Level 3
Diploma
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RQF Level 3
Technical Certificate
Ofqual-regulated
Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · online with LSIB
The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 technical certificate in Occupational Health and Safety worth 34 credits (340 hours of total qualification time), delivered online and flexibly by LSIB, an OTHM approved centre. It is equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education. Most learners complete it in four months, studying part-time around work. You can apply online today, download the brochure, or ask for the full course details by email.
What is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?
The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety enables learners to develop an understanding of health and safety practices within a working environment. It introduces the workplace issues encountered in a health and safety role and provides knowledge and skills relevant to a range of sectors.
Learners explore health and safety responsibilities, welfare, safety management systems, communication, risk assessment, workplace hazards and incident management. They also develop the skills to review procedures, work with others and improve their own professional performance.
Successful completion supports progression into employment and further study in occupational health and safety.
Regulatory status and how to verify
- Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, approved and regulated by Ofqual (recognition number RN5284).
- Ofqual register: qualification number 603/7346/5 — check this qualification on the Ofqual register.
- Specification: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) — the authoritative source for units, credits and assessment.
- Delivery centre: LSIB, an OTHM approved centre — find centres on OTHM's listing.
- Certificate verification: after you are awarded, employers and universities can verify OTHM e-certificates at verification.othm.org.uk.
LSIB does not replace OTHM as the awarding body; we deliver tuition, assessment and learner support under OTHM's quality assurance.
Is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety equivalent to A-levels?
OTHM qualifications at Level 3 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent in level to GCE AS/A Levels.
Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education.
Who is this qualification for?
This Level 3 technical certificate suits school leavers, career changers and adult learners who want a regulated route into occupational health and safety or into Level 4 study without A-levels.
- Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
- Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
Entry requirements
The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is available to learners aged 16 or over. No formal prior qualifications are required.
Centres must assess learners’ ability to undertake study and assessment at Level 3. Previous experience of health and safety at work would be advantageous, but is not essential.
OTHM-approved centres must ensure that learners are recruited appropriately and that the qualification meets their learning and progression needs.
English requirements: Learners who are not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. Further details are available through the OTHM English Language Expectations page.
Qualification structure and units
The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety consists of three mandatory units, comprising 34 credits, 340 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 220 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). All units must be completed.
| Unit | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Understand health and safety principles and management systems in the working environment - 10 credits | Mandatory | — |
| Accident, risk and workplace safety - 14 credits | Mandatory | — |
| Develop personal performance and skills - 10 credits | Mandatory | — |
| Total for the qualification | 34 | |
Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/7346/5. View on the Ofqual register.
What you will study: Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety units in detail
Each unit below is summarised from the OTHM specification: what the unit is designed to do and the learning outcomes you are assessed against.
Unit 1: Understand Health and Safety Principles and Management Systems in the Working Environment
10 credits · 60 guided learning hours · 100 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference D/652/4335
This unit provides learners with the knowledge and understanding in relation to their responsibilities in the management system of health and safety in the working environment. Learners will also learn about the advantages of a safety management system
Learning outcomes
- Understand principles of health, safety and welfare in the working environment. Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Understand roles and responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace. Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Understand the advantages of a safety management system. Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Be able to contribute to the application of management of health and safety in an organisation. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
Unit 2: Accident, Risk and Workplace Safety
14 credits · 100 guided learning hours · 140 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference F/652/4336
The unit provides learners with the knowledge and understanding needed to identify hazards and risks in the workplace. Learners will have the knowledge and understanding to prevent and manage the consequences of accidents
Learning outcomes
- Be able to conduct a review of health and safety practice across an organisation. Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Understand the principles of risk assessment. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Understand the risks and controls for workplace hazards. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Understand how to manage the effects of accidents and incidents.
Unit 3: Develop Personal Performance and Skills
10 credits · 60 guided learning hours · 100 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference H/652/4337
The unit provides learners with the knowledge and understanding needed to develop their own performance and skills and to create and maintain positive working relationships in health and safety
Learning outcomes
- Be able to develop their own performance and skills. Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Be able to create and maintain positive working relationships in health and safety. Learning Outcome – The learner will: Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
- Be able to monitor contractors’ health and safety activities to ensure compliance with requirements. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
Unit aims and learning outcomes are reproduced from the OTHM qualification specification (PDF), which also lists the assessment criteria and indicative content for each unit.
Duration and delivery
The qualification is designed to be delivered over four months. Delivery can be arranged flexibly to accommodate learners studying full-time or part-time.
The qualification may be delivered through face-to-face, distance, online or blended learning by OTHM-approved centres. Centres must choose a delivery model that meets learners’ needs and supports achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria, with appropriate teaching, assessment and learner support.
At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.
How you are assessed
All units within this qualification are assessed and internally quality assured by the centre and externally quality assured by OTHM. The qualification is criterion-referenced and is based on the achievement of all specified learning outcomes.
Assessment is through coursework comprising short answer questions and associated assignment evidence. Learners complete all 53 questions across the three mandatory units, with a maximum of 250 words per question. The risk assessment and personal development plan form part of the relevant responses. The word limit applies to the whole question, including any subparts and words entered in the linked templates; printed template labels are excluded.
To achieve a pass for a unit, learners must provide evidence that they have fulfilled all learning outcomes and met the standards specified by every assessment criterion. The overall grading type is Pass / Fail. Judgements are made by the assessor, who must retain an audit trail showing how the learner’s achievement has been determined.
There is no numerical mark allocation or percentage pass threshold. Assessment guidance and marking criteria are provided to centres through the relevant OTHM assessment materials after learner registration.
Progression and career routes
The OTHM Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety enables learners to progress into employment and/or further study. With appropriate experience, successful learners may progress to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
After completing the Level 6 Diploma, learners may progress to relevant Level 7 qualifications and postgraduate study, subject to the receiving institution’s entry requirements.
Professional membership with IOSH
Learners who achieve the qualification may be eligible to apply for Technical membership (TechIOSH), subject to IOSH’s current membership requirements, including at least one year of practical health and safety experience.
Technical Members commit to continuing professional development (CPD) and may progress to higher membership grades as their qualifications and experience develop. Learners should consult the current IOSH membership guidance.
Fees and how to apply
The course fee for the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety at LSIB depends on how quickly you choose to complete the qualification. Every programme is available in two duration modes.
| Duration mode | Length | Course fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard mode | 9 months | £950 |
| Accelerated mode / Fast-track | 6 months | £1,250 |
The fee is payable in monthly or quarterly instalments. It includes tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification.
Fee payment plans
9 months (Standard mode)
| Plan | Instalments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 5 × £190 | £950 |
| Quarterly | 2 × £475 | £950 |
| Pay in full (Save 5%) | 1 × £903 | £903 |
6 months (Accelerated / Fast-track)
| Plan | Instalments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 3 × £416 | £1,248 |
| Pay in full (Save 5%) | 1 × £1,188 | £1,188 |
You can avail a 5% discount if you pay the full course fee upfront in one instalment (bursary amounts shown in the tables).
The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.
- Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
- Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
- Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.
Frequently asked questions about the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
What is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety equivalent to?
The Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education. OTHM qualifications at Level 3 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent in level to GCE AS/A Levels.
Is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety worth it?
It is an Ofqual-regulated qualification at RQF Level 3 (Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education) worth 34 credits, assessed by assignments so you can study while you work and apply each unit to your own role. It gives you a structured route to the next OTHM level or to university progression routes OTHM has confirmed. At LSIB the course fee starts from £950, with instalments available.
What units are in the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?
The qualification has 3 mandatory units: Understand Health and Safety Principles and Management Systems in the Working Environment (10 credits), Accident, Risk and Workplace Safety (14 credits), Develop Personal Performance and Skills (10 credits). Each unit is assessed by a written assignment.
How much does the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety cost?
At LSIB the course fee is £950 for the 9-month standard mode or £1,250 for the 6-month fast-track mode, payable in monthly or quarterly instalments, with a 5% discount if you pay the full fee upfront. The fee includes tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification. A £10 enrolment fee is paid when you apply.
How many credits is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?
The qualification carries 34 credits, with 340 hours of Total Qualification Time and 220 Guided Learning Hours. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion.
How long does the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety take?
OTHM designs the qualification to be completed in four months of full-time study; LSIB delivers it online so you can study part-time and pace the assignments around work.
Is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety recognised?
Yes. OTHM Qualifications is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual in England, and this qualification is listed on the Ofqual register under qualification number 603/7346/5. LSIB is an OTHM approved centre.
How can I check the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety on the Ofqual register?
Search for qualification number 603/7346/5 on the Ofqual register or start from register.ofqual.gov.uk. The register shows the official title, level, credits and awarding organisation.
How do I verify an OTHM certificate for the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?
After you are awarded, OTHM issues an e-Certificate and transcript. Each carries a QR code and authentication code verifiable at verification.othm.org.uk — see OTHM's e-Certificate guidance.
Are there exams on the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety?
No. OTHM qualifications are assessed by written assignments for each unit, marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
How do I apply for the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety with LSIB?
Apply online through the LSIB application portal (Apply now), pay the £10 enrolment fee, and upload your documents. Admissions review your application within one working day. If approved, you receive a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan. You start as soon as course fee payment clears.
Is the Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety equivalent to A-levels?
OTHM Level 3 qualifications sit at the same RQF level as A-levels. Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education They are vocational qualifications assessed by assignments rather than exams. A 120-credit Level 3 diploma is a full level of study; OTHM publishes university year 1 and Level 4 progression routes for many qualifications on its University Progressions page.
Progression path
- Level 3 Technical Certificate
- Level 6 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Other OTHM Occupational Health and Safety qualifications
- Level 3 Technical Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety — 34 credits
- Level 6 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety — 32 credits
- Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety — 60 credits
- Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety — 60 credits
Who awards and delivers this qualification
Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 603/7346/5.
Delivery centre: LSIB, 622 Crown House, North Circular Road, Park Royal, London NW10 7PN — OTHM approved centre since 2007.
Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF); facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.
Last reviewed 5 November 2026Published by LSIB admissions team
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