether you are working as a supervisor, manager, team leader, or are preparing to work at these levels, the IOSH Level 3 Certificate provides a strong grounding in the principles of OSH, preparing you for more advanced roles in the future.
IOSH Level 3 Safety and Health for Business
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.
IOSH Level 3 Certificate Course Content
The IOSH Level 3 Certificate course content is designed to reflect the significant changes that have occurred in workplaces over the past decade. It focuses on developing the real-world skills and knowledge that employers are seeking.
The course is divided into four key units:
- Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health Principles and Management Systems:
- This unit covers the basic principles of occupational safety and health, focusing on understanding the legal and organizational frameworks that underpin OSH management systems. You’ll learn about the essential components of an effective OSH management system and how to implement these in a workplace setting.
- Principles and Application of Occupational Safety and Health Risk Management:
- In this unit, you’ll dive deep into risk management principles, learning how to identify, assess, and control risks within the workplace. This includes understanding the hierarchy of controls and how to apply them in various scenarios to mitigate potential hazards.
- Principles and Application of Occupational Safety and Health Incident Management:
- This unit focuses on incident management, including how to investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses effectively. You’ll learn techniques for root cause analysis and how to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Improving Occupational Safety and Health Performance and Culture:
- The final unit emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in OSH performance. You’ll explore strategies for enhancing safety culture within an organization, engaging employees in safety practices, and using performance metrics to drive improvements.
IOSH Level 3 Qualification Assessment and Exams
The qualification requires you to pass two key assessments:
- Multiple-Choice Knowledge Exam:
- This exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have two hours to complete it. The pass mark is set at 70%. The exam is designed to test your understanding of the principles and practices covered in the course.
- Scenario-Based Assessment:
- The scenario-based assessment is a practical evaluation that involves four tasks: conducting a workplace inspection, performing a risk assessment, investigating an incident, and preparing for a toolbox talk. You’ll have two hours to complete this assessment, with a pass mark of 50%. This assessment tests your ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the course to real-world situations.
Both assessments are conducted online and are remotely invigilated, providing flexibility for you to take them from a location that suits you best. You’ll need access to a laptop, smartphone, and a stable internet connection to complete these assessments.
IOSH Level 3 Benefits
Obtaining the IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health Principles and Practice comes with a range of benefits:
- Career Advancement:
- This qualification opens doors to various job roles in the field of occupational safety and health. It’s particularly valuable if you’re aiming for roles such as Safety Supervisor, Health and Safety Manager, Risk Assessor, or OSH Consultant. Employers recognize the IOSH certification as a mark of competence, making you a more attractive candidate for these positions.
- Global Recognition:
- The IOSH Level 3 Certificate is recognized worldwide, making it an excellent qualification if you’re looking to work in OSH roles in different countries. This global recognition also means that you can move between industries or regions with ease, knowing that your qualification is respected and valued.
- Practical Skills:
- The course focuses on real-world applications of OSH principles, ensuring that you’re not just learning theory but also gaining practical skills that you can immediately apply in your workplace. This practical focus is particularly beneficial for those who are already working in OSH roles and want to improve their effectiveness.
- Pathway to Further Qualifications:
- Successfully completing the IOSH Level 3 Certificate meets the academic requirements for IOSH Technical Membership (TechIOSH). This membership is a valuable credential in itself, but it also serves as a stepping stone if you wish to pursue further qualifications in occupational safety and health, such as the IOSH Level 6 Diploma or other advanced certifications.
- Flexible Learning:
- The course and assessments are designed to be flexible, accommodating your busy schedule. With remote exams and online resources, you can study and complete assessments at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.
Job Roles and Opportunities
The IOSH Level 3 Certificate qualifies you for a variety of roles within the occupational safety and health sector. Some of the key roles you can pursue include:
- Health and Safety Officer:
- As a Health and Safety Officer, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with health and safety regulations. This involves conducting risk assessments, implementing safety policies, and training staff on safety procedures.
- Health and Safety Manager:
- In this role, you’ll oversee the entire health and safety function within an organization. You’ll develop and implement safety strategies, monitor compliance, and lead efforts to improve safety culture across the organization.
- Risk Assessor:
- Risk Assessors are responsible for identifying and evaluating potential hazards in the workplace. They develop risk management plans and work with management to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to mitigate these risks.
- OSH Consultant:
- As an OSH Consultant, you’ll provide expert advice to organizations on how to improve their health and safety practices. This role often involves working with multiple clients, conducting audits, and helping organizations achieve compliance with relevant regulations.
- Safety Supervisor:
- Safety Supervisors are responsible for overseeing day-to-day safety operations on a worksite. They ensure that safety protocols are followed, conduct regular safety inspections, and report any safety concerns to management.
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
Your Membership Journey
Completing the IOSH Level 3 Certificate successfully not only enhances your career prospects but also sets you on a path to IOSH Technical Membership (TechIOSH). This membership is a professional credential that demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high standards in occupational safety and health. It also provides you with access to a range of IOSH resources, networking opportunities, and continuing professional development (CPD) programs.