12.04.2021

Today marks a very important event in the assessment of health and safety competency. 

NEBOSH, the National Examining Board for Occupational Safety and Health are re-launching the benchmark qualification for EHS Professionals, The National Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health.

The new qualification will be called the NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, but its way more than just a title change.

For many years Make UK have been helping EHS professionals to complete the NEBOSH Diploma and then supported them in the onward journey to Chartered membership of IOSH. We realised a very long time ago that this qualification is about individuals climbing the competency ladder and maximising their value to their organisations. We believe that this completely re-written qualification is absolutely centred around the learner. 

What’s so different?

Well, first of all there are now only 3 units, rather than the old 4. Unit ND1 replaces the old Unit A, ND2 replaces B and ND3 replaces C. Unit D has been removed all together. But, the real changes are in the detail.

In my experience of delivering the Diploma for over 10 years, Unit A was always the biggest challenge and the Unit that frightened most students. This was mainly because of the requirement to be able to recall details of multiple civil and criminal cases and then use them to answer questions in a 3 hour written exam. No more of this in the new Diploma. Most legal content has been completely removed and replaced with the requirement to have completed the NEBOSH Certificate in order to enrol on this course. Assessment methods have also changed, but more on that later.

ND2 and 3 have also changed and are now more about principles that remembering the specifics of Asbestos management or CE marking.

What about the assessment methods?

Without a doubt, the biggest change is in the assessment methods. NEBOSH have completely done away with the 3, 3 hour written exams and the 10,000 word dissertation and replaced them with 2 open book on-line assessments (similar to the NEBOSH Certificate) which students get a month to complete. There is also a written report to be completed, similar to the old Unit D. This all means that the new Diploma takes 365 hours to complete compared to the previous 500.

It is important to note that if you are already a student and have already sat an exam, you have to stay on the old syllabus and assessments methods until you complete the course. But if you are a new student, you will automatically enrol on the new syllabus. If you have started the course, but haven’t sat an exam yet, you can also transfer.

The changes in summary

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Heath and Safety - 2015

Unit A - Managing health and safety

  • 188 Hours
  • 3 hour written examination

Unit B - Hazardous substances/agents

  • 115 Hours
  • 3 hour written examination

Unit C - Workplace and work equipment safety

  • 120 hours
  • 3 hour written examination

Unit DNI - Application of health and safety management in the workplace

  • 88 hours
  • 10,000 word report

Total - 500 hours

NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals - 2020

NDI - Management of workplace health and safety

  • 145 hours
  • a written report

ND2 - Managing workplace health and wellbeing

  • 115 hours
  • An open-book online case study

ND3 - Managing workplace safety

  • 105 hours
  • an open-book online case study

Total - 365 hours

Study with us

Our version of the new syllabus is now available for our existing students, and will be coming for our new students.

We offer a range of flexible delivery options to enable you to study the NEBOSH Diploma in a way that suits you:

  • Classroom - Our Covid-secure training centre in Leamington Spa allow you to get away from the distractions of the workplace, learn from your peers and focus on your qualification.
  • On-line - Provides the flexibility and convenience for you to study online, so you can adapt to your own learning style and study at your own pace.
  • OnlinePlus - A blend of the best virtual classroom and online learning. Designed for those who prefer the structured support that a tutor provides, but don’t have the opportunity to attend classroom sessions.

Find out more > 

If you need further help or just want to discuss your options, contact:

Chris Newson, Head of Learning - 07824361957,  [email protected]