Progress your membership based on experience

Who is it for?

Affiliate and Technical Members who have between five- and 10-years’ relevant leadership experience in an OSH role but don’t have an IOSH-accredited Level 6 or 7 OSH qualification. Non-members who are effecting positive change at a senior OSH professional level can join IOSH at Affiliate level and, if eligible, progress through this route.

What does it involve?

The process is split into two stages for Certified applicants and three stages for Chartered applicants.

1. Knowledge assessment – answer multiple-choice questions to verify your level of understanding against IOSH’s technical and core competencies. This will determine whether you progress to Certified or Chartered membership.
2. Portfolio of evidence and professional discussion paper – your portfolio should provide evidence for eight of the 12 areas of competency in our competency framework. These will include the behavioural competencies not already covered in the knowledge assessment. In the professional discussion paper you should give details about your background, choices of evidence and a reflective statement on your overall progression route. You should give professional insights and provide information about your vision for your future and your contribution to OSH practice.
3. Professional discussion interview (Chartered candidates only) – attend an online interview (on Microsoft Teams), structured around the three previous steps. Before the interview, we will review your CPD and your ethics e-learning.

You can download the guides at the bottom of this page for more detailed information.

How will IOSH assess you?

We will use the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. This gives credit to learning acquired from a range of experiences that hasn’t been previously assessed and accredited by an academic institution or professional organisation. Skills, knowledge and abilities developed in this way can be equal to those gained on formal education courses.

How long does it take to complete?

We estimate three to six months. Once registered, you will have six months to complete the process, or you will have to re-register.

How much does it cost?

Fee: £1,080. This has been set to cover the costs of delivering the assessment and does not generate a profit. In certain circumstances, and for the first time, we can offer concessionary assessment fees.

What support is available?

You will receive feedback from the assessors when completing your assessment. Our Professional Development and Standards team is available to provide support with your assessment process. You can also gain advice and support from an IOSH mentor.

You can request IOSH to make reasonable adjustments for any disability or challenge, so you can complete your CPD requirements or access our membership assessments.

What else do you need to know?

Our continuing professional development (CPD) programme is a key member benefit and mandatory for Certified and Chartered Members. If you’re progressing to Chartered membership, you will need to complete and pass the IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and assessment.

Before you apply

As part of the application process you’ll need to upload your CV/resumé, so we can assess your occupational safety and health (OSH) experience. Please include the following information for all jobs, starting with your current position.

• Job title
• Organisation name
• Start and end dates for each job in month/year format
• Role and responsibilities as an OSH leader

Include details of how you have innovated in your OSH role. For example, you could outline the changes you’ve made to an established practice by introducing new methods, ideas or products. What did you do, why and how?

Include details of how you have led in your OSH role. For example, how you have guided or influenced others to help achieve an OSH vision or goal. How have you inspired and motivated people with your OSH leadership and drive? How have you encouraged collaboration and sound decision-making with your OSH team? How have you provided guidance and support to your OSH team?

Remember you are applying for a route that requires significant and relevant experience, so you need to demonstrate you have five to 10 years of OSH leadership experience.