New eighteen-hour NEBOSH award targets workplace risk assessment skills
Iain Hoey
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Updated syllabus for the NEBOSH award
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) has launched an updated version of its Health and Safety at Work Award to include mental health awareness.
This foundation-level qualification is designed to provide essential skills for identifying common hazards and conducting risk assessments across all industrial sectors.
The refreshed 2026 syllabus provides clearer expectations of learning outcomes and introduces a new section focused on mental ill-health in the workplace.
The course is structured as a bite-sized qualification that participants can complete within three days or eighteen hours of study time.
NEBOSH has aligned the refreshed award with its more advanced certifications to provide a clearer progression path for those pursuing higher-level professional study.
Janet Dawson, NEBOSH Product Development Senior Lead, said: “The NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award is the perfect entry point into the world of health and safety management.
“Learners gain important knowledge to make immediate improvements and reduce incidents.
“What’s more, the assessment is based on the learner’s own workplace so they can add instant value to their organisation during their studies.”
Global availability and professional progression
The qualification is currently available through a global network of learning partners with tuition provided in both English and Arabic.
Previous participants have given the course a 93% recommendation rating according to data released by the examination board.
Akram Ali Khan, an HSE Engineer in Saudi Arabia, used the award as a starting point before completing the NEBOSH General Certificate and Diploma.
Khan said: “I was keen to build a strong foundation in health and safety principles, and I felt this course would help me do that.
“Studying for the Award gave me a clear understanding of key areas such as risk assessment, hazard control and the importance of developing a strong safety culture.”
The assessment for the qualification requires learners to apply their knowledge directly to their own specific work environment.
