The difference in Health and Safety Diploma courses

Health and Safety courses: Nebosh Diploma Ireland courses versus Othm Diploma

Recognising the differences between health and safety diploma courses can be challenging and difficult.  Choosing in Ireland, between the NEBOSH Diploma and the OTHM Diploma in Health and Safety depends on your career goals, budget, and the level of recognition and accreditation you are seeking.

When deciding on the best health and safety diploma courses, you will need to learn about the differences so you can make an informed decision.

This Diploma in Health and Safety course guide explores the most popular Occupational Health and Safety Diploma courses which are awarded by two different awarding bodies, Nebosh and OTHM qualifications. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Who are Nebosh? NEBOSH is the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, a leading qualification body in the HSE industry and they provide health, safety and environmental qualifications. NEBOSH qualifications  are accredited through the Scottish credit and qualifications framework (SCQF) of qualifications.

NEBOSH Health and Safety Courses

There are two Nebosh Diploma Ireland courses;  the Nebosh National Diploma in Occupational health and safety which focuses on UK national legislation whereas the Nebosh International Diploma has a more global focus and covers instead the ILO international conventions

– NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals

– NEBOSH National International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals

Overview:

• Level: Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the UK).
• Recognition: Globally recognized.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
• Structure: Typically includes three written exams and one work-based assignment.
• Duration: 12-24 months depending on the provider and study mode.
• Cost: Generally higher cost than OTHM Diplomas.

Pros:

• Global Reputation: NEBOSH is an established brand in health and safety qualifications.
• Pathway to CMIOSH: Completion provides eligibility for CertIOSH, which is a step towards Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH).
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers technical, managerial, and practical aspects of health and safety.

Cons:

• Challenging Assessments: Rigorous exams and assignments may require significant time and effort and repeat fees.
• Reduced Credit weight in comparison to the OTHM Diploma

Nebosh Health and Safety courses Ireland: Assessments

For the Nebosh Diploma Health and Safety course in Ireland there are three unit assessments:

ND1: Workplace health and safety principles (60 hours assessment time).

ND2: Controlling workplace health issues (40 hours assessment time). Case study (simulation only)

ND3: Controlling workplace safety issues (40 hours assessment time). Case study (simulation only)

The ND1: Workplace health and safety principles assignment is split over two papers (both papers must be submitted at the same sitting): Paper 1 – simulation questions ; Paper 2 – workplace activities, reflective tasks, and a research project.

Workplace activities in paper 2, includes covering a broad range of topics relating to your workplace from Consultation, Health and safety culture to Organisation change

For ND1, Paper 2, the practical workplace application, can prove challenging , if you are unemployed or don’t have a suitable workplace/organisation to choose from.

Nebosh National Diploma Ireland – Total of 49 Credits. The Guided Taught Hours  is 197 Hours and recommended self-study hours is 144 Hours.  The duration of this course is typically 12 -18 months or more .

Nebosh International Diploma Ireland – Total Credits 48 Credits.

There is 189 taught hours advised and approximately 144 hours of self-study for an overall total of 329 Hours (excluding total assessment time of 140 hours).

2. OTHM Health and Safety Courses Ireland

 Who is OTHM?

OTHM qualifications is an approved awarding Organisation regulated by  Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). They work through a network of approved centres located globally and they offer courses accredited through the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) which is jointly regulated by the England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales’ DCELLS and Northern Ireland’s CCEA

OTHM qualifications offer two levels of Health and Safety Diploma courses.

– OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (broadly comparable to level 8 Ireland)

– OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management (broadly comparable to level 9 Ireland)

Overview:

• Level: Level 6 (same as NEBOSH Diploma) or Level 7 (postgraduate equivalent).
• Recognition: Accredited by Ofqual and recognized in the UK; growing international recognition.
• Accreditation: Meets the academic requirements for Certified membership of IOSH (CertIOSH), subject to experiential criteria (similar to NEBOSH).
• Structure: Typically assessed through coursework and assignments, without traditional exams.
• Duration: 6-12 months depending on the provider and study mode.
• Cost: More affordable.

Pros:

• Flexible Assessment: Coursework-based assessment is less stressful for some learners compared to exams. Feedback is provided for all assignments providing incremental learning.
• Pathway to CMIOSH: Also provides eligibility for CertIOSH.
• Progression: Allows progression to Year 1 (OTHM level 6 Diploma ) or Year 2 (Othm level 7) of a Masters degree in Occupational Health and Safety in a distinguished university.

OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety

By far the most popular Diploma for those wishing to work as a health and safety officer, is the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety qualification.  The course covers knowledge areas you would encounter in a health and safety officer role. Newcomers to health & safety are advised to consider doing the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety  first , before progressing to do the full Level 6 Diploma. This Diploma course builds on the content of the level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

IOSH Membership

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is an IOSH approved accredited programme and the duration of the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety course is typically up to 12 months.

Health and Safety Diploma Assessment

There are 7 units as follows: 

Unit 1: Health and safety management principles and policy  (8 credits)
Unit 2: Health and safety management practice (10 credits)
Unit 3: Risk and Incident Management  (8 credits)
Unit 4: Promoting a positive health and safety culture (6 credits)
Unit 5: Maintaining a Safe Working Environment  (12 credits)
Unit 6: Health and safety law, regulation and influence (8 credits)
Unit 7: Development of the health and safety practitioner  (8 credits)

Graduates of OTHM qualifications enjoy significant job and career opportunities. Due to the high credit weighting their qualifications allow entry to a degree and/or Masters programmes in well recognised universities in the UK, Ireland, Australia and globally.

Differences in health and safety diploma courses: NEBOSH Diploma vs OTHM Diploma

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose NEBOSH Diploma if:

• You aim to work in high-profile or international roles.
• You are prepared for rigorous study and assessments.
• You can afford the extra time commitment and higher cost for possible repeat exams.
• You are happy with less credit weighting, 49 credits for Nebosh Diploma versus 60 credits for the OTHM Diploma.

Choose OTHM Diploma if:

• You prefer coursework over traditional exams.
• You want a quicker route to gaining a Health and Safety officer role and path to CertIOSH.
• You want to acquire a broader depth of knowledge and application, as the OTHM Diploma has 7 units in comparison to 3 units offered by the Nebosh diploma
• You want a qualification that has higher credit value (OTHM Diploma), which provides more weighting for academic progression opportunity to university.
• You want a  qualification that is jointly regulated by the regulator Ofqual in England, Wales’ DCELLS and Northern Ireland’s CCEA (OTHM Diploma) as distinct to the Scottish Qualifications Authority  (for Nebosh Diploma)

 Summary

In summary, it appears that both awarding bodies offer unique, distinct  and different Diplomas in Occupational Health and Safety.

Where there is some overlap in learning outcomes, they clearly differ in terms of Course Title, Total credits achieved, number of units and on type of assessments to complete.

How do I compare the levels in England, Republic of Ireland and Scotland with the levels stated on the Diploma in Health and Safety course?

The Qualifications can Cross Boundaries guide is a useful reference to compare qualifications in the UK and Ireland and will indicate comparison levels in your country. If unure, contact the course provider you wish to study with who can provide you with comparability statements.

Why Choose CMI?

CMI Communications & Management Institute is a centre of Health and Safety excellence in Ireland and has been offering occupational health and safety diploma courses for over 15 years to thousands of successful graduates. They provide courses through live online classes, one night per week.

Check out their different health and safety diploma courses from their School of Environmental, Health and Safety.