IOSH Level 3 – Overview
This qualification is for new and aspiring occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals in a variety of sectors.
It provides the knowledge and skills you need at the start of your career. It’s also suitable if you already have a role with some responsibility for OSH and want to build your knowledge. You may be working as a supervisor, manager, team leader or preparing to work at this level.
What you will learn in IOSH Level 3
You’ll learn how to apply safety systems and positively influence OSH performance within organisations.
The content reflects the significant changes in the workplace over the past decade. You’ll develop the real-world skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
There are four units of study.
- Fundamentals of occupational safety and health principles and management systems.
- Principles and application of occupational safety and health risk management.
- Principles and application of occupational safety and health incident management.
- Improving occupational safety and health performance and culture.
How are you assessed in IOSH Level 3?
Short session. Comparatively less time-consuming than other basic safety courses.
There is one multiple choice knowledge exam and one scenario-based assessment. Both must be passed successfully to achieve the qualification.
The multiple choice knowledge exam consists of 80 questions, you are allowed two hours to complete it and the pass mark is 70 per cent for the IOSH Level 3.
You can try out a practice multiple choice exam to see how it works. The practice exam has a small sample of questions and provides an insight into the style and types of question and how to navigate our online assessment platform. You do not need to enter an eight-character keycode to start the test. Just choose ‘OK’ on the first screen. You will not get a result at the end of the practice exam.
The scenario-based assessment consists of four tasks, a workplace inspection, a risk assessment, an incident investigation and preparation for a toolbox talk. The duration of the assessment for IOSH Level 3 is also two hours, and the pass mark is 50 per cent.
How do remote exams work?
There is one multiple-choice knowledge exam and one scenario-based assessment. You must pass both to complete the qualification. Both the exam and assessment are undertaken online and remotely invigilated.
This means you can take them, under exam conditions, at home, work or wherever you are. Remote invigilation takes place online using a specialist exam platform and security software. This gives you flexibility on where you take your exams as long as you have a stable internet connection, but they are delivered using robust procedures just like attending a test centre. You are observed and recorded online using cameras and a shared screen.
Once your exams are scheduled, you will be sent clear instructions on how to prepare and test your equipment ahead of the exam. You will need to have a laptop with a built-in camera, microphone and speakers, along with a smart phone to use the exam platform and remote invigilation.
Awarding organisation
IOSH
Qualification level
Level 6, regulated by Ofqual
Course structure
Three mandatory units
Total qualification time
380 hours
Guided learning
155 hours, plus 225 hours of independent study
Assessment
Practical assignments, reports and presentations
The programme combines advanced health and safety knowledge with the business and leadership skills needed for wider organisational responsibility.
What You Will Learn
Advanced OSH Management Principles in Organisations
Strengthen your approach to legal frameworks, risk management and incident management.
Learn to evaluate how health and safety risks are managed within wider organisational processes.
OSH Integration Within an Organisation
Connect health and safety with business strategy, sustainability and organisational change.
Evaluate performance and develop recommendations that support organisation-wide improvements.
Leading and Influencing in OSH
Develop your ability to influence stakeholders, lead teams and drive change.
Review your own leadership capability and identify priorities for continued professional development.
Who Should Enrol?
Designed for HSE Officers, Advisors, Engineers, Managers and other safety professionals preparing for greater responsibility in occupational health and safety.
At OSHTREE, applicants should be aged 19 or over and hold a Level 3 health and safety qualification or have at least two years of relevant experience. Appropriate English-language proficiency is required, including comprehension equivalent to IELTS 7.0 where applicable. Learners must also hold IOSH membership before starting the programme.
Practical Assessment. No Written Exams
Demonstrate your learning through reports, presentations, assessor questioning and reflective work.
Assignments include evaluating a safety management system, developing and presenting a strategic OSH proposal, and reviewing your leadership capability. The focus is on applying knowledge to organisational challenges and supporting your recommendations with clear analysis.
Your assignments can relate to your workplace or another suitable organisation where you can access the necessary information.
Professional Recognition and Career Progression
Progress Towards CertIOSH and CMIOSH
The diploma meets the academic requirement for Certified IOSH Membership (CertIOSH). Applicants must also satisfy IOSH’s experience and continuing professional development requirements, including at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Certified Members can work towards Chartered Membership (CMIOSH) through IOSH’s Professional Development Assessment. Membership requires a separate application and is not automatically awarded with the diploma.
Access the BCSP TSP Pathway
OSHTREE’s IOSH Level 6 programme is listed by BCSP as a Qualified Equivalent Program (QEP). Eligible graduates can apply for the Transitional Safety Practitioner (TSP) designation within one year of achieving the qualification.
TSP satisfies the qualifying-credential requirement for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) route. BCSP’s separate degree, experience and examination requirements still apply.
Recognition from The Institute of Leadership
The programme is also approved by The Institute of Leadership, with successful graduates eligible to apply for discounted membership.
Take the Next Step in Your HSE Career
Build your leadership capability with an IOSH qualification that connects professional knowledge with practical application.
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