Important notice: The National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is being withdrawn. In April 2021 we launched the National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals as a replacement.
Existing learners will have five years to complete their qualification. The final assessment dates for the November 2015 specifications will be:
Unit A/B/C: February 2026
Unit DNI: February 2026
These dates may be brought forward if the accreditation and certification end dates are adjusted once SQA have approved the applications for the new Diplomas.
The NEBOSH National Diploma is the most popular and recognised health and safety qualification of its kind. First introduced for health and safety professionals in 1980, over 18,000 learners have completed the various versions since its inception.
This qualification assists in the development of professional competence, increasing learners’ ability to help organisations make sensible and proportionate decisions in order to manage risk, meet business objectives, and meet regulatory and other requirements. Thorough but achievable, the qualification is designed to meet the needs of the modern workplace. It is a university degree-level qualification to be proud of, which offers a route to Masters-level study.
The qualification covers the practical skills that are essential to health and safety professionals. It assesses a learner's ability to apply their skills and knowledge and deliver positive change throughout the workplace.
Those who pass the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety are entitled to use the designatory letters DipNEBOSH. The NEBOSH National Diploma meets the academic requirements to apply for membership of many professional bodies as outlined in the Professional body recognition section. Diplomates are invited to NEBOSH’s annual graduation and awards ceremony and can join the growing NEBOSH Alumni network.
Our qualifications are developed based on extensive research with health and safety professionals, employers, professional bodies and regulators to ensure that they remain relevant, rigorous as well as achievable and practical.
ND in Occupational Health and Safety
Who is it for?
Individual
Health and safety practitioners work in a diverse and challenging global workplace. To be the best, they need the best qualifications. the NEBOSH National Diploma is ideal for people who are seeking a successful long-term career and who wish to be recognised as a professional in their field.
This qualification is designed for aspiring health and safety professionals and builds directly upon the knowledge provided by the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. It provides a sound basis for progression to postgraduate study.
Thousands of health and safety professionals throughout the world have worked to achieve NEBOSH’s National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
"Taking and passing the Diploma has made a huge difference to me. Obviously there is the knowledge you gain, but it also validates who you are and what you know and how you are qualified to give out information."
Gary Browne, Walkers Shortbread
Employer
Qualified Health and Safety professionals are an asset to their organisations. Employing NEBOSH-qualified staff demonstrates a strong commitment to health and safety, as well as professional-level competence. This can help employers to achieve recognised standards and win new business.
The NEBOSH National Diploma is one of the most recognised and respected professional qualifications for health and safety practitioners. It encourages holders to take a pragmatic approach to managing risk. An employee with a NEBOSH National Diploma has a proven set of high-level skills and knowledge that bring real value to the modern workplace
NEBOSH Diplomates assist employers in protecting against injury and loss of life. This helps to maintain a healthy workforce, avoiding prosecution, litigation, absence costs and loss of reputation.
What you will learn
What does the course cover?
The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety provides core health and safety knowledge that is applicable across all sectors. When combined with understanding and appropriate application, it underpins the competent performance of an Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner.
The key topics covered by the qualification are:
- Management of health and safety at work
- The Key legal frameworks for health and safety in the UK, including the key elements of health and safety systems
- The identification and control of risk associated with hazardous agents, workplace issues and equipment
- Management of stress at work
- The importance of human factors in reducing incidents
The qualification is divided into four units, each of which is assessed separately:
- Unit A Managing health and safety
- Unit B Hazardous agents in the workplace
- Unit C Workplace and work equipment safety
- Unit DNI Application of health and safety management in the workplace
Learners may choose to take individual units in any order during their 5 year enrolment period and will be awarded a unit certificate for each unit passed.
The syllabus is mapped to the Health and Safety Practitioner units. These are maintained on a database which is managed by Skills Development Scotland National Occupational Standards.
Further details can be found in the syllabus guide which can be downloaded from the Resources section below.
How is the qualification assessed?
Units A, B and C are each assessed by one three-hour written examination consisting of 2 parts. The questions in Part A are all compulsory. For Part B students must answer 3 out of the 5 questions featured on the paper. Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH.
Unit DNI is the final element of the assessment which gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a workplace situation. We have provided further guidance to help students who are completing the Unit DNI Assignment.
Our unit based approach
The qualification is divided into four units, each of which is assessed separately:
- Unit A: Managing health and safety
- Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace
- Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety
- Unit DNI : Application of health and safety theory and practice
Students may choose to take individual units in any order during their 5 year enrolment period and will be awarded a unit certificate for each unit passed.
Further details can be found in the syllabus guide which can be downloaded in the Resources section.
Entry requirements and exemptions
Entry requirements
There no formal entry requirements for this qualification, however learners should consider that this is professional level qualification, equivalent to SCQF Level 10. Achievement of the NEBOSH National General Certificate, or direct equivalent, prior to undertaking the Diploma course is highly recommended.
It is also vital that learners have an appropriate standard of English language in order to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus.
NEBOSH recommends that learners undertaking this qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 or higher in IELTS tests.
For further information please see the IELTS website.
A chart mapping IELTS scores to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) can be found on the British Council and IELTS websites:
Learners wishing to assess their own language expertise may consult the IELTS website for information on taking the test. Your chosen Learning Partner may also be able to recommend a method of pre-learning assessment of language.
Exemptions
Exemptions available for Unit DNI:
- International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety - mark achieved for Unit DNI
How to study
Choosing a Learning Partner
Every learner must register with a NEBOSH accredited Learning Partner and undertake the relevant learning before taking an assessment and gaining a qualification. It is not possible to self-study for a NEBOSH qualification.
Our global network of Learning Partners provide excellent learning and support and will help you prepare for your assessments. You can search for Learning Partners in our Where to Study section, and can filter the results by multiple factors, such as location and mode of study.
You should ensure that the Learning Partner you choose offers the qualification in the way you want to study. We recommend that you explore your options before selecting a Learning Partner as it is an important personal choice.
The factors you may wish to consider include:
- Mode of Study – Options available include face to face, distance learning, in-company training and eLearning. Has one method of learning been more effective for you in the past?
- Course Structure – If you opt for classroom training, would you prefer day or evening classes, block release or a modular course?
- Location – Being able to study and sit your examinations locally may be an important consideration for you. NEBOSH examinations are taken in over 130 countries.
- On-going support – Will the support provided during your course and in the run up to your assessments match your expectations?
Cost
Each Learning Partner sets their own fees to reflect the service offered. We recommend you contact a number of Learning Partners to establish what their fees are and what is included in the fee. Costs can vary depending on the mode of study, the level of support given, and the inclusion of examination registration fees, for example.
Read more about our Learning Partner Programme and how to choose the right Learning Partner for you: Choosing a NEBOSH Learning Partner.
What does it cost and how long does it take?
Course fees are determined by individual learning partners and vary depending on the format of the course.
For this qualification you should plan your study around a minimum of 243 taught hours and approximately 257 hours of private study.
Further information on taught hours can be found in the syllabus located in the Resources section below.
Details of learning partners accredited to offer this qualification are available in the Where to Study section.
Professional recognition and SQA accreditation
Maintaining professional standards
In the UK – and, increasingly, worldwide – regulatory accreditation is recognised as a badge of quality, allowing our qualifications to retain their highly regarded professional status.
UK accredited qualifications provide you with certain guarantees that the qualification:
- Meets specific quality criteria that ensure it is fit for its purpose
- Includes relevant content
- Uses appropriate assessment methodology
- Is mapped to relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS)
- Is supported by relevant stakeholders including employers
The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety has been accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation. It sits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at SCQF Level 10 with 51 SCQF credit points.
SCQF Level 10 is comparable to RQF/CQFW Level 6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
See the Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries chart issued by the UK regulators.
Where appropriate, the SQA Accreditation logo will appear on certificates awarded for this qualification. The SCQF logo, credit and level information will appear on the unit result notification. Please click here for further information on SCQF credit and levels.
Valued by employers
NEBOSH qualifications can play an important part in ensuring that the health and safety provision businesses have in place is effective. This may explain why so many organisations choose to include NEBOSH qualifications on their competency matrices.
Professional body recognition
The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety meets the academic requirements to apply for:
- Certified Membership (CertIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).* This is the first step to becoming a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner as a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).
- Member status (MIIRSM) of the Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM)
- Holders of either the NEBOSH National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and either the NEBOSH National or International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety meet the headline entrance criteria requirements for Registered Membership (RMaPS) of the Association for Project Safety (APS).
Those who pass their NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety are entitled to use the designatory letters DipNEBOSH.
Successful learners are invited to the annual NEBOSH Graduation and Awards Ceremony in the year following the successful completion of their award; NEBOSH Graduation.
The National Diploma provides a sound basis for progression to MSc level. A number of UK universities offer MSc programs that accept the National Diploma as a full or partial entry requirement.
Examinations
Examination registration
Only Diploma learners who have enrolled with NEBOSH through an accredited learning partner are eligible to register for Diploma examinations and assignments. You must be enrolled before the deadline of the examination you wish to register for. Please contact your learning partner directly to confirm their closing date.
Examination entry confirmation
Once your learning partner has registered you to an examination, they will send you an Examination Entry Confirmation that includes your learner number, and important information relating to your examination and results process. Please ensure that you check your name is spelt correctly and report this to your learning partner and NEBOSH if any changes are required.
The Examination Entry Confirmation is essential to gain entry to the examination room, you will need to show a form of photographic identification to the invigilator and then sign the Examination Entry Confirmation. Please contact your learning partner if you have not received your Examination Entry Confirmation.
Examination results
You will receive your results 12 weeks after your assessment date.
Learners who are successful in an individual unit will be issued with a Unit Certificate, normally within 20 working days of the result notification date. Units are not graded and the unit certificates will show a ‘Pass’ only.
Once a learner has achieved a Pass in all four units and the overall qualification grade awarded, a qualification parchment will be issued, normally within 20 working days of the result notification date.
Examination dates
Papers for Units A, B and C are usually offered on the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
The following examination dates have been confirmed:
| Unit | Assessment date | Results notification date |
| Unit A | Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Wednesday 23 April 2025 |
| Unit B | Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Wednesday 23 April 2025 |
| Unit C | Thursday 13 February 2025 | Wednesday 23 April 2025 |
| Unit A | Tuesday 08 July 2025 | Tuesday 16 September 2025 |
| Unit B | Wednesday 09 July 2025 | Tuesday 16 September 2025 |
| Unit C | Thursday 10 July 2025 | Tuesday 16 September 2025 |
| Unit A | Tuesday 14 October 2025 | Tuesday 23 December 2025 |
| Unit B | Wednesday 15 October 2025 | Tuesday 23 December 2025 |
| Unit C | Thursday 16 October 2025 | Tuesday 23 December 2025 |
Assignment submission dates
DNI assignments must be submitted using the NEBOSH online assessment platform. Learners will be contacted by email with information on submitting an assignment, and the opening date for the submission period. Assessments are due by 12pm (midday) UK time on the submission date shown.
The confirmed submission and results dates available are specified below:
| Unit | Submission Date | Results Notification Date* |
| DNI | Wednesday 28 August 28 2024 | Wednesday 26 November 2024 |
| DNI | Wednesday 27 November 2024 | Friday 14 February 2025 |
| DNI | Wednesday 26 February 2025 | Monday 12 May 2025 |
| DNI | Wednesday 28 May 2025 | Wednesday 06 August 2025 |
| DNI | Wednesday 27 August 2025 | Wednesday 05 November 2025 |
| DNI | Wednesday 26 November 2025 | Monday 16 February 2026 |
Further guidance about this Assignment and how to submit it, is available within the Resources section.
What Next?
Graduation
Successful learners are invited to attend the NEBOSH Graduation and Awards Ceremony in the summer following successful completion of their Diploma.
For further details please click here.
Other NEBOSH qualifications
NEBOSH offers a range of qualifications that bring you success and advancement in your chosen field.
- Diploma holders wishing to develop their environmental expertise may consider taking the NEBOSH National Diploma in Environmental Management.
- National Diploma holders wishing to use their skills overseas may consider the NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
- In addition, NEBOSH offer specialist qualifications for the Construction, Fire, Oil & Gas and Process Industry sectors, as well as a Leadership Excellence and Management of Health and Well-being.
Learning at Masters level, with an emphasis on practice-led research
In partnership with NEBOSH, the University of Hull is offering Masters Degrees in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment subjects.
The following taught MSc qualifications in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management are available to NEBOSH Diploma holders:
- MSc in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management
- MSc in Occupational Health and Safety Management
- MSc in Environmental Management
For more information please click here.
Master of Research (MRes) qualifications have been designed to complement the learner’s career through research directly relevant to their own work. The following qualifications are available to Diploma holders:
- MRes in Occupational Health and Safety Management
- MRes in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management
- MRes in Environmental Management
For more information please click here.
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
NEBOSH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BCSP during December 2015. BCSP were formed in 1969 and its sole purpose is to certify practitioners in the safety profession based in the United States and other countries around the world. Obtaining CSP demonstrates to other health and safety professionals and employers around the globe that you have met rigorous educational, experiential and examination requirements.
The MOU allows holders of either the NEBOSH National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety to sit directly for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) assessment as long as they meet BCSP’s eligibility criteria.
The MOU also allows CSP holders to take the National or International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety without sitting a course of study with a NEBOSH accredited learning partner. CSP holders will be required to enrol with a NEBOSH accredited learning partner and take and achieve a ‘Pass’ in all four unit assessments in order to be awarded the qualification.
Further information has been included in the following document: Information on the NEBOSH Health and Safety Diplomas and BCSP’s Certified Safety Professional certification.
Accredited learning partners requiring further information should contact NEBOSH’s Accreditation Department at [email protected].
Additional Masters programmes
A number of universities offer MSc programs which accept the NEBOSH Diplomas as a full or partial entry requirement. Some MSc courses may require additional qualifications/expertise, such as a degree, further significant work experience or expect learners to complete specific modules e.g. in environmental management.
Listed below are some universities that may accept a NEBOSH National Diploma for entry. Prospective learners should contact their chosen university directly to confirm the entry requirements and check that their specific qualifications are appropriate.
- Loughborough University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Salford
- Middlesex University
- University of South Wales
Please note that there are a number of additional relevant university MSc courses not listed above. Their positions in relation to NEBOSH qualifications were unavailable at the time of publishing.
The connections between our qualifications are illustrated in more detail in the qualifications progression leaflet found in the Resources section below.
Resources
This section provides guidance and useful information in support of this qualification.
If you would like any further information please get in touch through our Contact Us page - our Customer Enquiry Team will be happy to help.
Syllabus Guide (November 2015)
This Qualification Guide contains the detailed syllabus, assessment requirements and example question papers for the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
This Guide remains the copyright of NEBOSH. The information in this publication may be reproduced in support of NEBOSH qualifications. If it is reproduced, NEBOSH should be clearly acknowledged as the source. If it is to be used for any other purpose, written permission must be obtained from NEBOSH.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read these document - available free of charge from www.Adobe.co.uk.
If you would like any further information, please contact the Customer Services team on 0116 2634700 or email [email protected]
Download the Leaflet
Diploma Digital Assessments Resources
We have introduced a quick and easy way to submit DNI, NDEM2 and IDEM2 assignments, this has streamlined the process for everyone’s benefit. Find out more:
Unit DNI Learner Guidance
Unit DNI is a combined Unit for both the National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and the International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
The assignment gives Learners the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding gained from their studies of Units A/IA, B/IB and C/IC of the National/International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety syllabus in a vocational setting.
The aim of the assignment is for learners to carry out a review of the arrangements for managing health and safety in a workplace and to produce justified, proportionate recommendations to improve health and safety performance.
Please download the latest DNI Guidance and Information for learners below. This document provides comprehensive guidance on the presentation and submission of the Unit DNI assignment report and should be studied carefully before commencing.
The guidance should be read in conjunction with the assignment mark scheme, which is attached at the end of this guidance document, to provide a clear guide to the requirements of the assignment report.
Your Learning Partner will be able to confirm your eligibility to take the Unit DNI assignment and will formally issue learners with their assignment brief.
Examiners' Reports
These reports provide feedback on the following key areas; examination technique, command words and learning outcomes and is designed to help Learners and Learning Partners prepare for future assessments.
- Unit A Examiners' Report January 2020
- Unit B Examiners' Report January 2020
- Unit C Examiners' Report January 2020
- Unit A Examiners' Report July 2019
- Unit B Examiners' Report July 2019
- Unit C Examiners' Report July 2019
- Unit A Examiners' Report January 2019
- Unit B Examiners' Report January 2019
- Unit C Examiners' Report January 2019
If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Enquiry Team; Contact us.
Qualification Progression Leaflet
Guidance on Command Words
NEBOSH Command Words
NEBOSH has prepared “Guidance on command words and question papers” for Certificate and Diploma-level qualifications. This document is available to download below.
This guidance provides:
- A concise definition of each command word used on NEBOSH Certificate and Diploma-level question papers
- Example responses both to everyday scenarios and typical Certificate and Diploma-level questions
If you require any further information please contact us.
Certificate:
Guidance on command words - Certificate (English)
Guidance on command words - Certificate (French)
Guidance on command words - Certificate (Portuguese unified)
Guidance on command words - Certificate (Russian)
Guidance on command words - Certificate (Arabic)
Guidance on command words - Certificate (Turkish)
Guidance on command words - Certificate (European Spanish)
Diploma:
Diploma Enrolment Extension
The NEBOSH National and International Diplomas in Occupational Health and Safety have a five year enrolment period. It is important that this information is reviewed and a completion timetable is discussed with their Learning Partner to prevent Learners being unable to complete their qualification due to their enrolment expiring.
NEBOSH does appreciate that there are some circumstances that prevent Learners from continuing their studies for a period of time. To allow Learners the opportunity to complete their qualification NEBOSH does allow Learners to apply for an extension to their unit validity period*. Full details of the enrolment rules for the National and International Diploma can be found in the Enrolment Policy for NEBOSH Diploma Level Qualifications.
Please refer to this document to make sure you are eligible to apply. Applications for an enrolment extension can be submitted within the final year of the original enrolment period but no later than 20 working days before the expiry date. Requests cannot be accepted without prior authorisation from their Learning Partner, evidence to support the reason for application and a completion timetable.
To apply for an extension Learners must contact their Learning Partner directly to discuss their requirements. If the Learning Partner agrees that the Learner is able to complete their qualification within the extension period they should contact NEBOSH on the Learner's behalf to request an extension. Requests without consent from the Learning Partner cannot be accepted.
The enrolment extension request (and ACP transfer request if applicable) must be received before the final date for enrolment for the relevant examination sitting/assignment submission.
*A unit is valid for five years from the declaration (the date printed on the unit certificate.)
Policies, terms and fees
- Learner Terms and Conditions
- Learner Fees list
- URN information - your Unit Results Notification explained
- All NEBOSH policies and procedures