What Is IOSH Managing Safely and Who Should Take It?
IOSH Managing Safely is one of the most widely recognised health and safety qualifications for managers, supervisors, team leaders and anyone with responsibility for people or processes. The course is designed to help those in leadership roles to:
Understand their legal responsibilities
Improve risk assessment and risk management competence
Create safer systems of work
Reduce workplace accidents and incidents
Manage health and safety proactively, not reactively
It is suitable for any industry and requires no previous health and safety qualifications. If you're reviewing risk controls in your organisation, our Safe Systems of Work FAQ explains how structured procedures help prevent incidents and support compliance. For a closer look at how IOSH approaches likelihood, severity and control, you can read our explanation of IOSH risk ratings and practical risk management.
What Topics Are Covered in the IOSH Managing Safely Course Syllabus?
The exact syllabus depends on the IOSH-approved training provider, but it typically includes:
Introducing Managing Safely
Assessing Risks (risk assessment principles and practical tools)
Controlling Risks (risk control hierarchy, controls, safe systems)
Understanding Responsibilities (legal duties and employer obligations)
Understanding Hazards (common workplace hazards and how to manage them)
Investigating Incidents (accident causation and reporting)
Measuring Performance (audits, inspections, KPIs)
These themes lay the foundation for risk management responsibilities essential for any manager. For a deeper look at the management principles behind IOSH training, read our guide to the Plan, Do, Check, Act model and how it supports continuous improvement. Or for more information about how to measure performance and track improvements, our guide to health and safety KPIs outlines the most effective indicators for monitoring risk and compliance.
How Long Does IOSH Managing Safely Take to Complete?
Typical IOSH course duration:
3 days (classroom)
16–24 hours for IOSH Managing Safely online courses, depending on pace
Some providers spread training across multiple shorter sessions
Time needed for assessments is usually included.
What Are the Benefits of Completing IOSH Managing Safely?
Completing IOSH Managing Safely helps managers:
✔ Improve decision-making
Understanding hazards and controls leads to safer, more efficient operations.
✔ Meet legal requirements
Managers learn exactly what is expected under UK health and safety law.
✔ Reduce accidents and absenteeism
Better risk management helps prevent incidents before they occur.
✔ Demonstrate competence
The IOSH certificate shows a professional commitment to safety.
✔ Build confidence
Managers gain the knowledge to make informed safety decisions and challenge unsafe behaviour. To understand the real-world value of this qualification, explore the key benefits of IOSH Managing Safely for improved competence to a stronger safety culture.
Is It Possible to Take IOSH Managing Safely Online or In Person?
Yes. IOSH training is available:
An IOSH Managing Safely online course provides flexibility, while classroom delivery may suit teams or those who prefer live instruction.
Ensure your provider is an IOSH-approved training provider.
What Is the Assessment Process for IOSH Managing Safely?
Assessment usually includes:
Multiple-choice knowledge test
Practical risk assessment project completed in the learner’s workplace or a simulated environment
Both must be passed to receive the IOSH certificate. For learners taking the Commodious IOSH Managing Safely online course, the assessment is divided into two parts:
A 30-question multiple-choice test, completed online in one sitting. You’ll have one hour, and it’s taken as a closed-book exam.
A practical risk assessment project, completed in your own workplace and marked against IOSH’s criteria.
You’ll complete the course modules first, then move on to the assessment when you feel ready. Both parts need to be passed to receive your IOSH certificate, and you have three months from starting the course to complete them. If things don’t go to plan the first time, our team can reset the course free of charge, giving you another opportunity to work through the material and try again.
If you’d like help preparing for the project element of the qualification, our IOSH Managing Safely practical risk assessment guide walks through the process step by step.
For quick answers on formats, certificates, costs and course expectations, explore our IOSH Training FAQs.
How Much Does IOSH Managing Safely Cost in the UK?
IOSH course cost varies by provider and delivery method:
£250–£450 for IOSH Managing Safely online
£400–£650 for classroom IOSH Managing Safely
Group bookings may reduce cost per learner
Prices typically include course materials, assessments, and IOSH certification fees.
The online IOSH Managing Safely course from Commodious costs £125 + VAT. This price includes the IOSH registration fee, a free 5-course bundle, 12 months of access, and all associated assessments, with no hidden charges.
Do You Receive a Certificate After Passing IOSH Managing Safely?
Yes. Learners who pass both assessments receive an official IOSH Managing Safely certificate, issued directly by IOSH.
This certificate has no expiry date, but IOSH recommends refreshing training every three years.
Are There Any Requirements to Enrol in IOSH Managing Safely?
No. There are no entry requirements.
Learners do not need previous health and safety qualifications or management experience.
Basic English and literacy skills are recommended.
How Does IOSH Managing Safely Compare to Other IOSH Courses?
IOSH offers two primary core courses:
IOSH Working Safely
Suitable for all employees
Focuses on basic hazard awareness
Shorter course (typically 1 day)
Leads to an IOSH Working Safely certificate
Great for foundation-level understanding
IOSH Managing Safely
For managers, supervisors, and team leaders
Covers legal duties, risk assessments, and incident investigation
More detailed and comprehensive
Helps organisations meet competence requirements
In summary:
Working Safely is for all workers
Managing Safely is for those with responsibility for people, tasks, or safety
If you're unsure which qualification best suits your role or responsibilities, our guide on which IOSH course to choose provides a simple comparison of all the main options.
Other IOSH Courses and Qualifications
IOSH also offers:
IOSH Working Safely Online Course
IOSH Safety Courses for Specific Sectors
IOSH health and safety training tailored for workplace risks
These build a strong foundation of risk awareness across teams. You can also learn more about practical risk reduction techniques in our article on risk control in effective health and safety management.
Choosing an IOSH-Approved Training Provider
When booking IOSH training, ensure your provider:
Is officially IOSH-approved
Issues authentic IOSH certificates
Includes assessment fees
Provides course support and guidance
Offers flexible online learning if required
Commodious is a fully IOSH-approved training provider, offering accredited online IOSH courses with full certification. For quick answers to common learner queries, visit our IOSH FAQ, covering enrolment, formats, certification and more.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step With IOSH Training
Whether you are a worker, supervisor, or manager, IOSH courses provide a practical, accredited way to build competence in health and safety.
IOSH Managing Safely is ideal for managers who need to understand:
IOSH Working Safely is perfect for all employees who need core hazard awareness.
Whichever course you choose, IOSH training strengthens your organisation’s safety culture and ensures you meet essential compliance standards.
