Key Health & Safety Qualification Updates for 2024/2026
The landscape of occupational health and safety qualifications in the UK and Ireland is continually evolving, driven by changes in legislation, emerging workplace risks, and best practice. Recent announcements from leading awarding bodies – IOSH, NEBOSH, and QQI – highlight a commitment to ensuring their qualifications remain relevant, robust, and effective in equipping professionals with the necessary skills to safeguard workplaces. These revisions reflect a growing emphasis on proactive risk management, mental well-being, and the integration of digital technologies in the workplace.
IOSH's Focus on Practical Application and Specialisation
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has been at the forefront of promoting practical, accessible health and safety training. While IOSH Managing Safely remains a cornerstone for line managers and supervisors, recent developments indicate a renewed focus on specialist areas and digital delivery. IOSH's strategic vision, 'WORK 2022-2027,' emphasises the importance of a 'safer, healthier, and more sustainable world of work.'
The flagship IOSH Managing Safely course is undergoing a refresh, with the updated syllabus placing a greater emphasis on contemporary issues. Enhanced content is expected to cover mental health and wellbeing, exploring how to identify and manage work-related stress and promote positive mental health, aligning with responsibilities under regulations such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (UK) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Ireland).
Environmental sustainability will also be integrated, exploring the intersection of occupational safety and environmental management. Furthermore, new modules are anticipated to address safety implications arising from emerging technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence, and new forms of remote working. These enhancements aim to provide a more holistic understanding of health and safety management. The updated IOSH Managing Safely is expected to be fully implemented by late 2024.
While IOSH certificates do not expire, IOSH recommends refreshing training every three years to stay compliant with legal requirements, update knowledge on new legislation and best practices, and reinforce safety culture.
NEBOSH's Strategic Revisions and Global Reach
NEBOSH qualifications are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that syllabi and assessments remain focused on the knowledge and skills needed by health and safety professionals. The NEBOSH National and International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety have been reviewed and updated for 2026.
Teaching of the revised syllabus will commence on 2 February 2026, with the first assessments taking place from 4 March 2026. While no major structural changes have been announced for 2024, NEBOSH continuously updates content to reflect current legislation and emerging hazards, such as enhanced guidance on mental health in the workplace, aligning with initiatives like HSE's 'Working Minds' campaign.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see confined space trainer courses or explore lone worker safety training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
Key changes for the 2026 General Certificates include minor updates to the syllabus content and significant improvements to the Unit 2 practical risk assessment. This assessment will now be submitted online via NEBOSH's platform and will be points-based with a 60% pass mark, replacing the previous pass/fail system. Learners will also receive a detailed mark breakdown. The final assessment date for the current (2018 specification) Unit NG1 is 5 August 2026, and for Unit NG2 (2018 specification) is 6 August 2026. Both the National and International General Certificates will continue to be accredited and credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Accreditation, sitting at SCQF Level 6, comparable to RQF/CQFW Level 3 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
QQI Updates for Irish Health and Safety Standards
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the state agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. While QQI does not directly offer health and safety qualifications, it validates and awards qualifications offered by a wide range of providers, ensuring they meet rigorous national standards.
QQI periodically reviews its Common Awards System (CAS) specifications for various health and safety programmes. For example, the Occupational First Aid (OFA) award transitioned from previous FETAC standards to the current QQI Level 5 award, aligning with the latest pre-hospital emergency care protocols and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) requirements for workplace first aiders.
The QQI Level 5 Safety and Health at Work course (5N1794) is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skill, and competence to promote and maintain safety and health in a work environment, in compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This course covers analysing employer and employee duties, examining the role of the HSA, exploring communication and training in health and safety, and understanding elements of a safety statement.
In 2024, QQI saw a 10% increase in learner awards, with 138,446 learners receiving certifications. The agency also published a Green Paper on Intermediate Qualifications at NFQ Levels 5 and 6, proposing a single major award at NFQ Level 6 and exploring related changes at Level 5. These reviews ensure that learning outcomes remain relevant to the Irish regulatory environment and address specific national concerns.
For those looking to undertake these updated qualifications, Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk offers a range of accredited courses.