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November 1, 2023

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IOSH

IOSH membership levels explained

IOSH is the biggest health and safety membership organisation in the world, and the only chartered body for health and safety professionals.

IOSH training

IOSH is the voice of the profession, campaigning on issues that affect millions of working people. It was founded in 1945 and has over 47,000 members in around 130 countries. As a world leader in health and safety training, over 179,000 people take IOSH’s courses every year.

Through its new five-year strategy, ‘WORK 2022 – shaping the future of safety and health’, IOSH believes that by working together we can achieve a safer and healthier world of work.

IOSH sets the standard for the profession and supports its members’ development with resources, guidance, events and training.

IOSH membership

The six IOSH membership categories are:

  • Student Member
  • Affiliate Member
  • Technical Member (TechIOSH)
  • Certified Member (CertIOSH)
  • Chartered Member (CMIOSH)
  • Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH)

Membership grades from November 2023. Credit: IOSH

 

Member progression from November 2023. Credit: IOSH

 

Go to SHP4Jobs for the latest IOSH jobs

With over 70 accredited qualifications on offer, members can choose from a broad range at various institutions to help them progress through our membership categories.

Have a look at IOSH’s list of qualifications and institutions that meet the academic requirements for Associate (AIOSH) / Technical (Tech IOSH) and Graduate (Grad IOSH) membership, and where these are available.

  • If you are studying for your first OSH qualification, you may be eligible for Student Membership. To find out more please go to iosh.co.uk/students. On Graduation, Student Members will be offered to upgrade to full IOSH Membership.

If you have already completed an IOSH accredited qualification you will need to join as an Affiliate Member and apply for a higher level of IOSH membership. To apply for a membership category transfer Affiliates and Student Members will need to provide IOSH with their qualification certificate.

Educational routes into membership

For those looking for a career in health and safety a good starting point would be a qualification that is awarded through a recognised educational regulating body such as Ofqual and is at a recognised level on a National Qualifications Framework.

Some points to consider when considering a qualification in health and safety:

  • What is your preferred method of study – exams, assignments or work-based assessments?
  • How much time can you dedicate to study – can you balance work, study and home commitments?
  • How will your study be financed – self, employer?
  • If your goal is to join a Professional Body, then consider the kinds of qualifications that are acceptable for their categories of membership.

The different types of qualification range from a Level 3 (RQF) equivalent to an ‘A’ level, to postgraduate degrees (FHEQ). The difference between the range of diverse types of health and safety is the modes of study and how they are assessed.

IOSH certificate

To become an Affiliate/Technical member you will need to have completed a qualification in Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) in one of the areas below:

To become a Certified member, you will need to have completed a qualification in OSH in one of the areas below:

  • Level 6 qualification in accordance to EQF.
  • Degrees at level 6. (Bachelors degrees with honours, Bachelors degree, Professional Graduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate/ Diploma)
  • Degrees at level 7. Master’s degrees, Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma
  • Cognate degree (A degree in a safety or health related discipline which covers a minimum of 50% Health and Safety content)
  • NVQ level 5 Diploma (Must include additional Unit 611)
  • SCQF level 10 Diploma

Benefits of IOSH membership

IOSH membership is recognised worldwide as the benchmark for professional safety and health excellence. It is required by employers recruiting or promoting safety and health professionals.

Through continuing professional development (CPD), IOSH members build their skills, knowledge and expertise to help them become more rounded and valued safety and health professionals.

Being an IOSH member benefits you, your organisation and the wider world of work.

It develops you as a practitioner, enhances your career prospects, keeps you up to date and extends your network. Your organisation gains from employing a member of the Chartered body in occupational safety and health.

With IOSH’s advice and support, you will be helping your organisation improve its reputation, productivity and resilience by looking after the health and wellbeing of its workforce.

And by joining IOSH, you make your contribution to research, evidence-based solutions, collaborations with business and other professions and global campaigns on the important safety and health issues of the day.

IOSH course

Some of the benefits of becoming an IOSH member include:

  • being able to attend free and low-cost seminars, access free technical information, get discounts on professional courses and network with thousands of other members
  • the industry-specific groups and local networks IOSH offers, supported and driven by committees of member volunteers. Our network of branches strengthens the relationship between IOSH and the global health and safety community at a local level. The IOSH groups bring together members with a shared interest or specialist area, to network and exchange information
  • joining IOSH networks that promote health and safety by organising meetings, conferences, workshops, site visits and webinars, which provide valuable professional development and networking opportunities.
  • through IOSH membership, demonstrating your commitment to the profession, staying up to date and developing your skills, knowledge and behaviours, something highly valued among employers.

IOSH competency framework

The competency framework includes 69 competencies across three categories: technical, core and behavioural. The range and level of competencies required for each individual role will vary and depend on factors such as the sector, the individual’s seniority or career stage and the size of organisation.

Credit: IOSH

 

Duncan Spencer, Head of Advice & Practice at IOSH explains how the competency framework is the starting point for OSH professionals to build capability for the future.

 

IOSH President Stuart Hughes

Stuart Hughes, IOSH’s President

Stuart was confirmed as IOSH President for 2023-24 at its Annual General Meeting. He takes over the role from Lawrence Webb.

An experienced OSH professional and chartered member of IOSH, Stuart is currently Head of Health and Safety for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team.

Among his aims over the next 12 months are to work with IOSH and other OSH professionals to advance health and safety standards around the world, develop thought leadership to address key challenges, as well as support efforts to provide opportunities for future generations of professionals.

“We need to challenge ourselves, ask ourselves if what we’re doing to protect people is working as effectively as it can,” he said. “We need to focus on ensuring we’re doing the right things, for the benefit of society.”

Read more here.

Further information:

Click here for bios of the IOSH Presidential team.

Click here for more information on IOSH’s competency framework.

More information about the benefits of joining IOSH is available here.

Further information about IOSH membership is available here.

Visit IOSH’s official careers site for vacancies in health and safety, recruitment services and career advice.

Latest IOSH articles

Urgent action needed to tackle “epidemic” of long working hours, says IOSH

Half the UK’s workers regularly put in two or more additional hours without pay every week – many of them an hour or more a day – while more than half admit working while feeling too ill to do so, new survey findings reveal.

Can we trust the system?

In the latest article from IOSH’s new research department Duncan Spencer says trust is the key to a harmonious relationship with technology.

Health and safety investment can be “game-changer”, says IOSH

IOSH has called on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his government to invest further in legislation which prevents workers from being harmed.

New e-book ponders the Act and its impact

New publication reflecting on fifty years of the legislation applauds its influence but asks questions around wellbeing and technology. 

Revisiting the London Olympics 2012 – a gold medal for safety

As the Olympics begin in Paris we look back at an article from 2012 celebrating the team who delivered one of the safest games ever.

Progressing knowledge and meeting change

Duncan Spencer at IOSH introduces the Institute’s new research department focused on thought leadership.

Webinar: You, me, and diversity – working better together – Are you bringing out the best in your entire workforce?

Explore the power of diverse teams in today’s dynamic workplace. Delve into the benefits of embracing diversity, fostering inclusive environments, and leveraging different perspectives to enhance collaboration and innovation.

A guide for the professional who wants to change cultures, shape strategies and build buy-in

Learn from the specialists who share a passion for using occupational safety and health to protect people and improve business performance.

IOSH urges next Government to focus on protecting workers

Nine in 10 health and safety professionals believe the next Government should prioritise improving occupational health services to cut the number of people being made ill by work, according to a new survey.

31-year-old from Nigeria wins student prize from IOSH

A mature student has blown judges away at an inaugural international competition for student members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Notify Technology celebrates 7th anniversary by strengthening its SHEQ offering.

Leading Safety Tech company Notify is celebrating its 7th anniversary by unveiling a Public API alongside integrated Document Management functionality.

Why good understanding is the secret to OSH success

To help businesses get more out of occupational safety and health, we must first get to know what they want. 

Workers facing uncertain future coupled with health and safety risks, new IOSH report says

The survey reveals struggles of platform workers in the gig economy as a result of unpredictable income and irregular working patterns.

The London Health & Safety Group – over 80 years old and still going strong

This April, the London Health & Safety Group will celebrate a belated 80th Birthday (83 years to be exact).  The Group’s Committee members, Michael Morgan and Abi Piper look back on a rich history that began on a London bus during the Blitz.

New IOSH study centre aims to support Level 6 Diploma

IOSH Academy launches as recognised study centre for IOSH Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health Leadership and Management.

‘All roads lead to the client’: IOSH Aviation and Aerospace Conference

Health and safety professionals from airports, carriers and maintenance firms came together for the event near London Heathrow Airport last month. SHP’s Rhianna Sexton reports from the event.

Bosses urged to help neurodiverse workers thrive

Bosses must demonstrate commitment to building positive cultures that enable neurodiverse colleagues to discuss needs openly.

Researchers to explore OSH service delivery around the world

With four out of five of the world’s workforce estimated to not have access to basic occupational safety and health (OSH) services, researchers are set to explore the reasons behind this and how it might be improved.

Passing the baton – Meet the 2024 IOSH President

Mark Glover speaks to incoming IOSH President Stuart Hughes about his plans for the role and asks former President Lawrence Waterman what he took from the last 12 months.

Businesses support SDGs – but do they need help?

The private sector supports sustainable development goals – but it’s one thing agreeing with principles, quite another delivering on them. So what are the barriers for businesses? That was the topic of discussion at the recent IOSH Business Leaders Forum.

IOSH’s Aviation and Aerospace Conference: SHP speaks to Birmingham Airport’s Simon Toseland

SHP speaks to Birmingham Airport’s Head of Health, Safety and Fire, Simon Toseland, ahead of IOSH’s Aviation and Aerospace Conference

Advance your career in health and safety

Browse hundreds of jobs in health and safety, brought to you by SHP4Jobs, and take your next steps as a consultant, health and safety officer, environmental advisor, health and wellbeing manager and more.

Or, if you’re a recruiter, post jobs and use our database to discover the most qualified candidates.

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Kevin Lyons
Kevin Lyons
8 years ago

I have the following qualifications.
NVQ 6
NVQ 7
MEMBERSHIP OF CIOB
SMSTS
CSCS BLACK CARD
I HAVE AN EXPIRED IOSH MANAGING SAFETY CERTIFICATE AND AM ENROLLED ON ANOTHER
MATTER AGING SAFETY COURSE THIS NOVEMBER.

WILL ALL OF THE ABOVE WILL I BE ABLE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF IOSH.

MD AAMIR SOHAIL
MD AAMIR SOHAIL
5 years ago
Reply to  Kevin Lyons

Yes, easily you can up to Grad. IOSH.

khuram
khuram
7 years ago

i have IOSH Mnaging Safely with 10 years experience in Safety. can i get TECH IOSH membership.

MD AAMIR SOHAIL
MD AAMIR SOHAIL
5 years ago
Reply to  khuram

NO, For Tech. IOSH at least you must have NEBSOH Level-3 Certificate.

thiwanka dahanayake
thiwanka dahanayake
5 years ago

I already finish my iosh managing safely in 2015. How to become a iosh member.

thiwanka dahanayake
thiwanka dahanayake
5 years ago

which level may i ask next.

Ben Kilham
Ben Kilham
5 years ago

Does the NCRQ L6 certificate qualify for tech IOSH?

Mohamed
Mohamed
5 years ago

Hi, our inspection company is working inside iraq and we need to assist us to get the membership certificate for our company Asan Saz Inspection service

Joseph Hill-Ocheori
Joseph Hill-Ocheori
5 years ago

I have four years graduation in Environmental Engineering Technology and also achieved NEBOSH IGC plus have over 9 years hand-on-practical experience in occupational health & safety. What category of membership How do i become one?

Bolaji
Bolaji
5 years ago

I need someone to guard me to finish my BSC unit 3 assessment.

Dale Jones
Dale Jones
4 years ago

I have help IOSH managing safely since 2007, QCF Level 4 and Foundation degree in Mineral Extractive Technology.
What level could i expect to join at? 18 years in the Quarrying industry, 10 previous years in plant hire.

Siddharth
Siddharth
3 years ago

Hi I joined IOSH Affiliate membership How can I transfer to GradIOSH. I have completed my Nebosh Diploma

Anser Mehmood
Anser Mehmood
3 years ago

Hi
I am certified in IOSH Managing Safely And get certification in 2012, What type of membership do I have?